EXPLORE
From UBAKU Villa 宇莫別荘, a private house in the forests of Biei, you can reach Biei and Furano classics like the Blue Pond and Shikisai-no-Oka, as well as everyday places like Biei Town Library and Kitoushi Forest Kitoron in Higashikawa. Here are ways to enjoy Biei, whether you stay two nights or a month.
Base
Biei and Nakaubakubetsu as your base
UBAKU Villa 宇莫別荘 is a 10-minute drive from central Biei and sits roughly midway between the main sights. With a rental car, you can easily get around Biei, Furano, Asahikawa and Higashikawa.
Travel times from the villa (by car)
Airports & stations
- Asahikawa Airport旭川空港
- approx. 18 min
- Biei Station美瑛駅
- approx. 10 min
- Asahikawa Station旭川駅
- approx. 35 min
- Furano Station富良野駅
- approx. 50 min
- New Chitose Airport新千歳空港
- approx. 2 h 30 min
Sightseeing spots
- Takushinkan Photo Gallery拓真館
- approx. 25 min
- Shikisai-no-Oka四季彩の丘
- approx. 25 min
- Sento Pure II, Higashikawa東川町せんとぴゅあⅡ
- approx. 25 min
- Blue Pond (Shirogane Aoiike)青い池
- approx. 28 min
- Asahiyama Zoo旭山動物園
- approx. 35 min
- Farm Tomita (lavender fields)ファーム富田（ラベンダー畑・中富良野町）
- approx. 40 min
Ski resorts
- Canmore Ski Village, Higashikawaキャンモアスキービレッジ（東川町）
- approx. 30 min
- Kamui Ski Links, Asahikawaカムイスキーリンクス（旭川市）
- approx. 60 min
- Furano Ski Resort富良野スキー場
- approx. 60 min
Daily life
- Central Biei (supermarket, restaurants)美瑛町中心部（スーパー・飲食店）
- approx. 10 min
- Biei Town Library美瑛町図書館
- approx. 10 min
- Central Higashikawa東川町中心部
- approx. 20 min
- Kitoushi Forest Kitoron, HigashikawaDay-use hot bathキトウシの森きとろん（東川町）
- approx. 30 min
- Central Asahikawa旭川市中心部
- approx. 35 min
There is no public transport to the property, so a rental car is essential.
* During the lavender season in July, roads in the area can be congested and travel may take longer.
Short Stay
The classics of Biei and Furano in 2 to 3 nights
On a first visit to Biei, start with the hills, the pond and the flower fields. Staying at UBAKU Villa 宇莫別荘 means you won't miss the first light of morning or the quiet of dusk.
Hills
Shikisai-no-Oka and its colorful flower fields, the gentle rolling Patchwork Road, and Takushinkan, where you can see the Biei landscapes photographed by Shinzo Maeda: driving the hills is the great pleasure of this area. Early morning is quiet, and the light is at its most beautiful.
Blue Pond
The Blue Pond needs no introduction. It shows a completely different face in each season, from the contrast of green and blue in summer to illuminated snow scenes in winter. Add Shirahige Falls and Shirogane Onsen for a half-day trip.
Furano
Farm Tomita is a 40-minute drive away, and Furano Station a 50-minute drive. In summer, the lavender fields of Farm Tomita in Nakafurano spread as far as you can see, filling the air with a sweet scent. Add Ningle Terrace, with its craft cabins in the forest, and rafting on the Sorachi River for an active day.
Onsen
After a full day, head for a hot bath. Unwind at Kitoushi Forest Kitoron, a day-use bathing facility supervised by architect Kengo Kuma, have dinner there, and then return to UBAKU Villa 宇莫別荘.
Town
Biei Station, with its striking stone building, is a 10-minute drive from UBAKU Villa 宇莫別荘. Beyond the hills, walking the small town around the station is one of the pleasures of Biei.
Winter
In winter, you can watch penguins walk through the snow at Asahiyama Zoo. Asahikawa Station is a 35-minute drive from UBAKU Villa 宇莫別荘, making it a good outing on a snowy day.
Long Stay
A week or more, living here
The real charm of Biei begins after you have seen the sights. Leaving days unplanned is the greatest luxury of a long stay.
Slow Days
An afternoon with your own book at the small but cozy Biei Town Library. A coffee at KONON Cafe, hidden in the forest, simply watching the trees. A day of pure, unplanned luxury.
Higashikawa
Visit Sento Pure II in Higashikawa, the "Town of Photography," and the Asahikawa Design Center, with its furniture and crafts in Hokkaido wood. A day in these towns of makers adds depth to your stay.
Daily Life
Buy local ingredients at the supermarket in central Biei and cook in the full kitchen. With a washing machine, you can pack light. Everything is here to live, not just travel.
Workation
With high-speed Wi-Fi and a dedicated workspace, you can work on weekdays and head for the hills on weekends. The 100-inch projector works for movie nights and meetings alike.
Four Seasons
Biei and Furano through the seasons
The same place becomes an entirely different landscape as the seasons change. In Biei, there is something new to discover on every visit.
Spring｜Apr–May
As the snow melts, the land comes back to life. Seidai Dam Park, on the way to UBAKU Villa 宇莫別荘, is the place to see cherry blossoms in Biei.
Summer｜Jun–Aug
The flower fields bloom all at once and the green is at its deepest. The lavender fields of Farm Tomita are a 40-minute drive away.
Autumn｜Sep–Oct
Harvest season turns the hills gold. The air is clear, and you can see all the way to the distant mountains.
Winter｜Nov–Mar
A world of white. At night, you are wrapped in starlight and deep silence.
Model Course
Model courses by length of stay
Detailed plans for each length of stay are in our News articles (in Japanese).
Biei and Furano in summer: a 3-day, 2-night model course
From lavender fields to rafting and the Blue Pond: the best of a northern Hokkaido summer.
Read (in Japanese)
One week in Biei: a mid-length stay from a private villa in the forest
An unhurried week. Seven days at the pace of Biei.
Read (in Japanese)
One month in Biei: choosing a long stay in the Furano and Biei area
Not traveling, but living. The choice to stay in Biei by the month.
Read (in Japanese)FAQ
Questions about visiting Biei
- Do I need a rental car in Biei?
- Yes. There is no public transport to the property, and the sights of Biei are hard to reach without a car, so a rental car is essential. Rentals are easiest at Asahikawa Airport or Asahikawa Station.
- How far are the Blue Pond and Shikisai-no-Oka?
- From UBAKU Villa 宇莫別荘, the Blue Pond is a 28-minute drive and Shikisai-no-Oka a 25-minute drive. Half a day is enough to enjoy both at an easy pace.
- Where can I go on a rainy day?
- There are plenty of indoor options, including Takushinkan, Biei Town Library, Sento Pure II in Higashikawa and the Asahikawa Design Center. A day with the 100-inch projector at UBAKU Villa 宇莫別荘 is also a good choice.
- Can I go sightseeing in winter?
- Of course. You can enjoy winter scenes like the illuminated Blue Pond and endless snowy landscapes. The sun sets early in winter and there are few street lights nearby, so we recommend arriving before dark.
Live slowly in a private house in the forests of Biei.
One group per day · Up to 10 guests · From 2 nights. Book direct for the best rate.
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