Nestled in the picturesque hills of Biei, Hokkaido, Shikisai no Oka (Hills of Seasonal Colors) is a sprawling 15-hectare flower park that showcases the full spectrum of Hokkaido’s natural beauty. From late April to October, the rolling landscape transforms into a living canvas of over 30 types of seasonal flowers, arranged in vibrant, painterly rows that seem to stretch endlessly across the horizon. Without naming all the flowers beautifully arranged on the rolling hills, here is a decent sampling list of flowers to be seen and season.
- Spring (May–June): Tulips, pansies, and Iceland poppies begin the floral show.
- Summer (July–August): Lavender, marigolds, salvia, and sunflowers bloom in full glory.
- Autumn (September–October): Cosmos and dahlias bloom before winter arrival.
Each season offers a different landscape, making it worth revisiting throughout the year. This tour will be offered June through to late October.
History of how Shikisai no Oka came to be
After World War II, Biei and the surrounding areas flourished with small-scale agriculture, especially wheat and potato farming. However, by the 1980s, Hokkaido’s farming villages faced depopulation and economic challenges due to mechanization and urban migration. Around the mid-1980s, locals and some forward-thinking farmers noticed that tourists — particularly from Honshu — were stopping to admire the scenic patchwork-like farmlands of Biei and Furano. The area had begun to appear in calendars and commercials, drawing attention for its natural beauty. This initiative sought to promote "agriculture as tourism" (noukō tourism).
The park officially opened in 1999 as Shikisai no Oka, on land originally used for farming potatoes, wheat, and beans. The name means "Hills of Seasonal Colors," referencing the vibrant display of flowers across the rolling hills. The park was not established by a private company but by a local cooperative of farmers and volunteers. It was rooted in community effort, with individual farmers offering plots of land and contributing to flower cultivation. The founders planted fields with colorful seasonal flowers like marigolds, salvia, tulips, poppies, and zinnias, as well as lavender to echo the regional trend. The flowers were arranged in bands across the sloping hills, creating a rainbow-striped effect when viewed from above.
Moving to the present, sustainable farming practices are in place to maintain soil health and biodiversity. Flower planting was carefully rotated, and some native wildflowers were added to attract pollinators and birds. To “cash in on tourism” Shikisai no Oka have partnered with Biei-based artists and craftspeople to create unique products like pressed flower art, lavender sachets, and regional food products such as Biei corn soft-serve and potato croquettes made from local ingredients. Shikisai no Oka is a symbol of how rural revitalization and sustainable tourism can coexist. It helped put Biei on the map as a destination not just for photographers but for families, retirees, and eco-tourists.
Our Tour to The Blue Pond & Hills of Seasonal Colors
We operate a tour to The Blue Pond and to Shikisai no Oka, which is perfect for anyone:
- Couples seeking romantic landscapes
- Families with children
- Travel photographers and nature lovers
- Anyone wanting to experience the tranquil beauty of the Hokkaido countryside
A must-see tour for any Hokkaido itinerary!
So, what are you waiting for? Snow Monkey Resorts is here and ready to help you explore these highly sought out areas in Hokkaido. And, “to boot” a native English speaking tour guide will be with you all the way to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. This tour along with our other Hokkaido tours are fun, interactive, and family-friendly. For more information, or to book a tour, click on the banner above. We look forward to helping you arrange your tour and to answer any questions you may have.