Ken and Mary Tree
The Ken and Mary Tree is a single poplar tree standing in the gently rolling farmland of Biei, a town in central Hokkaido, Japan. This iconic tree gained its name and fame in 1972 when it appeared in a Nissan Skyline television commercial featuring two characters named Ken and Mary. The advertisement's popularity transformed an otherwise ordinary tree into one of Hokkaido's most recognizable landmarks, drawing visitors who seek out the picturesque agricultural landscapes that define the Biei area.
The tree serves as a symbol of Biei's distinctive patchwork farmland, where cultivated fields of wheat, potatoes, and flowers create a quilt-like pattern across the hillsides. Its solitary silhouette against the expansive Hokkaido sky represents the region's agricultural heritage and the aesthetic appeal of rural Japanese landscapes. The Ken and Mary Tree has become part of a broader network of named trees throughout Biei, including the Seven Star Tree and the Parent and Child Tree, collectively forming a scenic driving route that showcases the area's natural beauty through different seasons.
Visitors typically experience the Ken and Mary Tree as part of a self-guided tour through Biei's farmland. The tree stands alongside a rural road, allowing for roadside photography and brief stops to admire the surrounding countryside. The view changes dramatically with the seasons, from vibrant green fields in summer to golden harvests in autumn and snow-covered landscapes in winter. Most visitors explore the area by car or bicycle, combining the Ken and Mary Tree with other nearby attractions and tree landmarks.
The tree is located approximately 3 kilometers northwest of Biei Station along Prefectural Route 452. Rental bicycles are available at Biei Station for those wishing to cycle through the farmland, though the hilly terrain can be challenging. Car rental provides the most flexible option for accessing multiple tree sites throughout the area. There is no admission fee to view the tree, and visitors can stop along the roadside. The tree stands on private farmland, so visitors should remain respectful of the property and avoid entering the fields.
