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.