Japan Trip: Patchwork Road and Panorama Road in Biei, Hokkaido 04

Biei (美瑛), located in Hokkaido, is a beautiful town with gently rolling hills and large flower fields. The best way to view Biei is by cycling or driving through the hills. Visitors may opt to visit some of the flower fields and famous trees in this area. The area northwest of the town center is named “Patchwork Road” and the area south of the town center “Panorama Road”.

Patchwork Road
The Patchwork Road (パッチワークの路) is the area northwest Biei’s town center with beautiful rural landscapes. In the summer, visitors can view the summer flowers, foliage in fall and during the winter; everything is covered under a deep layer of snow.

Over the years, the area’s beauty has been used as a backdrop in many commercials and package labels. A poplar tree named Ken and Mary Tree became famous as a result of the Nissan Skyline’s “Love Skyline” commercial. Other famous trees include the “Tree of Seven Stars,” “Mild Seven Hill” and “Tree of Parents and Child.”

Also located on Patchwork Road is Hokusei Hill Observatory, a pyramid shaped observation deck where visitors can see breathtaking views of Daisetsuzan mountains as well as the beautiful flower fields. And Zerebu Hill, a flower park where visitors can explore the land by foot or via cart, is also on Patchwork Road.

Zerebu Hill
Hours: 8:30 to 17:00 (April to October)
10:00 to 16:00 (November to March)
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: Though admission is free, the rides will require a fee

Panorama Road

Similar to the Patchwork Road, the Panorama Road (パノラマロード) is an area rather than a single road. Visitors can view rural and scenic beauty here as well. The ideal means for exploration would be by car or bicycle. As the terrain is hilly, some people opt for an electrically powered bicycle for comfort.

Visitors may be interested in visiting Shikisai Hill. This 7-hectare flower park is home to an astonishing number of flowers including tulips, lupins, lavender, sunflower and more. Visitors can explore the fields by walking along the trials, renting a golf or buggy cart, or via a tractor ride. In the winter, snow mobiles are available. There is a produce shop within the premises as well as a souvenir shop and a restaurant.

Shikisai Hill
Hours: 8:30 to 18:00 (shorter hours outside of summer)
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: Free (fees apply for rides)

Kanno Farm is another popular spot to view Biei’s floral wonder. Though smaller, this park is located along the national route which connects Biei with Furano. Visitors can view many different flowers at this farm. The flowers here bloom until the middle of October. And from the top of the farm, visitors are greeting with views of the rolling landscape of beautiful Biei and Furano.

Kanno Farm
Hours: 9:00 to sunset
Closed: Mid October to mid June
Admission: Free

Visitors are also recommended to visit the Takushinkan, a photo gallery displaying the works of Maeda Shinzo a famous landscape photographer and his eldest son Akira. Visitors can view his landscape photographs from all across Japan with a special emphasis on photographs from the local Biei region.

Takushinkan Photo Gallery
Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (May to October)
10:00 to 16:00 (November to April)
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: Free

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