I lived in Sapporo, Hokkaido for a long time and used to visit Biei quite often. Winters there are absolutely freezing, but it’s an amazing place where you can experience true, complete silence.
Soaking in an onsen while looking out at the snowy landscape is truly breathtaking. Biei is also a wonderful place in summer—cool, incredibly beautiful, and especially famous for its flower gardens, which I highly recommend.
I love this post. I recently visited Hokkaido, but slightly jumped the gun on snowfall ☹️. I spent a few days in Sapporo, before renting a car and driving up the west coast to Cape Soya, spending the night in Wakkanai, before continuing on to Furano. I drove up into the mountains - where there was snow! - and went to a natural Onsen in the mountainside where I met a few older Japanese men who ended up talking to me. Such an incredible part of the world. Planning to return one day in the future to play in the snow!
Chris, thank you for your time and your comment! How was Cape Soya? I have been up that far north a few times (to travel to Rebun Island), but never took the detour to Cape Soya. Just a few hours in Wakkanai before hopping on a ferry for Rebun/Rishiri.
Thank you for your reply! I had never heard of Rebun until your comment. Wow, it looks beautiful!
Cape Soya was interesting to see. It is a very small village. The stretch of road between Wakkanai and Cape Soya was most interesting. Beaches with black sand and lots of shrines / temples along the route. In summer there is also a road made up from crushed seashells, however this was closed in the winter while I was there - I’d love to see it one day.
Beautiful, minimalist winter pictures of Biei, Burcu. I lived there for a year on the JET Programme from 2001-2002, and although I was mostly townbound at the time I well remember this part of Hokkaido in winter. So much snow! Not just any ol’ wet white stuff, but beautiful champagne pow-pow on the fields, the river, and the surrounding mountains. My time in central Hokkaido (lived there for a total of four years) has been a highlight of my life in Japan - and my life as a whole. Thanks again for the pictures and write-up. Can definitely second others’ suggestions to visit in summer, and spend some time in Daisetsuzan.
It really is fascinating how more travel kind of ends up creating a specific vision for what works in what sitation, isn't it? I'm glad you found Biei fits your recipe during certain periods! One day I'll make my way to Hokkaido:) until then I will enjoy looking at it through your photos!
Originating from a place covered in snow for much of the year (Alberta, Canada), I very rarely dream of travels to snow filled places. This has inspired me deeply. The complete stillness which can come from a snow filled landscape can be such a reverent experience. I would love to experience this one day.
Argentina, thank you for your time and for such a thoughtful comment. The snowy scenery in Biei feels especially soothing - intensely cold, yet somehow never harsh. Canada is wonderful too, though!
Thank you for sharing these beautiful photographs and your reflections on Biei. As someone originally from Hokkaido, it was a pleasure to see the quiet winter beauty of my home captured here. The weather there has been quite severe lately, so I hope you are keeping warm. I look forward to your next letter.
I'm currently in Tokyo and actually quite glad not to see any snow. I just got back from a walk round Shimbashi and despite the lovely blue skies it is absolutely freezing. As usual in Tokyo I am like a donkey between two bales of hay - so many things to do I am unable to move!
I only went to visit Hokkaido once and that was in July. I was had fun trying to trace the route they took in the film The Yellow Handkerchief. The little museum they have in Yubari is quite fun!
Well I always enjoy Tokyo! Actually I was in Onomichi a few days ago. When I arrived it had been snowing which amazed me. (In my mind Onomichi is about the same latitude as Okinawa!) But the next day was fine so I was able to bike over to Tomonoura which is a pretty old town - both touristy *and* off the beaten track. And in that area there are tons of shipyards which I love to look at.
Welcome back Burcu! I spent my new year eve and first days in a quiet dutch town rather than chaotic Amsterdam so i feel your mindset. Photographs are stunning. ✨️
Thanks, for the wonderful introduction to Biei. I noticed that your readers were interested in the best times to visit Hokkaido and where to stay. Perhaps they might want to visit my post highlighting Sapporo, Otaru and Hakodate.
I'd been wondering about visiting Hokkaido and where to stay. Thank you for giving me a place to add to my list! As a nature lover, it makes me ridiculously happy that their landmarks are trees! 😄
I lived in Sapporo, Hokkaido for a long time and used to visit Biei quite often. Winters there are absolutely freezing, but it’s an amazing place where you can experience true, complete silence.
Soaking in an onsen while looking out at the snowy landscape is truly breathtaking. Biei is also a wonderful place in summer—cool, incredibly beautiful, and especially famous for its flower gardens, which I highly recommend.
I’ve actually never visited Daisetsuzan in the summer!
I can’t wait to see more of your beautiful photos. Thanks
Thank you for the comment and suggestion. I really want to visit in the summer! I have been to Daisetsuzan but not the Biei area, in the summer.
I love this post. I recently visited Hokkaido, but slightly jumped the gun on snowfall ☹️. I spent a few days in Sapporo, before renting a car and driving up the west coast to Cape Soya, spending the night in Wakkanai, before continuing on to Furano. I drove up into the mountains - where there was snow! - and went to a natural Onsen in the mountainside where I met a few older Japanese men who ended up talking to me. Such an incredible part of the world. Planning to return one day in the future to play in the snow!
Chris, thank you for your time and your comment! How was Cape Soya? I have been up that far north a few times (to travel to Rebun Island), but never took the detour to Cape Soya. Just a few hours in Wakkanai before hopping on a ferry for Rebun/Rishiri.
Thank you for your reply! I had never heard of Rebun until your comment. Wow, it looks beautiful!
Cape Soya was interesting to see. It is a very small village. The stretch of road between Wakkanai and Cape Soya was most interesting. Beaches with black sand and lots of shrines / temples along the route. In summer there is also a road made up from crushed seashells, however this was closed in the winter while I was there - I’d love to see it one day.
Fotoğrafların -her zamanki gibi- harika! Gidilecek yerler listesine bir madde daha eklendi :)
Cok tesekkurler. Rebun da belki listeye girebilir :)
Beautiful, minimalist winter pictures of Biei, Burcu. I lived there for a year on the JET Programme from 2001-2002, and although I was mostly townbound at the time I well remember this part of Hokkaido in winter. So much snow! Not just any ol’ wet white stuff, but beautiful champagne pow-pow on the fields, the river, and the surrounding mountains. My time in central Hokkaido (lived there for a total of four years) has been a highlight of my life in Japan - and my life as a whole. Thanks again for the pictures and write-up. Can definitely second others’ suggestions to visit in summer, and spend some time in Daisetsuzan.
Aaron, as always, thank you for your time and kind words. Having spent four years in Hokkaido feels wonderful. What a special land that is!
It really is fascinating how more travel kind of ends up creating a specific vision for what works in what sitation, isn't it? I'm glad you found Biei fits your recipe during certain periods! One day I'll make my way to Hokkaido:) until then I will enjoy looking at it through your photos!
So true. Except for big destination trips, I often find myself defining the mood and feeling first and then picking the destination.
Originating from a place covered in snow for much of the year (Alberta, Canada), I very rarely dream of travels to snow filled places. This has inspired me deeply. The complete stillness which can come from a snow filled landscape can be such a reverent experience. I would love to experience this one day.
Argentina, thank you for your time and for such a thoughtful comment. The snowy scenery in Biei feels especially soothing - intensely cold, yet somehow never harsh. Canada is wonderful too, though!
Simply beautiful!
Tesekkurler :)
Thank you for sharing these beautiful photographs and your reflections on Biei. As someone originally from Hokkaido, it was a pleasure to see the quiet winter beauty of my home captured here. The weather there has been quite severe lately, so I hope you are keeping warm. I look forward to your next letter.
What a lovely home! And thank you for your kind note, as always.
I'm currently in Tokyo and actually quite glad not to see any snow. I just got back from a walk round Shimbashi and despite the lovely blue skies it is absolutely freezing. As usual in Tokyo I am like a donkey between two bales of hay - so many things to do I am unable to move!
I only went to visit Hokkaido once and that was in July. I was had fun trying to trace the route they took in the film The Yellow Handkerchief. The little museum they have in Yubari is quite fun!
Hi Russell - I hope you are enjoying your stay in Tokyo. Last week was much colder!
Well I always enjoy Tokyo! Actually I was in Onomichi a few days ago. When I arrived it had been snowing which amazed me. (In my mind Onomichi is about the same latitude as Okinawa!) But the next day was fine so I was able to bike over to Tomonoura which is a pretty old town - both touristy *and* off the beaten track. And in that area there are tons of shipyards which I love to look at.
Welcome back Burcu! I spent my new year eve and first days in a quiet dutch town rather than chaotic Amsterdam so i feel your mindset. Photographs are stunning. ✨️
Murat, cok tesekkurler.
Beautiful winter photos!
I also hope we get a decent snow in Tokyo/Chiba this year.
Thank you James! Fingers crossed for some real snow 🤞
Thanks, for the wonderful introduction to Biei. I noticed that your readers were interested in the best times to visit Hokkaido and where to stay. Perhaps they might want to visit my post highlighting Sapporo, Otaru and Hakodate.
https://cosguide4travel.com/2025/04/30/best-time-to-go-to-hokkaido-japan/
Paul - thank you for your interest and comment. I will also make sure to check out the link. What a comprehensive guide!
I'd been wondering about visiting Hokkaido and where to stay. Thank you for giving me a place to add to my list! As a nature lover, it makes me ridiculously happy that their landmarks are trees! 😄
Isn't it sweet - "puffy trees" :) I hope you have a great trip to Hokkaido.
Gorgeous, Burcu, all of it. Thank you! x
Thank you, Valerie! Happy belated New Year!
What a beautiful post. I loved the photos.
Thank you Liza!
Some lovely pictures there!
Thank you and happy belated New Year!