Biei Hills - 360-Degree Starry Sky Panorama Spread Across the Rolling Terrain of Hokkaido in Japan

Overview

Biei Town is a rolling terrain located in central Hokkaido, south of Asahikawa City. The unique landscape of rolling hills is nationally famous as "Patchwork Road" and "Panorama Road," but at night, this vast rolling terrain transforms into an excellent stargazing spot.

Observation Environment

The charm of Biei Hills lies in its vastness. With little obstruction to the view from buildings or trees, a 360-degree panorama extends near the horizon. The elevation is about 400 meters, which is not particularly high, but being a rural farming area somewhat removed from Asahikawa city, light pollution is kept relatively low.

Particularly in the rolling terrain of the southern and eastern parts of town, dark conditions are maintained, and the faint light of the Milky Way can be seen with the naked eye. On the Bortle scale, it is about class 3, significantly better observation conditions compared to urban areas.

Recommended Observation Points

There are several famous photography spots in Biei, but for stargazing, the rolling terrain in the southeastern part of town is suitable. The common style is to park the car along straight roads running between farmland and observe.

In summer, you can enjoy the collaboration of green fields or flowers with the starry sky; in winter, the combination of snowy fields and starry sky. However, trespassing on farmland without permission is strictly prohibited. Observe from roadsides or public parking spaces.

Access and Usage Information

About 20 minutes by car from Asahikawa Airport; rental car is convenient from JR Biei Station. There are numerous pensions and hotels in Biei Town, accommodating longer stays.

Observation Tips

Biei is located in the interior of Hokkaido, so even in summer, temperatures drop at night. From fall through spring, cold weather protection is essential. Also, surrounded by farmland, insects are abundant in summer, so be sure to bring insect repellent spray.

As a point for star landscape photography, compositions combining Biei's iconic trees (near the site of the "Philosopher's Tree," the "Christmas Tree," etc.) with the starry sky are popular. However, always respect the rules of private land.