Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Even on a rainy day, the serene atmosphere of Takushinkan in Biei will brighten your heart. This unique photo gallery was founded by the legendary Japanese landscape photographer, Shinzo Maeda, transforming the former Chiyoda Elementary School into a space dedicated to celebrating Hokkaido’s breathtaking scenery. The gallery itself is often called "The Sanctuary of Light and Wind in Biei."

Inside, visitors immerse themselves in a stunning collection of Maeda’s photographs—a visual symphony capturing the ephemeral dance of light, wind, and the ever-changing beauty of nature. His renowned images of the Biei hills, often featuring soft sunlight spilling over rolling fields and gentle breezes stirring wildflowers, perfectly embody the quiet, understated charm of this land. These photographs have become iconic, appearing in national advertisements and postcards, which significantly helped make "Biei" a household name across Japan.

Beyond the gallery walls, the peaceful grounds invite further exploration. Visitors can stroll through the iconic birch-lined path, breathe in the fragrance of blooming flowers, and enjoy the soothing scent of lavender in early summer. Every moment spent here feels like stepping directly into one of Maeda’s timeless masterpieces.

More than just a gallery, Takushinkan reveals a new expression of Biei’s landscape under any sky. It is a unique place to feel the true spirit of Hokkaido, where the realms of art and nature truly become one.

Located in the scenic town of Furano, the Sumio Goto Museum of Art is a sanctuary where the harmony of art and nature unfolds. The museum displays about 130 works by the celebrated painter Sumio Goto. His majestic Nihonga (Japanese-style) paintings are renowned for their luminous quality, achieved using traditional natural mineral pigments like pure gold and lapis lazuli.

A must-see highlight is the impressive 14-meter-wide masterpiece, “Unkai Kozan Usbare,” which commands attention with its sheer scale and intense luminosity. Goto’s powerful works depict landscapes from China and Japan's ancient regions to the vast beauty of Hokkaido, expressing his lifelong pursuit of spiritual calm and aesthetic perfection.

Beyond the art, the museum offers more to explore. The museum shop provides exclusive souvenirs, and the upstairs Furano Grill restaurant serves local dishes with stunning views of the Tokachidake Mountain Range and the rolling hills of Furano.

A visit here is a quiet, soul-refreshing encounter with Japan’s artistic spirit. At the Sumio Goto Museum of Art, the timeless beauty of Japan and the tranquility of Hokkaido become one.

Once a wooden school filled with children’s laughter, this nostalgic building has been reborn as a peaceful art museum surrounded by nature. Arte Piazza Bibai, created by sculptor Kan Yasuda, spreads across a vast 70,000-square-meter site where about 40 of his sculptures are placed among trees and lawns, blending gently with the Hokkaido landscape.

The former classrooms on the second floor now serve as a gallery, keeping the warmth of the original wood while displaying Yasuda’s elegant abstract works. The quiet atmosphere invites visitors to slow down and feel a sense of calm.

Every first Saturday and Sunday, the museum hosts “Carving the Heart,” a hands-on workshop using white marble. When Yasuda himself teaches, the sessions become especially popular and often fill by lottery.

After exploring the sculptures, stop by Café Arte inside the museum. Enjoy fragrant coffee while gazing out the window at the green hills and art scattered across the grounds — a perfect way to end a peaceful visit.

Here, nature and art exist in harmony. A visit to Arte Piazza Bibai offers the kind of quiet beauty and inspiration you can find only on a trip to Hokkaido.

Located in eastern Sapporo, Moerenuma Park is a stunning fusion of art and nature, designed by world-famous sculptor Isamu Noguchi. Once a waste disposal site, it was transformed over 23 years into a vast green space that reflects Noguchi’s vision of blending creativity with the natural world. With eco-friendly systems using natural energy, the park is a model of sustainable design and a highlight of any Hokkaido travel itinerary.

Covering 189 hectares (roughly 40 Tokyo Domes), the park features geometric hills, dynamic fountains, and playful sculptures scattered across the landscape. Each season brings new beauty: cherry blossoms in spring, the lively Moere Beach in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and snowy fun like cross-country skiing and sledding in winter.

The park’s iconic Glass Pyramid HIDAMARI is a captivating structure that glows and changes color with the light throughout the day and year. Inside, visitors can explore an art gallery, browse a design shop, or dine at a French restaurant that showcases dishes made with fresh, local Hokkaido ingredients.

Whether walking or cycling, exploring Moerenuma Park feels like moving through a living, breathing sculpture—a place where art, humanity, and nature truly come together in perfect harmony.

If you want to enjoy art on your Hokkaido trip, Sapporo Art Park is a must-visit destination. Spanning 40 hectares of lush greenery, the park offers museums, craft workshops, an outdoor stage, and a sculpture garden—perfect for experiencing art up close.

The Sculpture Garden features unique works collected from artists around the world. Visitors can admire them closely, touch some pieces, and take photos for memorable moments. At the woodcraft and glass workshops, you can even try making your own creations. The outdoor stage, known for hosting music festivals and the Sapporo City Jazz Festival, offers a special time where music and art blend naturally with the surrounding forest.

Other highlights include the former home of Sapporo-linked novelist Takeo Arishima and an open-air museum scattered with sculptures across the hills. In winter, put on snowshoes and explore a “White Art Wonderland,” enjoying the magical combination of snow and art.

During your visit, take a break at the park’s restaurant and savor dishes made with local Hokkaido ingredients while admiring seasonal landscapes. Sapporo Art Park promises a unique Hokkaido experience where nature and art come together for an unforgettable visit.

A giant Buddha statue sits on a hill at the center of the Makomanai Takino Cemetery. This symbol of the cemetery was designed by the world-renowned architect Tadao Ando. As per his designs, the giant Buddha’s head peeks out from the top of a hollow hill, which is surrounded by 150,000 lavender bushes during the summer months. This solemn statue sitting quietly among the purple blossoms is an unforgettable sight to behold. Visitors can take a tunnel into the statue hall in order to gaze upon its massive glory.