Shikisai-no-oka
Shikisai-no-oka: A Kaleidoscope of Colors in Hokkaido
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Hokkaido, about a 30-minute drive from Furano and just 15 minutes from Biei, lies one of Japan’s most visually arresting destinations: Shikisai-no-oka. The name, which roughly translates to “Hills of Seasonal Colors,” perfectly sums up what you can expect here—an astonishing panoramic display of flowers that stretch as far as the eye can see. This isn’t just any garden, mind you. No, this is a full-blown spectacle of color and nature, carefully orchestrated to bloom in waves, painting the landscape in a rainbow of hues. Photographers, nature enthusiasts, and people who just like pretty things—this is your nirvana.
Shikisai-no-oka: Nature’s Patchwork Quilt
Imagine walking into a living postcard, where nature has taken up a brush and gone wild. From spring to autumn, Shikisai-no-oka’s fields burst into bloom, creating a patchwork quilt of purples, reds, yellows, and greens that undulate across the hills like some sort of floral rollercoaster. One minute, you’re standing in a sea of lavender, and the next, you’re surrounded by sunflowers taller than you. It’s the sort of place that feels less like real life and more like you’ve accidentally wandered into a Van Gogh painting, albeit one where you can rent a golf cart to get around.
And that’s part of the appeal: you don’t have to just walk. You can hop aboard the Norokko tractor bus (a whimsical little thing that looks like it was designed for the set of Willy Wonka) or rent a golf cart to meander through the park at your own pace, stopping wherever you please to breathe in the heady perfume of tulips, cosmos, or whatever happens to be in season.
The Sights, Sounds, and Sniffs of Biei
But there’s more to Biei than just flower fields. This whole area is an Instagram post waiting to happen. Agriculture plays a big role here, meaning you get this lovely blend of pastoral charm with a backdrop of fields brimming with vegetables, grains, and—of course—flowers. Think of it as the Swiss Alps but with a lot more potatoes and fewer yodelers.
Shikisai-no-oka is the crowning jewel of this region, offering a chance to immerse yourself in authentic Hokkaido, complete with on-site accommodations if you’re so enraptured that you can’t bring yourself to leave. In summer, it’s all about the flowers and that lush, green landscape that’s straight out of a Studio Ghibli film. But come winter, the hills trade their floral finery for a blanket of snow, turning into a wonderland where you can swap your golf cart for a snowmobile.
Highlights of Shikisai-no-oka
The Flower Fields
Let’s not beat around the bush—or, more accurately, the flower beds. The main event here is the flowers, and my word, do they put on a show. Shikisai-no-oka is home to one of the largest flower parks in Hokkaido, and from the moment spring kicks in until autumn starts to wind down, it’s a riot of color. You can choose to walk, buggy around, or take that aforementioned tractor bus to soak in all the best angles. Just don’t forget your camera.
The Alpaca Farm
As if frolicking through flower fields weren’t enough, you can also hang out with alpacas. Yes, alpacas. For a small extra fee, you get the joy of visiting these charming, slightly goofy creatures in their very own petting zoo. This is the sort of family-friendly attraction that will have kids squealing in delight and adults secretly enjoying it just as much. There’s something undeniably uplifting about having an alpaca casually stroll over to you with what I can only describe as an amused grin on its face.
Agriculture Meets Floriculture
Not content with just being a pretty face, Shikisai-no-oka is also a working farm. The crops, like potatoes and wheat, add their own visual charm to the mix, not to mention the fact that you can buy fresh, farm-grown produce to take home. There’s something special about leaving a place with a bunch of flowers and a bag of potatoes, don’t you think? It’s like getting a bouquet and dinner at the same time.
Dining and Souvenirs
When you’ve had your fill of flowers and frolicking alpacas, you’ll probably want to refuel. Thankfully, Shikisai-no-oka has dining options that showcase local Biei ingredients, so you can munch on dishes made from the very vegetables you just ogled in the fields. And before you leave, don’t forget to snag some lavender products or fresh produce from the gift shop. If you’ve ever wanted to smell like a lavender field or cook with the freshest ingredients, now’s your chance.
Shikisai-no-oka in Winter: From Flowers to Snow
When winter arrives, Shikisai-no-oka performs one of the greatest costume changes you’ll ever witness. Gone are the vibrant blooms, replaced by a vast, glistening expanse of snow. This snowy spectacle, affectionately dubbed “Snow Land,” offers an entirely new set of activities. Ever wanted to try snowmobiling? How about snow rafting? Or maybe a bit of good old-fashioned sledding? This is your chance to zoom across the white-covered hills, feeling like a kid again—or, at the very least, like a character in a snow-filled action film.
If you’ve never been to a winter wonderland before, prepare to be dazzled. The contrast between the crisp, clean snow and the memory of those colorful summer fields is nothing short of breathtaking.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Here’s the nitty-gritty stuff that’s going to help you get the most out of your trip to Shikisai-no-oka:
- Opening Hours: Varies by season. From June to September, they open at 8:30 AM, but in winter, they open later (9:00 AM) and close by 4:00 PM. Always check before you go.
- Entry Fees: It’s free to enter, but certain activities, like the tractor bus, golf carts, and alpaca farm, come with additional fees.
- Getting There: If you’re taking the JR Line, the closest station is Bibaushi, which is about a 25-minute walk. Alternatively, Biei Station is just a 12-minute drive away. Driving? Follow Route 237 and 824 from Asahikawa or Furano. There’s ample parking for buses and cars, with a fee in peak season.
- Winter Activities: Snowmobiling, snow rafting, and sledding—all available during the winter months.
Shikisai-no-oka: A Year-Round Gem
Whether it’s the vibrant summer blooms or the serene, snow-covered landscapes of winter, Shikisai-no-oka is a place that effortlessly charms visitors year-round. It’s not just a garden or a farm—it’s an experience. From the tranquil beauty of the flower fields to the heart-racing fun of winter sports, Shikisai-no-oka invites you to see nature at its most playful and its most profound.
In short, if you’re planning a trip to Hokkaido and don’t stop by here, well, you’re missing out. And no one wants to miss out, do they?
Shikisai-no-oka on Google Maps
- Address: Shikisai-no-oka, 〒071-0473 Hokkaido, Kamikawa District, Biei, Shinsei, 第３