About BieiInquiry for the Hill Town of Biei

  • Q
    Regarding the use of drones in Biei
  • A

    The use of drones for aerial photography is strictly prohibited in Biei. 

    However, exceptions can be made in the following cases. 

    ※ Those with permission or recognised approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and permission from the landowner where they wish to film. 

    ※ Some flights are prohibited by the Civil Aviation Law and need to be approved in advance. Violators will be subject to punishment by law.

    For more detailed information, please get in touch with the Biei Photography Association.

  • Q
    The temperature and clothes for your trip
  • A
    In December to March, the temperature is usually 5℃ to -10℃ (23℉ to 14℉) , and -15℃ in early morning. Warm Clothes and shoes are necessary. In June - October, the temperature changes drastically, 30℃ in daytime and 10℃ or under in early morning. So, even though t-shirts are no problem at daytime, but jackets are definitely needed at night.
  • Q
    The best season for trip
  • A
    Early summer to Autumn, the hills is tinged with many colors from vegetables and flowers, it's the most popular season for tourists. The best season of autumn leaves is the middle of October (the beginning of November for larches), and the significant landscapes are in winter, it's all covered with snow (silver frost, trees covered with frost, sun-pillar, etc.), is so lovely.
  • Q
    Events in Biei
  • A
    We have 6 big events in Biei, 1. A competition of ski marathon (Miyasama international ski marathon) on the third Sunday of Feburualy./ 2. A competition of marathon (Helthy marathon) on the second Sunday of June./ 3. Mt.Tokachi-dake hiking event (for opening of summer mountaineering) on the third Sunday of June./ 4. Fire festival (Nachi-Biei Himatsuri) on 24th of July./ 5. Agricultural festival (Dokant Matsuri) on the third Saturday in August./ 6. Bicycles event (Century ride) on the middle of September.
  • Q
    The reason here, Biei, is called "Patchwork hills"
  • A
    Several kinds of vegetables and crops such as potatoes, wheat, sweetcoan, beans, sugar radish etc. are grown in the field on the hills through spring to autumn. They're all green in spring, but are changing their own colors to summer and autumn. The hills are covered with a lot of colors from these vegetables and looks like a patchwork quilt, so this is the reason this hills are called 'Patchwork hills'.
  • Q
    Why here, Biei, is called "hilly town Biei"
  • A
    The landscape of Biei has feature such as piled hills because of the intense volcanic activities of Mt.Tokachi-dake which has been repeated since 2 million years ago. Pioneers came and started farming here about 100 years ago, and it has been called 'Hilly town' because of this characteristic landscape looks like rural areas of Europe.

About sightseeingInquiry bout Event & Tour & Staying

  • Q
    About Hot Springs
  • A

    We have a source of hot spring that is called Shirogane Hot Spring. You can enjoy it without staying overnight(day trip to a hot spring).

  • Q
    Sightseeing spots on rainy days
  • A
    We have some facilities which are within a walking distance from JR Biei Station. "Shiki-no-Tou Tower" of Biei Town office(Enjoy views), "Oka-no-Kura"(Souvenir shop & Restaurant & Gallery), "bi.yell"(Cafe & Gallery), and "Misora"(Biei History museum). Other than that, Shirogane Hot Spring and Indoor Activities.
  • Q
    Pich-up services to accommodations and other facilities for indoor & outdoor activities
  • A
    Pick-up service depends on each accommodation&facility. Please contact each owner.
  • Q
    Travel around Biei
  • A

Access InformationInquiry about transportation & booking a rental car

  • Q
    About the Biei View Bus(Can I take part if I am a wheelchair user?)
  • A

    Depending on where you are sightseeing, there are a few unpaved areas and in the past we have had wheelchair users participate in the tour.

    Unfortunately the bus is not barrier-free, but those who have support / a carer with them and who are able to get on and off the bus or walk a short distance may participate. 

    If you have any questions about this, then before participating in the tour, please call the Biei Tourism Association at +81(0)166-92-4378 and we would be happy to discuss it with you.

    ☆We will assist you to the best of our abilities.

  • Q
    About the Biei View Bus(Can I smoke on board the bus?)
  • A

    Smoking is prohibited on board the Biei View Bus. We kindly ask for your understanding and cooperation in this regard.

    When getting off the bus, there are also generally no smoking spaces.

    When smoking outside the bus, you must use a pocket ashtray. (Please do not litter-- throw away used cigarette butts in designated places only.)

  • Q
    About the Biei View Bus(When do cancellation fees apply?)
  • A

    <Cancellation Policy>
    Cancellation fees apply from 10 days before one day prior to participation. 
    10~8 Days Before・・・20% of the fee
    7~2 Days Before・・・30% of the fee
    The Day Before・・・40% of the fee
    Same Day Cancellation・・・50% of the fee
    No-Show / After Tour Commences・100% of the fee
    ※The above does not apply in instances where we cannot operate the tour due to natural disaster or similar.

    For changes to your reservation or for cancellations, please call the Biei Tourism Association on +81(0)166-92-4378.

    For those who made reservations using a travel agency, please contact the agency you booked through.

  • Q
    About the Biei View Bus(Will the bus tour end on time, as scheduled?)
  • A

    We do our best to be punctual, but there are instances where factors such as road conditions (e.g. traffic jams), the weather and daylight hours can cause us to fall behind schedule.

    Furthermore, if we are experiencing severe delays, the time spent at sightseeing spots along the way may be cut short or we may change the planned route.

    We ask for your understanding in this regard upon participating. 

  • Q
    About the Biei View Bus (Is there is a toilet on the bus?)
  • A

    There is no toilet on the bus.

    In addition, if there are facilities at one of the disembarked sightseeing spots, your guide will let you know but they can be very crowded during peak season, therefore you may keep other participants waiting for a long while should you wish to use the facilities at sightseeing spots. 

    We therefore request that participants please use the bathroom before the tour's departure.

  • Q
    About the Biei View Bus (Can you look after my luggage?)
  • A

    It is possible to store small luggage (e.g. airliner carry-on suitcases) and strollers in the bus's luggage hold.

    However, space in the luggage hold is limited so those wishing to store luggage should let us know as soon as possible.

    (On occasions where the trunk is at capacity, we regret that we will have to refuse your request.)

    In addition, we do have coin lockers available at the tour reception desk area (Shiki-no-Jouhoukan Tourism Information Centre) and the desk can look after larger luggage for a fee of 500yen.

    ☆We regret that we are unable to look after your valuables (wallets, jewellery, computers etc). Please take these with you.

  • Q
    About the Biei View Bus(Do infants pay the child fare?)
  • A

    The child fare applies to elementary school age (6 ~ 11 year-olds).

    Children under the age of 5 can participate for free, provided they are accompanied by at least one adult. 

    However, in the event that the child requires a separate seat to the adult (i.e. they cannot sit on the adult's lap), the child fee applies. 

  • Q
    About the Biei View Bus (Is the seating on the bus assigned?)
  • A

    The seating on the bus is non-assigned.

    Upon boarding, please sit wherever you like.

    We ask you to refrain from switching seats with other passengers once the tour commences.

  • Q
    About the Biei View Bus (What kind of tour courses are available?)
  • A

    There are multiple sightseeing courses that go around Biei. 

    Check here for more information.

  • Q
    The time required from neighboring cities to Biei
  • A
    It takes about 30-40 minutes by car from Asahikawa, 35 minutes by JR train, and 45 minutes by bus. From Furano, it takes about 45 minutes by car, 40 minutes by JR train, and 45 minutes by bus.
  • Q
    Rental bicycles
  • A
    We have five rental bicycle shops near JR Biei Station, and one shops near JR Bibaushi Station. Please check here.
  • Q
    Rental Cars
  • A

    For those wishing to use a rental car in Biei, prior reservation is recommended. 

    Rental Cars at Asahikawa Airport

    Rental Cars at New Chitose Airport

Flowers and Seasonal InformationInquiry about flowers&the sights in Biei

  • Q
    The best season for wheat
  • A
    There are many variety of wheat in Biei. Depends on its brand, wheat turns into red and yellow starting from middle of July to the end of July. In early of August, wheat will be harvested.
  • Q
    The best season to see the farm fields
  • A
    Spectacular farm scenery can be seen between the end of June to the end of October.
  • Q
    The best season for the potato flowers
  • A
    The best is between the end of June to the beginning of July.
  • Q
    The best season for lavendar
  • A
    In Biei, it will be from the end of June to the end of July.
  • Q
    The best season and place for flowers
  • A
    There are two flower gardens in Biei. One is called Shikisai no Oka and the other one is Zerubu no Oka. The flowers beautifully bloom between the end of June to the end of October.
  • Q
    Autumn leaves and place
  • A
    Autumn leaves on the Mt. Tokachi-dake starts from the middle of September, and Autumn leaves can be seen in the town area starting from the middle of October. Every year
  • Q
    The season and the sights of Cherry Blossoms
  • A
    The best season to see cherry blossoms is in the middle of May. You can enjoy them at "Ikoigamori Park" and "Seidai Dam".

About the public facilitiesIntroduction of Tourist Information Centers

  • Q
    Luggage storage
  • A

    Lockers (300 and 500 yen) are available in Biei Tourist Center (Shiki no johoukan) which is next to the JR Biei Station. If the luggage is too big and cannot fit inside the lockers, you can put your luggage at our storage counter. One for 500 yen.

about Blue pondInquiry about Shirogane Blue Pond(Transport/Open Time/Photo Spot)

  • Q
    The openings period for Blue Pond and Shirahige waterfall
  • A

    You can enjoy its seasonal scenery in four seasons.

othersWIFI and other inquiries

  • Q
    WIFI connection
  • A
    We have FREE WIFI connection in the tourist Center (Shiki no johokan) and also other FREE WIFI connections ONLY for foreigners.