Biei flower fields and the Patchwork Road

What it is

Biei is a farming town a short way north of Furano. Its low hills are divided into fields of wheat, potatoes, beans and sunflowers, which makes a patchwork of colours through summer. Two signed circuits, the Patchwork Road and the Panorama Road, link viewpoints and a few famous lone trees. Flower gardens such as Shikisai-no-oka plant long curving bands of annuals across the slopes, from lupins and poppies in June to salvia, cockscomb and sunflowers in late summer. It pairs naturally with the lavender farms of Furano to make a flower route through central Hokkaido.

Before you go

• Rent a bicycle, ideally electric, at Biei station. The hills are steady.
• The crop fields are private working farms. Do not step into them for photographs.
• Allow a full day for both circuits.

The flowers you will see

Scarlet sageA bright bedding plant with spikes of red, white, or purple flowersLupinTall, spiky-flowered legumes grown for gardens, food, and soil healthCelosiaFlame-like flowers grown for food and garden colour

Also part of it, and being written: Helianthus annuus, Lavandula angustifolia.

Read more

BieiA Hokkaido town famous for its flower fields and rolling hills

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