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Landscape · Biei, Hokkaido
Patchwork Road
A network of rural roads north of central Biei, among fields of different colors that resemble a patchwork quilt. Isolated trees used in advertisements, such as Ken and Mary and the Seven Stars Tree, have become stopping points.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Patchwork Road in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Discover
About Patchwork Road
The Patchwork Road, Patchwork no Michi, is the name given to the rural roads that run across the hills north and northwest of central Biei. Wheat, potato, beet, bean and corn fields are planted in rotation, and each plot has a different color depending on the crop and the season. Seen from hilltops, the strips look like a patchwork quilt, hence the name.
The most famous stops are isolated trees that appeared in car and cigarette commercials in the 1970s and 1980s and were named: the Ken and Mary Tree, a large poplar near the main road; the Seven Stars Tree, on a rise above the fields; and the Parent-and-Child Tree, three oaks in a row. Viewpoints such as Hokusei-no-oka have parking, restrooms and an observation tower.
The route is done by car, bicycle or on foot in short sections. The climbs are gentle but steady; electric bicycles are rented near the station. The points are a few kilometers apart, connected by narrow roads without shoulders.
All the land is private. After years of visitors walking into the fields, one of the most photographed trees was cut down by its owner in 2016, and the town reinforced the warnings. Stay on the road and in designated parking areas. From the hills, on clear days, you can see the Tokachi mountain range in the background.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours by car or bicycle, depending on stops.
Best time
From June to September, when the fields are green or golden; July usually has the most contrast of colors. Early morning and late afternoon light emphasizes the relief. In winter the hills are white and roads may have ice.
How to get there
It starts just north of Biei Station. The Ken and Mary Tree is about 2 km from the town center; the Hokusei-no-oka viewpoint is about 5 km. By car or bicycle, follow the route map distributed by the Biei tourist information center next to the station.
Tip
Pick up the route map at the information center next to the station and rent an electric bicycle if you’re not driving. Stop only in marked parking areas and never enter the fields, not even for a quick photo.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Patchwork Road
How to travel the Patchwork Road?
By car or bicycle, following the route map from the Biei tourist information center. Electric bicycles help on the climbs. The stops are a few kilometers apart.
Where is the Ken and Mary Tree?
About 2 km northwest of Biei Station, by the road, with its own parking area. It is a large poplar that appeared in a car commercial in the 1970s.
Can I photograph the trees up close?
Only from the road and parking areas. The trees are inside private fields, and entering them is prohibited by local rules.
What is the difference between the Patchwork Road and the Panorama Road?
The Patchwork is north of central Biei and is known for the isolated trees. The Panorama is south, passes by Shikisai-no-oka and has more open views over the hills.
Beyond the guide
