Hill of Pink at Takinoue Shibazakura Koen Park

24 May 2026

The plan for Day 2 of our Hokkaido road trip is to enjoy the flowers that bloom in late May, particularly in the northern part of the island. From Asahikawa, we planned a 311 km drive that will bring us to Takinoue for the Shibazakura (pink moss phlox), Mombetsu for lunch and sightseeing and then Yubetsu for the tulips before returning to Asahikawa. 

The absolute best time to visit Shibazakura Takinoue Park is from mid-to-late May, when the 10-hectare hillside is in full bloom and blanketed in vibrant, sweet-scented pink moss phlox.

Because of the expected long driving time, we had an early start. In May, the sun rises at about 4 AM so it was not too difficult to wake up early for breakfast. Buffet breakfast was provided by JR Inn Hotel at Grand Farm Buffet, located on the 4th floor of Aeon Mall. Menu includes fresh salad bar, miso soup, pasta, pizza, some sushi, and a dessert station

The food was average only and the only highlight for me was the soup curry despite the very basic ingredients of canned cocktail sausages, baby corns, carrots and okra. The buffet also had a DIY chirashi rice bowl but I stayed clear of sashimi to avoid risk of stomach upsets on a long drive.

Breakfast at Grand Farm Buffet located at Aeon Mall, Asahikawa.

We hit the road at 8 AM sharp and the drive to Takinoue was quite nice once we leave the city area. I chose the route that avoided the toll roads and surprisingly part of E39 expressway was toll-free and quite scenic too.

View of the mountains on E39 on our drive to Takinoue from Asahikawa.

When we arrived at Takinoue Shibazakura Koen Park, there were road marshals directing us to park at a secondary car park. From there, we purchased the entrance ticket (500 JPY/person) and took the shuttle bus to the hillside park.

Alighting from the bus at the large car park next to the park, I noticed that I could actually have ignored the road marshals and drive straight up to the car park (which other cars did!).

First view of the pink moss phlox or shibazakura covering the entire hillside.  

I was glad the weather on this day was warm and sunny, with clear blue sky that contrast with the pink colours that filled our vision. 

Mandatory selfie with the hill of pink.

There are staffs stationed at the park to help with photos if needed.

We took time to explore the gentle hillside filled with a breathtaking landscape of white, pink and purple flowers. This vibrant moss phlox carpet captivates all who visit, marking the arrival of spring in Hokkaido.

There are many paths in which to wander around the hillside and get some photos.

It is hard to imagine that this park was once famous for its cherry blossoms. In 1954, a typhoon destroyed most of the trees. A few years later, the manager of the local park, inspired by moss phlox growing at a nearby temple, brought back a single box of seedlings and planted them at the entrance to the park. The flowers are hardy and could not be killed by insects or typhoons.

Over the decades, dedicated locals and townspeople expanded the planting, transforming the hillside into a stunning 100,000-square-meter vibrant pink floral carpet that is now one of Japan's largest. Visitors come from all over the world to enjoy the fruits (should be flowers!) of their labour.

As we explored the hillside, we took time to look for a lucky flower. The moss phlox flowers usually have 5 petals but if we are lucky or extremely lucky, we could spot a flower with 4, 6 or 7 petals.

This sign was originally in Japanese. Translated using Google Translate.

Searching for a lucky flower.

She spotted a 6 petal flower!

Taking a rest of one of the benches.There was not much shade on this warm sunny day.

We encountered another “Door to Nowhere” at this park.

This was not as photogenic as the one at Takikawa Nanohara Festival.

Ringing the "Bell of Happiness" (幸せの鐘) located at the very top of the hill.

During the peak bloom, the Takinoue Shibazakura Festival brings even more excitement. There are food stalls, band performance and even an armoured vehicle on display.

Heading down to the festival event area after exploring the whole hillside.

Takinoue Shibazakura Festival at the park that takes place from early May to early June.

Enjoying a flower flavoured pink soft serve ice-cream before leaving.

It was about 11.45 AM when we returned to our car via the shuttle bus. From there, we took a slow drive to the seaside town of Mombetsu.

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Exploring Biei countryside by car and evening in Asahikawa

23 May 2026

Biei is famous for its beautiful natural scenery created by vast rolling, flower-covered farmlands, with the magnificent Tokachi Mountain Range as a backdrop.

In spring, the flowers in the fields are newly planted and not fully in bloom so the typical attractions like Farm Tomita, Shikisai no Oka and Zerubu Hill could be skipped. I had also visited attractions like Farm Tomita, Farm Chiyoda, Shirogane Blue Pond, and the cascading Shirahige Falls in my previous trip in August 2023.

So on this road trip, I would focus on sights that I missed. This includes a drive down Panorama Road, Roller Coaster Road and also seeing the famous trees around the Biei countryside, like the Ken & Mary Tree, the Seven Stars Tree, and the majestic Christmas Tree.

Panorama Road

After enjoying the vast yellow canola fields in Takikawa, we drove to what is known as the Panorama Road near Kamifurano. The journey to the starting point of Panorama Road (Google Map location here) took slightly over an hour through scenic country roads.

A marker on the roadside marks the beginning of the Panorama Road.

I had actually driven on this stretch of road on my previous trip but it was in the opposite direction! Hence, it was not as “panoramic” as it should be.

The best views are seen when driving in the southern-east direction where we could see vast farmlands with the Tokachi Mountain Range in the back. In spring, the mountains were still snow-covered at the top and it was a beautiful sight.

Start of the Panorama Road with the Tokachi Mountain Range in the background.

We actually saw a volcano with a plume cloud of steam and gases. The local residents would not be thrilled or excited by the sight of an active volcanic spewing gases and steam. For me, this was still a fascinating experience although I had seen similar sights while visiting Kyushu, namely Mount Aso and Sakurajima.

Mount Tokachi (Tokachidake), a highly active volcano, spewing gases.

The drive down Panorama Road was really scenic. I was glad to chance upon a farmer’s truck laden with rice seedlings. Late spring is the rice planting season and we could see the water logged paddy fields with freshly planted rice seedlings.

Rice seedlings on a farmer’s truck along Panorama Road.

 Vast farmlands on both sides of the road and the Tokachi Mountain Range in the background. 

Roller Coaster Road

From Panorama Road, we drove a short distance to "Nishi 11sen Doro" or what is known as the Roller Coaster Road. Google Map Location here.

This long and straight stretch of road, approximately 4.5 kilometers long, features steep ascents and descents like a roller coaster. The road is potentially hazardous with the steep ascents and descents over the hills limiting visibility, and the chance of encountering some crazy drivers trying to experience the G-forces of a roller coaster.

Marker at the middle part of the Roller Coaster Road. We did not make a stop here as parking is limited.

We drove down the entire stretch of the scenic road but did not stop. My wife took a video of the drive from the windscreen of the car.

Roller Coaster Road. The entire road resembles a roller coaster track, stretching up and down across Biei's countryside.

Biei Christmas Tree

The first of the famous trees in Biei we saw was the Christmas Tree. There are no designated parking spaces near the tree. Fortunately, there was no other car around. We just stopped by the roadside and took some quick photos of this famous lone pine.   

Biei’s famous Christmas Tree, standing all alone, on an empty piece of freshly ploughed farmland.

I must say, this single pine tree is surprisingly photogenic.

Oka No Sanpo Michi

We were actually going to Hokusei-no-oka Observatory Park when we saw Oka No Sanpo Michi, an ice cream shop set in a farm.

This is a very nice place to stop for coffee and ice-cream. The surrounding area was so peaceful and scenic and the coffee and ice-cream were delicious. Perfect for a pit-stop after so much driving around Biei.

The shop is located in a farm, so there was plenty of green grass, wild flowers, farms and views of the mountain ranges.

Views of  Mount Tokachi, the active volcano.

There are also some baby farm animals to interact with. A farmer brought out her kids (as in baby goats!) to us to have a closer look.

Foal of a miniature horse at Oka No Sanpo Michi.

 

Hokusei-no-oka Observatory Park

By the time we arrived at Hokusei-no-oka Observatory, it was about 4.40 PM. We were the only car in the large parking lot located at the top. There is a pyramid shape lookout structure but there was no need to go there.

Pyramid Observation Deck in the back. We did not climb up to the observation deck.

We could already have great views across Biei and the valley to the Tokachi Mountain Range. I think the views of the flower fields from here would be nice in summer. 

Useful signboard to help us identify which mountain was the active volcano. It was Tokachidake.

Interesting building selling coffee and snacks but it was closed.

Ken and Mary Tree, Seven Star Tree and Parent and Child Tree

Sunset time in Biei on this day is about 7 PM. When on a road trip, I made it a point to avoid driving on country roads after dark for safety reasons. We had some time left to see a few more of Biei’s famous trees. They were all located quite close by.

There are ample parking spaces near the Ken and Mary Tree and also the Seven Stars Tree. After we parked our car, a tour bus rolled in and unloaded a large group of tourists. It is amazing how trees in the Biei countryside could become a tourist attraction.

The trees, on their own merits, are nothing great to see. It is the surrounding Biei countryside that is the star. For example, the freshly ploughed land, with the lines on them, is quite photogenic. The views in summer, with colourful flowers, or in winter, with snow covered landscape, would have been even nicer.

Ken and Mary Tree - Tall & solitary poplar tree, known for its appearance in a 1970s Nissan commercial.

The Biei farmland is actually the star of the show Not the famous trees. The views at any seasons are quite nice.

 

Seven Stars Tree – an Iconic oak tree once depicted on packaging for a popular brand of Japanese tobacco.

A tractor rolled by and the farmer must be wondering what is all the fuss over some trees.

Like the Biei’s Christmas Tree, the Parent and Child Trees are actually quite good subjects to photograph. There are three trees, two large and one small, side by side, right at the top of a hill.

Parent and Child Trees. I like the simple “standalone” look with no other trees on the horizon.

There are no proper parking spaces near the trees and the trees are on private land. That does not matter since the best compositions for a nice photo are actually from afar. I just snap photos of them silhouetted with the blue grey sky from the roadside.

It was already slightly past 5 PM when we left Biei for Asahikawa. The drive to Asahikawa took about 30 minutes and we arrived at JR Inn Asahikawa before dark.

Evening at Asahikawa

JR Inn Asahikawa is located on top of the Asahikawa JR Station and also next to Aeon Mall Asahikawa Station. 

After checking in, we went for dinner at Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, located near Asahikawa JR Station. While Asahikawa is traditionally known for soy sauce (shoyu) ramen, Santouka made its name by doing things differently.

This restaurant is famous for its signature mild, pork-bone shio (salt) ramen topped with a single pickled plum (ume). 

Shio Ramen with added onsen egg on top of the standard kikurage (wood ear mushrooms), menma (bamboo shoots), negi (spring onions), naruto (fish cake), chashu pork slices, and ume.

We also had gyozas which are pretty good too.

After a satisfying dinner, we bought some drinks and snacks for our road trip from a 7-11 shop and also took a walk around Aeon Mall.

There is a nice pet store (Pet Life) featuring very cute puppies and kittens and a supermarket at the basement where we bought more local snacks.

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