Hokkaido | Christmas Tree & Takushinkan Museum & Shirahige Falls & Forest Elf Terrace Day Trip | Chinese-speaking Guide (Departure from Sapporo)
- 【A Winter Day Trip to Biei, Hokkaido】Visit the solitary Christmas tree and snow-covered hills, and experience the unique romantic and tranquil atmosphere of Hokkaido.
- A day trip to romantic spots in Biei, Hokkaido, including a visit to the Takushinkan Museum to quietly experience the natural emotions of a master photographer.
- Visit Shirahige Falls and the Forest Elf Terrace, experiencing Biei's multifaceted charm from day to night.
- Book a winter day trip to Biei, Hokkaido through KKday for a smooth and hassle-free experience, and easily capture your best photos.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Departure Time | Early Departure (Before 8 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 8 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
Christmas tree
It's a cypress tree about 8 meters tall. Standing alone on a snow-covered hill, it's also known as the "Lonely Tree." Originally, this tree had no name; its quiet, standing posture evoked the romance and warmth of a Christmas tree, and over time, people affectionately called it the "Christmas Tree." When you visit, be sure to experience its tranquil and solitary beauty and take a beautiful photo to remember it by!
⚠ This area is farmland and private property. Please do not enter without permission!
【Takushinkan】
This is a personal photography museum founded by landscape photographer Shinzo Maeda on the site of the former Chiyoda Elementary School. Mr. Maeda has dedicated many years to photographing the natural scenery of Biei, and his works are not only popular nationwide in postcards and photography collections but have also been widely used in various advertisements and television commercials. The museum displays a large number of precious photographs, allowing visitors to leisurely appreciate the magnificent and gentle beauty of Biei's changing seasons. Outside the museum, there is a walking path surrounded by birch forests; strolling along it feels like becoming the protagonist of a landscape captured by Shinzo Maeda's lens.
⚠ Shoes must be removed before entering the museum. Photography is prohibited inside. You can only experience the charm of Maeda Maeda's photography with your eyes and heart.
Whitebeard Waterfall
It is one of Biei's most representative natural landscapes. The waterfall is shaped like a white beard, and the pool water is a dreamy blue. It is named "White Beard Waterfall" because the shape of the water flow resembles a white beard. In winter, the waterfall's flow contrasts sharply with the snow-covered landscape, presenting a magnificent scene like a painting.
⚠ Please watch your step and be careful of the snow while visiting, and enjoy the beautiful winter scenery!
[Biei Station] — Enjoy lunch at your own pace for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
It is a small and beautiful rural station built with red bricks. Its simple and warm appearance complements the natural scenery of Biei, making people feel as if they are in a scene from a Japanese drama, and experiencing the simple and rich winter atmosphere of the Japanese countryside.
⚠ When it comes to lunch in Biei, you absolutely cannot miss the Michelin-recommended "Junpei Western-style Cafe", whose famous fried shrimp tempura rice bowl is its signature dish!
Forest Elf Terrace
This forest market comprises 15 wooden cabins. The Japanese word "Ningle" originates from the Ainu language, the indigenous people of Hokkaido, and means "little elf living in the forest." Therefore, the entire market resembles an elf village, becoming even more dreamlike and enchanting when illuminated at night. Several unique handicraft shops are nestled within the 15 cabins, and activities such as pressed flower making are held according to different seasons. It's perfect for leisurely browsing, exploring, and taking home souvenirs.
* Due to snow season entry restrictions starting in January, if it is impossible to visit "Forest Elf Terrace" on the day of your visit, you will be redirected to "Shikisai-no-Oka". The specific arrangements will be subject to the latest information received by your tour guide on the day of your visit.
Visit the "Instagrammable Christmas tree" in person, feel its tranquil and solitary beauty, and leave behind your own "life-changing photo"!
"Takushinkan" is a personal photography museum created by landscape photographer Shinzo Maeda on the site of the former Chiyoda Elementary School. Mr. Maeda has long been dedicated to photographing the scenery of Biei in all four seasons, and his works are popular throughout the country, widely used in postcards, photography books, and various advertisements. The museum displays many precious images, allowing visitors to quietly appreciate the magnificence and gentleness of Biei. Outside the museum, there is a walking path surrounded by birch forests, where strolling feels like stepping into the landscapes captured by Shinzo Maeda's lens.
"Shirobe Falls" is a very representative natural landscape in Biei. The waterfall is shaped like a white beard, and the pool water is blue. In winter, the waterfall's flow contrasts sharply with the white snow, presenting a magnificent scene like a painting.
Biei Station is a small, beautiful rural station built of red bricks. Its simple and charming exterior complements the natural scenery of Biei, making visitors feel as if they've stepped into a Japanese drama, experiencing the pure and rich winter atmosphere of a Japanese countryside. Lunch is available for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
"Forest Elf Terrace" comprises 15 wooden cabins and is a forest market designed based on the Ainu word "NINGURU" (forest elf). The illuminated nighttime scene is like something out of a fairytale. The market houses numerous handicraft shops and regularly hosts seasonal activities such as pressed flower making. Ample time is allocated for visitors to leisurely explore and purchase unique souvenirs.
Purchase Notice
[Tourism Conditions]
Travel departure point and destination: Hokkaido (Sapporo)
Trip duration: Day trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: HEARTS Co., Ltd., etc.
Meals included: Breakfast 0 times, Lunch 0 times, Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum group size: 8 people
Tour guide: 1 person
Operating Company Name: YOUTOUR Co., Ltd.
Address: No. 8-20, Hakata Station 3-chome, Hakata Station, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
License Number: Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 2099
Travel agency association name: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) - Full member
Reminders
A minimum of 8 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 17:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 20 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Once your itinerary is confirmed, the system will send your tour voucher via email. Please check your inbox. If you do not receive it, please check your spam/junk mail folder first. If you still cannot find it, please contact customer service as soon as possible to avoid affecting your trip. We will be happy to assist you.
If you are late for departure, we will not contact you again as other passengers are waiting, and the bus will depart on time. No refunds or changes will be made for late arrivals or absences.
This tour offers unreserved seating; seats are not assigned. To avoid disputes during the journey, please ensure you retain your assigned seat from departure until the end of the tour. Passengers wishing to select a front-row seat should board the bus early to make their selection. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
According to Japanese law, vehicle use is limited to 10 hours. The tour guide will adjust the sightseeing time for each attraction based on the actual conditions of the day. The itinerary may also be adjusted due to traffic and weather conditions; your understanding is appreciated.
Depending on the number of reservations made that day, different sizes and types of buses may be arranged.
We apologize that guests arriving or departing on the same day cannot join this tour.
Due to the long distance traveled on this tour, and for safety reasons, children under 3 years old are not recommended to participate. Please also note that child seats are not provided on this tour.
Each passenger may bring a maximum of one piece of luggage free of charge, and please be sure to note this when placing your order. If you bring extra luggage at the last minute, due to limited space in the vehicle, it may not be possible to arrange for its placement, which may affect driving safety and the rights of other passengers. We cannot guarantee that we can assist in handling such cases.
To ensure your safety during your trip, please purchase overseas travel insurance yourself.
Smoking is prohibited throughout the bus journey. Please clean up all your trash after the trip. Please also keep your valuables safe and double-check that you have left nothing behind at the end of the trip.
This is a group tour; early departure or leaving the group midway is not permitted. If a traveler chooses to leave the group midway, it will be considered a voluntary abandonment of the unfinished itinerary, and no refund will be given. Furthermore, any accidents or losses incurred after a traveler leaves the group will be the sole responsibility of the traveler. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.
Flower season tours are highly dependent on weather conditions, and the flowers may not be in good condition. We cannot guarantee the best viewing period. We will not be held responsible for any issues arising from unsatisfactory flower conditions. Please be aware of this.
Due to snow season entry restrictions starting in January, if it is impossible to visit "Forest Elf Terrace" on the day of your visit, you will be redirected to "Shikisai-no-Oka". The specific arrangements will be subject to the latest information received by your tour guide on the day of your visit.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 2 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
When you join this group tour, you don't need to worry about transportation. The tour includes comfortable bus transfers from Sapporo, taking you sequentially to Christmas Tree, Sanpo Farm Tomita, Blue Pond, and Shirogane Birukei. Professional drivers will handle all travel between attractions, saving you the hassle of driving in winter and allowing you to relax and enjoy Hokkaido's beautiful scenery.
This tour is designed with ample time for you to fully experience the unique charm of Christmas Tree, Sanpo Farm Tomita, Blue Pond, and Shirogane Birukei. Each location will have appropriate stopover durations, ensuring you have enough time to take photos, stroll, and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty of Hokkaido in winter, without feeling rushed.
The meeting point for this Hokkaido Biei day trip is conveniently located in Sapporo city for easy participation. The tour specially includes a professional Chinese-speaking guide who will provide detailed explanations and guided tours of the attractions. This allows you to gain a deeper understanding of Biei's local culture and unique features, ensuring a travel experience free from language barriers.
Christmas Tree in Biei is famous for its solitary growth in the snow, making it a representative winter photography landmark in Hokkaido. Its pure and serene atmosphere is perfect for capturing romantic snow scenes. Sanpo Farm Tomita, on the other hand, showcases the photographic works of the late photographer Maeda Shinzo, allowing you to admire the natural beauty of Biei throughout its seasons and appreciate its unique photographic art. It's a must-visit spot for photography enthusiasts.
Shirogane Birukei is a magical space composed of wooden cabins and paths with gentle inclines, suitable for visitors of all ages to stroll through. The viewing area for Blue Pond has an observation deck, and the path leading to the waterfall is also relatively flat. Overall, visiting these attractions does not require significant physical exertion. However, the ground may be slippery in winter, so it's recommended to wear slip-resistant, warm footwear and watch your step for safety.
Visiting Blue Pond in winter allows you to witness the blue waterfall covered in ice and snow, appearing like a blue fairyland. Shirogane Birukei becomes even more enchanting with the winter snow. At night, when the lights are on, the warm yellow glow intermingles with the snowscape, creating a fairy-tale romantic atmosphere. The scenery during both day and night has its own charm and is worth savoring and photographing.
The temperature in Biei, Hokkaido, is cold during winter. Layering is recommended, with warmth as the priority. Essential clothing includes a thick thermal jacket (down jacket or windproof jacket), thermal innerwear, and a sweater. Don't forget to wear gloves, a beanie, and a scarf. It's also important to wear slip-resistant, waterproof snow boots to cope with snow accumulation and icy surfaces, ensuring warmth and safety.
During the day, Shirogane Birukei presents a serene, snow-white fairy-tale village landscape, with wooden cabins and snow under the sunlight exuding pure beauty. After dark, the lights flicker on, creating a warm, dreamy, and romantic atmosphere that complements the snowscape. It is recommended to visit in the late afternoon to experience both the daytime and nighttime charms and capture the beautiful moments of changing light and shadow.
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