Nestled in the picturesque town of Biei in Hokkaido, Shikisai-no-Oka is a stunning flower park offering a remarkable display of vibrant landscapes throughout the year.

From the colorful blooms of spring and summer to the serene snow-covered vistas of winter, this location offers something for everyone, whether you are a flower enthusiast, an adventurer, or someone simply looking to relax.

What is Shikisai-no-Oka?

Shikisai-no-Oka, located at the foot of the Tokachidake Mountain range in Daisetsuzan, Hokkaido, is famous for its expansive, rolling fields and breathtaking flower displays. Covering around 150,000 square meters, the park features a variety of flowers, with up to 30 different types in bloom from late April to late October. The combination of scenic hills and floral beauty makes it a must-see destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Getting to Shikisai-no-Oka from Sapporo

To reach Shikisai-no-Oka from Sapporo, travelers can take the JR Hakodate Main Line Limited Express to Asahikawa Station, a journey of about 90 minutes. From there, transfer to the JR Furano Line, which takes approximately 45 minutes to reach the Biei area. Alternatively, visitors can drive to the park, which takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes from Sapporo, via the Doo Expressway and Route 70.

Best Time to Visit for Flowers

The best time to visit Shikisai-no-Oka for a spectacular flower display is during the summer months. However, the park offers something to see throughout the year, making it a year-round destination. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:

Tulips: Beginning in May, the fields are adorned with vibrant tulips, creating a colorful start to the flower season.

Lupines: June brings lupines to full bloom, adding to the park’s vivid patchwork of colors.

Lavender and Sunflowers: July sees the fields turn purple with blooming lavender, while sunflowers and dahlias reach their peak in August, creating a stunning landscape.

Autumn Flowers: From late August onwards, flowers like cosmos, Japanese anemone, and autumn-blooming pansies take center stage, giving the park a rich, golden hue well into October.

Exploring the Shikisai-no-Oka Flower Fields

Shikisai-no-Oka is a delight to explore on foot. Upon arriving, visitors pass through a building housing shops and restaurants before making their way to the expansive flower fields. The best part? Entrance to the fields is free.

The fields are arranged in neat stripes, creating a picturesque patchwork effect that stretches out before visitors. For the best views, walk along the main path and turn left at the junction where you’ll see beautifully lined flower rows. The view of the rolling hills in the distance adds to the stunning landscape, especially when looking east from the southwest side of the park.

Ride Around the Fields

While walking is the best way to take in the beauty of Shikisai-no-Oka, there are also convenient ways to explore the park at your own pace. A tractor bus offers rides around the fields every 15 minutes, stopping at the best photo spots. For those looking for more freedom, four-seater carts are available for rent.

Exciting Buggy Rides

For those seeking a bit more adventure, buggy rides through the birch forest are available. The 1km buggy course allows you to drive at your own pace. Both single and double-seat buggies are offered, and you must be at least 16 years old to drive. This activity provides a thrilling way to experience the natural surroundings of Shikisai-no-Oka.

Visit the Alpaca Ranch

Another popular feature of the park is the Alpaca Ranch, where visitors can interact with friendly alpacas throughout the year. Feeding the alpacas is a fun experience for both children and adults, and the cost is just ¥100 per feeding. Additionally, you can purchase alpaca wool products at the on-site shops. Entry to the Alpaca Ranch is ¥500 for high school students and adults, and ¥300 for younger visitors.

Dining and Souvenir Shopping

There are plenty of tasty treats to try while visiting Shikisai-no-Oka. At the park’s two shops, you can pick up a delicious "Oka-no-potato croquette" made with locally grown potatoes, priced at ¥150 each. Be sure to try both available flavors! For dessert, the soft-serve ice cream made from Biei’s milk, including unique flavors like lavender and melon, is a must-try (¥350).

For a more substantial meal, head to the Phlox Hall restaurant, where the popular soup curry, made with fresh local vegetables, is served for ¥1,200.

Shoppers can find a range of souvenirs, including lavender products, alpaca wool items, and cosmetics. Agricultural products such as melons from Biei (available from July to August) and fresh vegetables are also available for purchase at the park’s direct sales area.

Winter Fun at Snow Land

Shikisai-no-Oka transforms into a winter wonderland from December to March, offering a range of snow-based activities. Snowmobiling, snow rafting, and sledding are all available in Snow Land, where visitors can enjoy the beauty of the snowy fields. Prices for snow activities range from ¥200 for sledding to ¥7,700 for a 5km snowmobile tour.

Stay at the Pension With You

For those looking to extend their visit, the Pension With You bed and breakfast offers both Western-style twin rooms and Japanese-style rooms, accommodating up to 3-4 people. For solo travelers, bunk-bed rooms are also available. The meals served at the pension feature fresh vegetables from Shikisai-no-Oka Farm, providing a true taste of the area’s local produce.

Whether you visit Shikisai-no-Oka to marvel at the colorful flower fields in the warmer months or to experience the peaceful winter landscapes, this beautiful park in Biei offers something special year-round. From fun activities like buggy rides and alpaca encounters to delicious local food and souvenirs, there’s no shortage of things to enjoy.

Shikisai-no-oka: A Grand Garden in the Heart of Hokkaidō | Nippon.com: Japan in Video

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