📝 1. Overview
Patchwork Road is one of Biei’s most scenic driving routes, named for its quilt-like fields of wheat, potatoes, sunflowers, and more. Stretching through the gentle hills north of Biei Station, the route offers stunning countryside views with iconic photo spots, famous trees, and a peaceful, rustic atmosphere. Whether you’re cycling, driving, or just hopping between overlooks, Patchwork Road is the perfect escape into Hokkaido’s rural beauty.
🌟 2. Highlights
🌳 Seven Stars Tree – Famous lone oak tree featured in a 1970s cigarette ad
🎥 Mild Seven Hill – Gentle slope with neatly lined trees from a classic TV commercial
🌸 Ken & Mary Tree – Poplar tree made famous by a 1970s car commercial
🚗 Panorama Overlooks – Rolling fields, snow-capped mountains, and endless skies
📷 Patchwork Fields – Different crops make the landscape a living canvas
🚴 Cycling-Friendly – Rent bikes and cruise the hills at your own pace
💡 3. Tips
📸 Best Photo Spots:
- Seven Stars Tree at sunset
- From the hilltop near Mild Seven Hill
- Panoramic overlook on a clear day = postcard shot
🕰️ Best time to visit:
- Summer (July–September) for fully grown crops and colors
- Autumn for golden wheat and dramatic skies
- Spring for fresh greens and fewer tourists
🗺️ Pick up a Patchwork Road map at Biei Station
🚲 Rent e-bikes or scooters for easy hill travel
🚗 Car is best for flexible, full exploration
🍽️ 4. Nearby Eats – Top 3 Along Patchwork Road
- Shiki-no-Jouhoukan Café
☕ Coffee & snacks with a view of the patchwork hills
📍Near Seven Stars Tree
🕒 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Seasonal)
🚗 Right off the scenic route - Biei Senka Roadside Station
🍱 Bento boxes, soft cream & local produce
📍Hokuei, Biei
🕒 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🚗 ~10 min from main loop - Koeru Restaurant & Café
🥪 Sandwiches, pastas & sweets in cozy countryside vibe
📍Behind Biei Station
🕒 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
🚗 Before/after the route
🍽️ 4B. Sub-Zone Picks – Featured Spots on the Route
🌳 Famous Tree Zone
- Seven Stars Tree – Icon of Biei
- Mild Seven Hill – Gentle slope with rows of larch
- Ken & Mary Tree – Poplar pair from a car ad
📷 Panorama Viewpoints
- San-ai Hill – Farm fields & mountain views
- Hokusei Hill Observatory – Small pyramid structure for wide shots
- Open fields with rotating crops = always changing
🚴 Activity Zone
- Rental bikes at Biei Station
- Scenic picnic areas with shade
- Photo stops marked on local maps
🚗 5. Access
📍 From Biei Station
🚗 5–10 minutes to the start of the route
🚲 Bike rentals available near station
📍 From Asahikawa
🚗 ~40 minutes via Route 237
🚆 Train to Biei Station → rent bike or car
📍 From Shikisai-no-Oka / Blue Pond
🚗 ~15–25 minutes
📍 Local Travel
🚗 Best explored by rental car or e-bike
🅿️ Small pull-over parking areas at each major stop
🗺️ Visitor info center in Biei offers free maps