Nature Experiences in Biei, Hokkaido
Biei, with its long rolling hills, belongs to the association of "the most beautiful villages in Japan", and travellers come for the Patchwork Road and the Blue Pond. Here's an argument for adding one real experience to a trip built around those views.
There is more to Biei than the hills
The standard way to see Biei is to drive the hills. But the hills aren't the whole story. Rivers run through this area, forest spreads out across it, and there is a landscape of water and green that most visitors never step into.
If touring the hills is time spent looking at Biei from the outside, then a trip on the river is time spent inside it. Do both, and Biei stops being a postcard.
Biei from the water
HOO runs the Biei Relax Downriver, a relaxed boat trip down a river in the Biei area.
The view from water level is nothing like the one from a car window or a viewpoint. Surrounded by the sound of the current, you get to take in Biei's nature quietly. It also fits neatly between stops on a day of touring the hills.
Fitting it around your sightseeing
- Lock in the experience first. River trips have set start times, so book yours and build the hill drives around it.
- Allow plenty of travel time. Biei's sights are spread out. Give yourself room so you're not rushing to the meeting point.
- Expect the weather to have a say. Whether a trip runs depends on the weather and river conditions, so a rough plan B is worth having.
Booking and enquiries
The Biei Relax Downriver takes bookings from 2 people. See the activity page for pricing. The meeting point, duration and what to bring are all shared when you book.
To reserve, use the booking form. If you'd like to talk through your itinerary first, just get in touch.
Ready to experience Furano?
FuranoFURANO
Furano Relax Downriver
Our flagship river activity: a boat trip down the rivers of Furano, taking in the scenery from water level alongside an experienced guide.
- Price
- JPY 7,700per person, tax included
- Minimum group size
- From 2 people