Shikisai no oka - Flower Paradise on Earth

Hokkaido's Biei is a small picturesque town surrounded by a charming landscape of rolling hills and wide fields. If there is a vast flower park in such a place, it is natural that the beauty of it will be difficult to express in words. Shikisai no Oka is one such park.

Located at the foot of Daisetsuzan's Tokachidake mountain range, Biei is famous for its Patchwork no Michi or patchwork field views. During the whole period from spring to autumn, various vegetables and flowers are cultivated in these large land. Since there are different types of cultivation side by side, the color of those fields looks different from a distance, which looks like patchwork, hence the name come from.

Shikisai no Oka is located between JR Biei Station and JR Bibaushi Station of this town. From April to October, the park is full of flowers, which attract people not only from the country but also from abroad to see its beauty. From the distance, the remarkable backdrop of the Tokachi volcano group and in front of it various colorful vast flower fields, walking through the middle of it creates a catching moment that left a lifelong memory.

So how to reach there?

It is easily accessible by rail from Sapporo Station. From Sapporo to Asahikawa take the Lilac Kamui train, from there take the local Furano line train to Bibaushi station.

It is possible to reach there by walk or take a taxi from Bibaushi station. It will take about 30 minutes on foot and can be reached in five minutes by taxi.

But there is another very good option to reach while enjoying nature and that is by bicycle! There are bicycle rentals on both sides of the station. you can rent Bicycles from there on an hourly basis or as a full day.

For those (foreigners only) who are planning to visit  Hokkaido by train from other parts of the country, I would recommend taking the JR Regional Pass as it will be much more convenient.

And those who are planning to travel all over Japan in the future, let them know that they must buy JapanRail Pass. It is very convenient in all respects!

What to see

Shikisai no Oka is spread over a large area and at least 30 varieties of flowers bloom here from April to October. Since we are here in the summer, it would be fair if we just talk about summertime because we have no idea what a completely snow-covered Shikisai no Oka might look like in the winter. 

Flowers are a special attraction here in summer, but other than that, the alpaca farm here is very interesting. Walking around the entire park can be quite a hassle in the heat, so keep in that mind there are Norokko tractors and on carts, and buggies are available for visitors. I'm personally very happy to ride Norokko, which was slowly wandering through the flower fields.

I think everyone who has been to this area of Hokkaido once in the summer will agree that this has become a flower paradise during this time. It amazes me that a trip to Hokkaido in the summer means that most people talk about farm Tomita but no one mentions this place very much. I know Farm Tomita is really very beautiful but please don't miss this one too. Both places have a different kind of beauty. Honestly, everything is beautiful in Hokkaido's Biei and Furano area, but besides nature's own beauty, these man-made parks, create a unique view that awaits tourists. After finishing the Norokko ride and we walked around the park for a while, taking pictures, enjoying the wonders of nature as much as we could.

There are several restaurants and souvenir shops available here. You will find food made from the product of this farm in the restaurants here, and souvenirs made from agricultural products can be found in the souvenir shops which can be taken home as a memento of this city.

One last thing I can say is that summertime Hokkaido is incomparable so definitely come here once in a while and enjoy this beauty. Shikisai no Oka Park will be a favorite place for any photo lover, so take the time in hand because I'm sure only a few clicks would not be enough for you.

Best time to visit: April to October

Entrance: 500 Yen

For Buggies: 500 Yen

Cart: Four people 2000 yen (for 15 minutes)

Shikisai-no-oka Norokko: 500 yen (for 15 minutes)

You can watch this video before you visit.