Take a walk in Biei's hills with a local and they will show you so much more than just the stunning scenery!
JR Biei Station
May ~ Late Oct
2.5 Hrs (3.5 w/ extension)
May - Aug: 08:00 / 14:00
Sep - Oct: 09:00 / 13:00
Join a local for a walk in Biei's wonderful hills! This route is about 5km in total so you'll have to have good energy, but we'll take the pace nice and slow and you'll have some breaks along the way. You will climb a very steep hill to the Hokusei Hill view point, where we'll take a quick break to enjoy the panoramic views of Biei (and enjoy an ice cream, if you wish!)
Along the way, your Dohoku Local will point out so much more to you than just the scenery. You'll learn about how Biei's famous "Patchwork Hills" came to be as a result of hardworking farmers. You'll see crops in the fields up close and even pass the potato factory of a popular Japanese snack manufacturer! If luck is on our side, we may also get to see some of Hokkaido's wild animals along the way, such as many species of birds, red foxes or perhaps even hares.
In summer, the flower garden at Hokusei Hill blooms with seasonal flowers like lupines, lavender or marigolds. Don't forget your camera so that you can capture many magical memories as we explore!
If you still have the energy, you have the option to extend the tour by about 30-60mins to visit the popular Tree of Ken and Mary! Are you up to the challenge...?
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Please make sure you are wearing comfortable footwear suitable for long-distance walking.
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We will walk on main roads and as there is no sidewalk, parents must hold young children's hands at all times.
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There are no toilets or places to sit until we reach Hokusai Hill. You will need good stamina and a basic level of fitness to join this experience.
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We can provide you with rental sun hats and rain ponchos if you do not have your own,
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The walk will take place in light rain but will be cancelled free of charge in the event of heavy rain, typhoon or thunderstorm forecasts.
Price (Per Person)
1 Person: ¥7,500
2 People+: ¥5,000
*Maximum 4 People, Minimum Age 6
Included
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Services of your Dohoku Local
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Sun hats and ponchos (please let us know in advance if you'd like to borrow them)
Not Included
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Transportation (we will walk)
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Food or drink at Hokusei Hill
*Please make sure you wear comfortable shoes for this tour. Non-cotton socks are also advised to prevent blisters.
Terms & Conditions
We know, it's boring.
But if you'd like to join an experience, there are some particulars.
We appreciate your taking the time to read this before booking!
1. The minimum age for this experience is 6 years and above but your child must be happy to walk fairly long distances without sitting down. If your child is small enough to be carried, that's no problem! 2. If you live in Japan and wish to bring your pet with you on this walk, you may. However, pet owners must take responsibility for their animal's behaviour at all times, including cleaning up their toilet mess, keeping them off of private land and their reactions to vehicles and other pedestrians. Dohoku Local cannot be held responsible for accidents or incidents involving your pet. 3. This experience sticks to asphalt roads. We do not enter agricultural fields as they are private property. Trespassing despite warnings is grounds to terminate the experience on-site. 4. If you are feeling tired and wish to terminate the tour at Hokusei Hill and return to central Biei via taxi, this is no problem! Your guide will call a taxi for you. However, you must pay the return taxi fee by yourself on site (Biei's taxis only accept cash). 5. Bookings are accepted a minimum of 24 hours in advance. Unfortunately we cannot accept bookings later than this. The online system only allows for bookings 3 days in advance, so for bookings sooner than this, please reach out to us via our contact form. 6. Please let us know if you have any health or mobility issues that may affect you on this experience. 7. Aggressive or threatening behaviour towards your Dohoku Local or Biei townspeople will not be tolerated. 8. The participant accepts that they bear responsibility for any accident or injury, except for those caused by negligence or poor behaviour on the part of their Dohoku Local. 9. We reserve the right to cancel the reservation on the spot with no refund given if any of the T&C are breached. 10. Cancellation Policy: Full refund if cancelled by you, the participant, more than 24 hours before the experience. 100% cancellation fee if cancelled within 24 hours of the experience. Unfortunately we do not accept illness or injury as mitigating circumstances. If we have to cancel the experience due to unforeseen circumstances on Dohoku Local's end, a full refund will be given.