By: Alex
In winter, Hokkaido is blanketed in thick snow, and for the Japanese who are used to snow, summer in Hokkaido is more appealing. Located in central Hokkaido, the town of Biei is a treasure trove of scenic beauty, with its rolling fields and the distant Tokachi Mountain Range as a backdrop, resembling a town in southern France.
▲ Blue Pond (photo by kikiprio @twitter)
The most famous attraction in Biei is undoubtedly the Blue Pond (related report). The pond water contains high levels of aluminum, along with deposits of sulfur and lime, which turn the pond bed white. When sunlight hits it, it takes on a cobalt blue hue. In fact, the color of the pond changes with the seasons and time of day. In summer, the cobalt blue water contrasts beautifully with the surrounding green trees, offering a completely different feel from the snowy winter landscape.
▲ Blue Pond (photo by kenchi5555 @twitter)
As its name suggests, Shikisai-no-Oka is a vast flower field bursting with colors, where you can easily capture stunning photos no matter how you frame them. The farm is generally open year-round, but flowers are planted only from late April to late October, with different varieties blooming each month. For example, lavender blooms in July, while August is the season for sunflowers.
▲ Shikisai-no-Oka (photo by Photo_misa3 @twitter)
In Biei and other parts of Hokkaido, you may spot lone trees or small houses on the hilly farmland that you’d like to approach for a photo. However, unless there is a clear footpath or trail, do not venture into the farmland. Firstly, the fields are privately owned, and secondly, you might contaminate the land. In recent years, incidents of tourists disturbing local farmers have become common, and in some cases, farm owners, fed up with the disturbances, have even cut down their “celebrity trees,” such as the Philosophical Tree, which is truly regrettable. Therefore, it’s recommended to always carry a telephoto lens to capture your desired shots from a distance.
▲ The Christmas Tree (photo by kikiprio @twitter)
▲ Farmland (photo by yoshihiro_abiko @twitter)
▲ Farmland (photo by yoshihiro_abiko @twitter)
▲ Forest in Morning Mist (photo by MattunPhoto @twitter)
▲ Red Roof House (photo by colorplus_official @IG)
▲ Lavender Field (photo by eosfived3 @twitter)
▲ Lavender Field (photo by yoshihiro_abiko @twitter)
▲ Shikisai-no-Oka (photo by mynameishandmade @IG)
▲ Shikisai-no-Oka (photo by u_champuru @IG)
Source: Shikisai-no-Oka