Biei Patchwork Road

Patchwork Road is a scenic area located in Biei, Hokkaido, renowned for its distinctive agricultural landscape that resembles a patchwork quilt when viewed from above. The name derives from the practice of crop rotation, where farmers plant different crops each year to prevent soil degradation. This agricultural technique creates a striking mosaic of colors across the rolling hills, with the patterns changing seasonally and annually. The area stretches between National Routes 237 and 452 in the northwestern section of Biei town.

The region gained prominence through its appearance in various television commercials during the 1970s and beyond. The Ken and Mary Tree, a solitary poplar featured in a Nissan Skyline commercial, became an iconic landmark. Similarly, Mild Seven Hill, named after its appearance in a cigarette advertisement, showcases a picturesque larch forest. The Seven Stars Tree, another famous landmark, was photographed for a cigarette package. These commercial-famous trees attract photographers and tourists seeking to capture their solitary beauty against the expansive Hokkaido landscape.

Visitors can explore Patchwork Road by car or bicycle, with the latter offering a more immersive experience of the countryside. The terrain features significant hills, making electric bicycles a popular choice for cyclists. Key attractions include Hokusei-no-oka Observatory Park, featuring a pyramid-shaped observation deck that provides 360-degree views of the surrounding farmland and the Tokachi mountain range. Zerubu Hill offers seasonal flower displays including lavender, sunflowers, and poppies. The Parent and Child Tree, a trio of oak trees, represents another photographic landmark along the route.

From Biei Station, which is accessible by train from Asahikawa in approximately 30 minutes or from Sapporo, visitors can rent bicycles from local shops or take the Biei Shiki no Yu Line bus for around 300 yen. By car, travelers should take Route 237 south from Asahikawa. There is no admission fee to access Patchwork Road itself, though some individual flower parks and farms may charge entrance fees.