Seven Stars Tree (セブンスターの木) is one of the iconic trees in the town of Biei that appeared in famous commercials. It is located at Kitaei in the town of Biei in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Seven Stars Tree |
Seven Stars Tree Details
Winter
The Seven Stars Tree, a renowned landmark in Biei, derives its name from its appearance on the packaging of a tourist cigarette brand in 1976. This striking tree, accompanied by a stunning row of white birch trees, has become a beloved spot for photographers and nature lovers alike, offering a picturesque beauty or fukei for memorable photos.
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| Seven Stars Tree - Biei town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Surrounding the Seven Stars Tree, the fields present a mesmerizing patchwork of colors, particularly breathtaking during early summer when flowers are in bloom and in midsummer when golden wheat sways gracefully in the breeze. The area is aptly named "Patchwork Road," as it features a variety of crops cultivated in each section, creating a vibrant and colorful landscape that embodies the essence of Biei.
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| Patchwork Road in winter |
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| Aside from Seven Stars Tree, you would see the row of white birch trees (白樺並木) along Patchwork Road |
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| The Backpack Adventures checks out the 白樺並木 |
In winter, the scene transforms dramatically. The bare trees stand tall and serene against the vast expanse of white snow, offering a stark yet beautiful contrast to the summer's lush greenery. This seasonal shift highlights the unique beauty and harshness of northern Japan's landscapes, inviting visitors to appreciate the changing environment.
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| The snow is slowly melting. In a few weeks, it will already be spring. |
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| The view of the mountain range between Biei and Ashibetsu City |
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| There is a parking lot just in front of the Seven Stars Tree with this picturesque "fukei" view |
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| Kobayashi Kotora’s Poem Monument (小林考虎の歌碑) |
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| Seven Stars Tree information board |
As with many popular tourist spots, the Seven Stars Tree can get quite busy at certain times of day. Tourists flock to the area, often creating congested conditions with buses, rental cars, and pedestrians sharing the road. This increased traffic heightens the risk of accidents, so it’s crucial for visitors to maintain a safe distance between vehicles and practice vigilant driving. During peak agricultural seasons, larger farming vehicles frequently travel through the area. While the sprawling wheat fields provide a quintessential summer vista, it’s essential to avoid walking into the fields to ensure the safe movement of these vehicles.
Seven Stars Tree in winter
Facilities near the Seven Stars Tree are limited, with few restrooms or parking areas available. To enhance your experience, make sure to plan ahead. It’s advisable to use restrooms before arriving, as options in the vicinity may be sparse. Furthermore, if you’re visiting during weekends, holidays, or busy seasons such as Obon, expect larger crowds. To enjoy a more serene experience, try to visit during less popular times or consider exploring alternate locations nearby.
Team Nicerio visits the Seven Stars Tree
My family and I visited Seven Stars Tree last March 21, 2023, during our Vernal Equinox Holiday Road Trip. It was my 505th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. The Seven Stars Tree was our first destination during the said trip. Since we visited when the snow was just melting, the tree’s leaves were still growing. Regardless, the snow covering most of the fields behind the tree became an amazing backdrop to the iconic tree. I’m looking forward to revisiting the Seven Stars Tree in the future and hopefully, we get to visit during summer or autumn to see the difference.
Seven Stars Tree Admission Fee
Entry to the Seven Stars Tree area is completely FREE, and there’s also a free parking area nearby. Just a heads up: flying drones in this region is not allowed unless you have obtained permission and prior approval for unmanned aerial vehicle operation from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, as well as consent from the local landowner.
Seven Stars Tree Operating Hours
The Seven Stars Tree area is accessible 24/7. However, please be aware that it can be quite dark at night and wild animals may be present.
Why visit the Seven Stars Tree?
The Seven Stars Tree is not just a visual spectacle; it encapsulates the beauty of Biei’s landscapes and the seasonal transformations that define this northern region of Japan. By being mindful of safety and planning your visit thoughtfully, you can fully immerse yourself in the charm and tranquility of this iconic site. Whether you're an avid photographer or simply seeking a moment of peace in nature, the Seven Stars Tree is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Getting to Seven Stars Tree
From Sapporo City
To reach the Seven Stars Tree from Sapporo Station, follow these steps:
Take the JR Furano Line: Start by taking a JR train from Sapporo Station to Asahikawa Station. The journey on the limited express train takes about 1.5 hours.
Transfer at Asahikawa Station: From Asahikawa, transfer to a local train on the JR Furano Line bound for Biei Station. This leg of the journey takes about 30 minutes.
Arrive at Biei Station: Once at Biei Station, you can take a taxi or rent a bicycle to reach the Seven Stars Tree, located a few kilometers outside town. A taxi ride will take about 15 minutes.
Alternatively, you can join a local sightseeing bus or tour that stops at popular spots around Biei, including the Seven Stars Tree, for a more guided experience.
From Asahikawa City
To reach the Seven Stars Tree from Asahikawa Station, here’s how you can go:
Take the JR Furano Line to Biei Station: From Asahikawa Station, board a local JR Furano Line train heading towards Biei. The train ride takes about 30 minutes.
Arrive at Biei Station: Once you reach Biei Station, you have a couple of options to get to the Seven Stars Tree:
- Taxi: A quick and easy option is to take a taxi from Biei Station to the Seven Stars Tree. It’s about a 15-minute ride.
- Bicycle Rental: During warmer months, you can rent a bicycle at Biei Station and enjoy a scenic ride to the tree, which is located a few kilometers away.
- Sightseeing Bus: Some seasonal sightseeing buses also stop at the Seven Stars Tree and other nearby landmarks.
With these options, you’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful landscapes around Biei on your way to the Seven Stars Tree.
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