In the beautiful, rural town of Biei in Hokkaido, Shikisai-no-Oka is a perfect representation of the beautiful scenery here. From spring to autumn, you can enjoy colorful stripes of flowers that are drawn over the hills.
In winter, the flower garden turns to a world of silvery snow and there are many activities to be enjoyed. Please continue reading to learn about the different ways to enjoy this area throughout the year with respect to activities, food, and lodging.
What is Shikisai-no-Oka?
Located in the hilly area at the foot of the Tokachidake mountain range in Daisetsuzan, Hokkaido, Biei Town attracts many people with its beautiful scenery of rolling, hilly fields.
In this breathtaking patchwork landscape, you can enjoy a vast flower field of about 150,000 square meters. A particularly beautiful spot is the Shikisai-no-Oka flower fields, when, from late April to late October, about 30 kinds of flowers are in full bloom.
Getting to Shikisai-no-Oka from Sapporo
When using public transportation, take the JR Hakodate Main Line Limited Express to Asahikawa Station (about one and a half hours), then transfer to the JR Furano Line (about 45 minutes). It is a 25-minute walk from Mibaushi Station. If you want to take a taxi, it is recommended to get off at Biei Station and take a taxi (around 12 minutes ride time, the price is 3,250 yen).
By car, take the Doo Expressway (toll) and get off at Takigawa IC. Take the Ashibetsu National Route, Route 70, Furano National Route, and Route 824; it takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes. There are around 300 parking spots, and parking is charged during the high season from July to September (500 yen per car).
Best time to see flowers
Summer is when there are the most flowers; however, there are flowers in the other seasons as well, so this is always an excellent place to visit.
Tulips
Starting around May, colorful tulips bloom and the fields are decorated in vivid colors. In June you can see the fields filled with poppies and lupines.
Enjoy the scent of lavender
Sunflower field
The striped flower fields begin to become vivid in late June. Lavender peaks in July and sunflowers and dahlias compete in August in a gorgeous patchwork scene.
Starting in late August, autumn flowers such as cosmos, autumn-blooming pansies, and Japanese anemone will begin to bloom. While the varieties in bloom decrease in October, you can still enjoy salvia, snapdragons, kochia, and more.
Enjoy a stroll around Shikisai-no-Oka!
Be sure to walk in the flower-filled fields. From the parking lot, go through the building with shops and restaurants to the flower fields. There is no admission fee.
When I entered the gorgeous Hokk…
