Out of the way places

How about going for a drive out to this place.  Unfortunately not as easy as it sounds. This is a quiet little place tucked away in the heart of Shirogane Onsen. With the only access being a cumbersome, narrow, dirt road, I have never seen this place highlighted in any tourist brochures or magazines.

That's a real shame since this place is quite stunning, especially on a clear day when the sun is high and really exaggerates the pale blue sulphur rich water. 

Oh, and by the way, the picture you'll find two posts ago was taken by Shunichi ABE at the same location. Guess it shows you the difference between professional and amateur. 

Shunichi ABE - Have a look at this

Here is one of my favourite pics of all time. This was taken just outside of central Biei by talented Biei photographer ShunichiAbe. 

There are many spectacular locations for taking great photos around Biei all year round, and I would definitely recommend it as a sightseeing location.

More Information:

Biei

Bieiland

Day Trip Ideas #3 - Biei Part 2 - BieiLand

So you stopped by Zerubu no Oka (Day trip ideas #2), and are back on the road (Route 237) taking you to central Biei. 

As you make your way down the hill leading into town, you'll notice a small intersection at the bottom. Take a right at this intersection and follow the winding  road up the hill. At the top there will be a left turn with a little sign to showing you the way to the Northwestern Hill Observatory Park. The car park is on the left, while on the right you'll small galleries and a small cafe style ice cream shop to grab a snack.

The Northwestern Hill Observatory Park is beautiful, allowing you to capture Biei's rolling hills from all sides, with the entire Taisetsuzan Mountain Range as the backdrop. In the galleries section, look for BieiLand, the gallery of famous photographer Shunichi ABE. Here you'll be able to purchase amazingly beautiful postcards, posters, desktop and wall calendars or some exceptional photography. All of Mr. Abe's work is raw, that is, not digitally or otherwise altered.

This is most certainly a worthwhile stop on you visit to Biei. Give it a try!.

More Information:

Biei

BieiLand

Biei Map

Furano

Furano Map

Day Trip Ideas #2 - Biei Part 1 - Zurubu no Oka

      Zerubu no Oka

There are many areas to cover on a trip to Biei, and although Biei is an easy day trip out of Asahikawa, there really is much more to it than can be covered in one day (unless of course you just want to snap a picture and run).

Biei is about 30 minutes by car, south east of Asahikawa traveling along Route237. If you are lucky enough to have a hire car with an English Navi. system, I strongly recommend using the back country roads since they are much more picturesque, though can be difficult to navigate for first time travellers.

This brings us to the first stop, just before descending the small hill to get you into Biei city. 

Zerubu no Oka

This is a place for lovers of color, flowers and photography. You can casually stroll around the park for a good hour taking in the spectacular color. If you are tired or otherwise incapacitated, hire a four wheeler to get you around using the paths carved out in the endless sea of color. Whether you want to just stop for a while and stretch your legs or take a long walk surrounded by beautiful color, Zerubu no Oka is a pleasant, free, pit-stop on your way in or out of Biei.