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Hiking the trails of the “Playground of the Gods” in the alpine landscapes of Hokkaido
Biei Vitalization Association
In the language of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido, Daisetsuzan National Park is known as "Kamuymintar"—Playground of the Gods. A 40-minute drive from central Biei will put you within Daisetsuzan National Park's borders. If you are keen to enjoy some hiking and adventure during the green season, head for the Mt. Tokachi Observatory, from where several hiking trails head deeper into the park. Hiking is most enjoyable from late September through to mid-October when autumn leaves—the earliest in Japan—burst into color. Daisetsuzan National Park is home to many animal and plant species, some of which can only be found here within Japan. Among them is the Northern Pika, a small rodent that lives in rocky scree at high altitudes. Although hard to spot, many hikers hear their shrill cries. There are also plenty of animals in the Biei-Shirogane Forest at the edge of the national park that are beloved by nature watchers, such as the Ezo Squirrel or the black woodpecker. More information about the conditions of the hiking routes in Daisetsuzan National Park can be found at the Mt. Tokachi Observatory. For information about the forest, visit the Biei Tourism Information Center, Shiki-no-Jouhoukan.
How to get there
By Airplane:
From Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport) to Asahikawa, it is 1 hour and 35 minutes. From Asahikawa Airport to JR Biei Station, it takes about 15 minutes on the Furano Lavender Bus.
By Train:
From JR Sapporo Station to Asahikawa, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes with the Limited Express train. Then from Asahikawa Station to Biei Station, it takes about 35 minutes on the JR Furano Line.
Shiki-no-johokan (Tourist Information):
1-2-14 Motomachi, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
