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Patchwork Road (Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido) — Overview (History, Features, and Attractions)
Patchwork Road is a tourist route named after the colorful patchwork look of the farmland that spreads across the hilly region of Biei Town, Hokkaido. The gentle hills, formed by postwar development and farmland improvement, are covered in swathes of various crops, including wheat, potatoes, sugar beets, pasture, and flower fields, and their appearance changes depending on the season and crops. Popular with photographers, drivers, and cyclists, this is one of the most representative views of "Biei's quintessential landscapes."
Highlights
- The patchwork pattern of the hills: from a distance, the overlapping colors and textures create a beautiful canvas-like landscape. The landscape changes with the light of the morning and evening, and the shadows of the clouds.
- Viewpoints: You can see the entire hills from the roadside or small lookout points. There are many points suitable for taking photos.
- Seasonal Flower Fields: From spring to summer, flowers (especially lavender and other flowers) bloom, making the colors more vibrant. In autumn, you can enjoy the golden patchwork that is unique to the harvest season.
- Nearby photo spots: It is popular to take photos combining the area with the scattered symbolic trees and farm scenery, such as the Ken and Mary Tree, the Seven Star Tree, and the Parent and Child Tree.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: JR Furano Line, Biei Station (center of Biei town). The typical scenery of Patchwork Road spreads out in the area about 10 to 20 minutes by car from the station.
- By car: Approximately 2-2.5 hours from Sapporo on the expressway or regular roads, and approximately 30-40 minutes from Asahikawa. Renting a car is the most convenient option. Please note that there are some narrow sections and farm roads on the roads.
- Public transportation: Local buses and seasonal sightseeing buses are available from Biei Station, but please check the schedule in advance as the number of buses is limited.
- Rental bicycles/cycling: Many people travel around the hilly areas by bicycle, but as the area is hilly and long distances can be difficult to reach, you should plan accordingly based on your physical strength and the weather.
- Parking: Parking lots are available at major observation points and tourist facilities, but they may fill up during peak seasons. Please avoid parking on the street as it will cause trouble on farm roads and private land.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- A short scenic drive: 30 minutes to 1 hour (driving around the main points).
- Photography and leisurely strolling: 2-3 hours (including multiple viewpoints and nearby spots).
- Half-day to full-day course including cycling and sightseeing in the surrounding area: Half-day to full-day (including nearby tourist spots and lunch).
Nearby spots
- Ken and Mary's Tree: One of Biei's most iconic trees. You can take photos of it together with the patchwork scenery.
- Seven Star Tree/Parent and Child Tree: A single tree that is popular as a photo spot.
- Shikisai no Oka: A tourist farm where you can see colorful flower fields (particularly popular in the summer when they are at their best).
- Takushinkan: A photography gallery exhibiting the works of Biei photographer Shinzo Maeda.
- Blue Pond: A mysterious blue water surface in the nearby Shirokane district of Biei Town (about 20-30 minutes by car, can get crowded depending on the season and time of day).
- From Furano: If you travel by car, you can also access Farm Tomita, which is famous for its lavender.
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: During the summer tourist season (June to August) and the autumn foliage season, there are many tourists, which can cause congestion in parking lots and on roads. Visiting early in the morning or in the evening will allow you to avoid the crowds and get good light for your photos.
- Manners: Farmland is the work of local farmers. Please observe rules such as not entering fields, not stepping on crops, and not taking photographs or trespassing without permission.
- Roads and Safety: Tourist and farm roads are narrow and winding in places. Please drive safely, and be careful of oncoming vehicles and agricultural vehicles.
- Seasonal Note: In winter, snow and ice may cause road closures and winter tires may be required. Please prepare clothing and equipment for sudden changes in weather.
- Limited facilities: Toilets, restaurants, and other facilities are concentrated in towns and are limited in hilly areas. If you are planning a long trip, be sure to check for supply points in advance.
- Photography: If you stop on the road to take photos, do so in a place that will not obstruct following vehicles and be considerate of those around you as much as possible.
Patchwork Road is an area that is attractive for its natural and rural scenery that changes with the seasons. When visiting, please remember to be considerate of local life and the environment, and enjoy the beautiful scenery safely.
