Set against the rolling hills of Biei, the Panoramic Flower Gardens Shikisai-no-oka (四季彩の丘) burst into waves of color that seem to stretch forever, creating a dreamlike playground for kids to explore, run, and imagine. Families visiting Shikisai no Oka Biei can wander through endless flower fields that showcase the natural beauty of Hokkaido, from lavender and tulips to sunflowers and dahlias. Much like the famous Furano Farm Tomita (ファーム富田), this colorful landscape offers families the chance to plan their visit around seasonal bloom patterns, tickets, and opening hours that change throughout the year.
As you plan your trip to Asahikawa, Furano or Biei, this guide is a great place to start! Begin with our Best Things to Do in Asahikawa, Furano & Biei with Kids guide for family-friendly fun along the canal, local museums, sweet shops, and seaside walks. You can also explore our Sapporo with Kids Hub to find more Hokkaido ideas, day trips, and family adventures across the region. For even more inspiration across Japan, browse our Ultimate Guide to Family Attractions in Japan with Kids for theme parks, cultural highlights, nature escapes, and hands-on experiences.
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Why Panoramic Flower Gardens Shikisai-no-oka is Great for Families with Kids
- The vast open fields and rolling hills create a natural playground where kids can freely run, roll, and explore in a safe, colorful landscape.
- Families love hopping aboard the Shikisai Norokko tractor bus or renting golf buggies to cruise through the flower gardens, a highlight for little ones who enjoy adventure on wheels.
- With seasonal changes that transform the scenery, each visit feels new, from blooming lavender and sunflowers in summer to snow play and sledding in winter.
- A small alpaca farm within the grounds lets kids feed and meet these fluffy animals, adding a fun and interactive moment to the visit.
- Between photo stops and playtime, everyone enjoys local Biei treats, especially the creamy soft-serve ice cream made with fresh milk.
Parent Insight: Outdoor spaces like Shikisai-no-oka invite kids to engage all their senses, running through soft grass, spotting flower patterns, and breathing in fresh air. Letting them wander and observe at their own pace nurtures curiosity, mindfulness, and a lasting connection to nature.
Best Things to Do at Shikisai-no-oka with Kids
- Ride the Norokko Tractor Bus: Families can climb aboard this colorful tractor-pulled wagon for a scenic ride through the flower fields. It’s a fun and easy way for kids to see the gardens without tiring their legs.
- Explore the Flower Fields on Foot: Wander among endless rows of tulips, poppies, sunflowers, and lavender. Kids love spotting different colors and shapes, it feels like walking through a rainbow.
- Visit the Alpaca Farm: Stop by the small animal area to meet the friendly alpacas. Children can feed them safely and giggle at their funny hairstyles, a perfect break from the flowers.
- Try the Buggies or Carts: For a bit of adventure, families can rent small electric carts to drive through the fields. It’s especially fun for older kids who enjoy steering with a parent.
- Enjoy Local Hokkaido Snacks: After exploring, grab soft-serve ice cream made from Biei milk or seasonal melon, or try a quick bite at the on-site café overlooking the hills.
- Winter Snow Activities: In colder months, the gardens transform into a snowy playground with snowmobiles, sleds, and snow rafts for families to enjoy together.
Practical Tips for Visiting Shikisai-no-oka with Kids
- Cost: ¥ – ¥500 high school and older; ¥300 junior high/elementary students; Free for under elementary children.
- Buggies: One-seater buggies (¥800) let parents or teens enjoy a short circuit of the White Birch Garden.
- Carts: Four-seater carts (¥2,500 / 15 min) allow families to freely drive around the flower gardens together.
- Winter Activities: Snow Raft rides (¥1,200 per person) and Snowmobile tours (¥1,800–¥42,800 per person, depending on course length 1-40 km) are available; note that drivers must be 16+, and children under 102 cm can’t ride.
- Best Age Range: All ages, when kids can explore freely and enjoy the interactive rides.
- Stroller-Friendly?: Partially, as the main walkways are wide, but some paths are uneven or sloped. A stroller with large wheels or a carrier is recommended for infants.
- Rest Areas: Plenty of benches, shaded gazebos, and covered seating throughout the grounds make it easy to rest between walks.
- Food: On-site restaurant and snack stalls offer Hokkaido favorites like curry rice, soft-serve ice cream, and melon treats.
Best Time to Visit Shikisai-no-oka with Kids
The best time to visit Shikisai-no-oka with kids is in the morning during summer or early autumn, when the light is soft, crowds are lighter, and the flower fields are in full bloom. From June to September, families can enjoy colorful rows of tulips, lavender, and sunflowers, while the cooler October skies bring golden hues over the hills of Biei.
Spring introduces early flowers and mild weather, ideal for stroller walks and gentle exploration, while winter transforms the fields into a snow playground with sleds and snowmobiles.
For year-round planning, explore our Japan Seasonal Guides for Families, including detailed resources for spring, summer, autumn, winter, and our full Best Time to Visit Japan with Kids guide.
How Long to Spend at Shikisai-no-oka with Kids
Plan to spend about 1–2 hours at Shikisai-no-oka with kids, enough time to ride the tractor bus, explore the flower fields, and stop for ice cream or photos without feeling rushed. Families who plan to visit the alpaca farm or rent buggies or carts may want to stay a little longer to enjoy the full experience at a relaxed pace.
For toddlers and younger kids, 60–90 minutes is often ideal before nap time or overstimulation sets in. School-age children can easily spend 2–3 hours exploring, especially if they enjoy animal encounters, rides, or taking photos among the flowers. During winter, allow extra time for snowmobile or raft activities, as courses can run longer depending on conditions and family participation.
How to Get to Shikisai-no-oka with Kids
- By Train: Take the JR Furano Line to Bibaushi Station, then a 30-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride to the gardens.
- By Bus: Seasonal sightseeing buses run between Biei Station and nearby attractions, including Shikisai-no-oka. However, schedules vary by season, so confirm departure times locally or at the Biei tourist information center.
- By Car: Driving is the most convenient option for families, especially those traveling with strollers or winter gear. The gardens are about 30 minutes from Asahikawa Airport or 2.5 hours from Sapporo.
- Special Note: Roads leading into Biei are scenic but can be winding, so plan extra time for photo stops along the Patchwork Road and Panorama Road routes, both offer stunning family-friendly viewpoints.
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Hop on the Norokko tractor bus and see who can count the most colors in the flower rows along the ride. It’s like a moving rainbow hunt through the hills of Biei!
If your trip includes bullet trains, don’t miss our Shinkansen With Kids guide for tips on seats, luggage, and navigating stations with little travelers. Parents comparing rail options can also see our Japan Rail Pass Guide to understand when the pass is worth it for families. And if you want stress-free station transfers, our Japan Luggage Delivery Guide explains how to send suitcases ahead so your family can travel light and move easily between cities.
Family-Friendly Hotels Near Shikisai-no-oka in Biei
- Luxury
- La Vista Furano Hills – About 35 minutes by car from Shikisai-no-oka. A stylish onsen hotel with mountain views, family suites, and free late-night ramen, a fun surprise for kids.
- Hotel La Vista Daisetsuzan – Around 45 minutes by car. Surrounded by forest near Asahidake, this serene retreat offers private family baths and cozy lodge-style rooms, perfect for winding down after exploring Biei.
- Shin Furano Prince Hotel – Approximately 50 minutes by car. This well-known resort features ski slopes in winter and easy access to Furano’s flower farms in summer, ideal for families wanting both nature and comfort.
- Mid-Range
- OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts – Roughly 40 minutes by car. A family-favorite urban base with playful design touches, on-site cafés, and daily activities. Great if you plan to explore Asahikawa Zoo or other Hokkaido highlights.
- Hotel Taisetsu – About 1 hour by car from Shikisai-no-oka, nestled in Sounkyo Gorge. Offers spacious Japanese-style rooms, multiple hot springs, and buffet dining that appeals to kids and parents alike.
- Budget
- JR INN Asahikawa – Around 40 minutes by car from Shikisai-no-oka, directly connected to the station and AEON Mall. Clean, modern, and incredibly convenient for families using public transport.
- Hotel WBF Grande Asahikawa – Approximately 40 minutes by car. Modern rooms, large public baths, and an on-site restaurant make it a reliable and affordable family base for exploring Biei and Furano.
- Asahidake Onsen Yumoto Wakukomaso – About 1 hour by car. Traditional ryokan with natural hot springs and a peaceful mountain setting, a cozy option for families wanting a rustic Hokkaido stay.
Finding the right base can make exploring Hokkaido easier and more enjoyable with kids. Our Best Family Hotels in Japan guide highlights family-friendly stays across the country, from modern hotels with spacious rooms to cozy ryokan and hot spring retreats. If you’re still choosing which Hokkaido destinations to include in your trip, explore our family guides to Sapporo, Otaru, Hakodate, Asahikawa, Furano & Biei for ideas on what to see, do, and experience with kids.
Family-Friendly Attractions Near Shikisai-no-oka
- Blue Pond (Aoiike) – This striking turquoise pond looks almost magical, especially on sunny days. It’s an easy walk from the parking area and a favorite photo spot for families.
- Farm Tomita – One of Hokkaido’s most famous flower farms, known for its vivid lavender fields and family-friendly paths. Kids love the fragrance area and soft-serve ice cream shop.
- Shirahige Waterfall – Located near Shirogane Onsen, this beautiful white waterfall flows into the same blue stream that feeds the Blue Pond. Kids love watching the mist rise between the trees.
- Ningle Terrace – A fairy-tale wooden village tucked into the forest near the New Furano Prince Hotel. Kids can wander the small craft huts and spot twinkling lights at dusk.
- Furano Cheese Factory – A fun, hands-on stop where families can watch cheese-making and taste local dairy products. There’s even an ice cream and pizza-making experience for kids.
- Ueno Farm (The Gnomes’ Garden) – A whimsical English-style garden filled with seasonal flowers, wooden bridges, and hidden gnome scavenger hunt, perfect for a gentle walk with kids.
- Kawamura Kaneto Ainu Memorial Museum – An educational visit where families can learn about Hokkaido’s Indigenous Ainu culture through artifacts, tools, and guided stories.
- Asahikawa Science Museum – A highly interactive space where kids can experiment, build, and explore exhibits on air, light, and motion. Great for a rainy day near Asahikawa.
- Asahiyama Zoo – A top-rated zoo in Hokkaido featuring interactive animal exhibits and playful viewing tunnels. Perfect for a half-day family outing paired with nearby Shikisai-no-oka.
- Patchwork Road – A scenic drive through Biei’s rolling farmland, famous for its checkerboard-style fields and wide-open viewpoints. Kids can play “color bingo” spotting different shades across the hills.
If you’re mapping out your wider Japan route, start with our Japan 14-Day Family Itinerary for a balanced mix of major cities, culture, and kid-friendly highlights. Families comparing trip lengths often find it helpful to look at multiple options, including classic 7-day and 10-day Japan itineraries that show how to pace Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka with kids.
For even more support planning your trip, our Japan Family-Friendly Travel Hub brings together every city guide, attraction, and resource in one place, while our Planning a Family Trip to Japan and Japan Budget Family Travel Tips guides help parents navigate budgets, routes, and practical details.
FAQs: Visiting Shikisai-no-oka with Kids
Here are quick answers to common questions families ask when planning a visit to Panoramic Flower Gardens Shikisai-no-oka with kids, covering everything from tickets and best times to visit to stroller access, food options, and nearby attractions in Biei, and for full details on rides, see the official website.
A: The Panoramic Flower Gardens Shikisai-no-oka are open year-round, with seasonal hours as follows:
– January: 8:40 AM – 4:30 PM
– February – April: 9:10 AM – 5:00 PM
– May/October: 8:40 AM – 5:00 PM
– June – September: 8:40 AM – 5:30 PM
– November – December: 9:10 AM – 4:30 PM
A: Admission to Panoramic Flower Gardens Shikisai-no-oka costs ¥500 for high school and older, ¥300 for elementary and junior high students, and free for children under elementary school age. Additional activities, like the tractor bus, carts, and snow rides, have separate fees ranging from ¥800 to ¥2,500.
A: The best time to visit Shikisai-no-oka with kids is from June to September, when the flower fields are in full bloom with lavender, tulips, and sunflowers. Spring and autumn offer milder weather, while winter brings snow play. Mornings are ideal for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
A: To reach Panoramic Flower Gardens Shikisai-no-oka by public transport, take the JR Furano Line to BibaushiStation, then a 30-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride to the gardens. Seasonal sightseeing buses also operate between Biei Station and Shikisai-no-oka, but schedules vary by season.
A: Shikisai-no-oka is partially stroller-friendly. The main paths are wide and mostly flat, but some gravel and slope areas can be tricky for lightweight strollers. Families with infants may find a baby carrier more comfortable for navigating uneven sections of the flower fields.
A: Yes! Panoramic Flower Gardens Shikisai-no-oka offers family-friendly rides like the Norokko tractor bus, self-drive buggies, and four-seater carts for exploring the fields. Kids also love the alpaca farm, soft-serve ice cream stand, and snow activities such as sledding and snowmobile rides in winter.
A: Most families spend about 1–2 hours at Panoramic Flower Gardens Shikisai-no-oka, enough time to enjoy the tractor bus ride, visit the alpaca farm, and explore the flower fields at a relaxed pace. Families joining rides or winter activities may want to stay up to 3 hours.
A: Yes, parking is available directly in front of Panoramic Flower Gardens Shikisai-no-oka, making it easy for families with strollers or winter gear. Spaces are plentiful during most of the year, though it’s best to arrive early during the summer flower season.
Until Next Time…
For families visiting Hokkaido, Panoramic Flower Gardens Shikisai-no-oka is more than just a stop on the map, it’s a place where color, imagination, and laughter blend across the hills of Biei. Whether it’s watching the tractor bus roll through waves of lavender, sharing ice cream under the summer sky, or giggling at alpacas in the breeze, every corner of these fields offers a reason to slow down and see nature through your children’s eyes. Families may come for the flowers, but they leave with a new appreciation for the simple joy of open skies and endless space to explore together.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
