Biei Sparkling Hills Snowshoeing &
Cafe Time
Biei's snowy hills are usually private property... but as a Dohoku Local, you'll get special permission to enter and play to your heart's content! Afterwards, we'll warm up at a charming local cafe.
09:00 / 13:30 (2.5 hrs)
JR Biei Station
Feb 1st ~ Mid Mar
What is a snowshoe? Put simply, it’s like a big slipper that helps you to not sink into the snow! With snowshoes, you can walk over Hokkaido’s lovely powder snow and get up close to scenery that you usually may not be able to see in the summer.
For this experience, you’ll meet up with your Dohoku Local at JR Biei Station and drive out to a local farm. Biei's fields are covered in snow in the winter, creating a magical sight, but they are usually out-of-bounds to regular visitors. However, as Dohoku Locals, we have special permission from the farmer himself and we can enter the snowy hills! With our snowshoes, we'll be able to play in the snow to our heart's content.
The snow on this hill sparkles beautifully in the sunlight - and in the afternoons, the light hits it at such an angle that the sparkles appear to be multicoloured. We'll be able to walk up to the top of the hill and play in the snow as much as we want. You can make snow angels, have snow fights and your Dohoku Local may even bring along some games!
Once you've enjoyed Biei's wonderful winter, we'll head to a nearby cafe with amazing views across Biei's snowy scenery.* After warming up with a hot drink, we'll return to JR Biei Station to say our goodbyes.
*Subject to cafe's holidays. If the cafe is closed, we will visit a different cafe nearby.
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Please make sure you are dressed appropriately! In particular, waterproof and insulated pants are recommended.
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Snowshoe grips can damage soft shoes. Please avoid wearing shoes made of leather, suede or other soft materials. Dohoku Local bears no responsibility for damage to shoes that are not appropriate for this tour.
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The field we walk in may border a field that we do not have permission to enter. Please follow your Dohoku Local's instructions.
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There are no toilets, vending machines, convenience stores etc at the farm. Please use the facilities at or near JR Biei Station before the tour.
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If the cafe advertised is not available due to unscheduled closure, we will visit a nearby cafe instead.
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The walk will take place in snow but will be cancelled free of charge in the event of blizzards or dangerous winds.
Price (Per Person)
1 Person: ¥10,000
2 People+: ¥8,000
*Maximum 4 People, Minimum Age 12
Included
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Transportation (Free Service)
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Snowshoes & Poles
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Snow gaiters (if you need them)
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Hand-Warmers & other items to help you stay warm!
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One drink of your choice at the cafe
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Services of your Dohoku Local
Not Included
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Winter clothing (hats, gloves etc)
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Any additional food or drinks at the cafe
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 tour is 12 years and above due to snowshoe availability. Depending on your child's shoe size, this may be negotiable. 2. There are parts of the snowfield that we do not have permission to enter. Please follow your Dohoku Local's instructions. 3. If the planned cafe is closed, we will visit another nearby cafe instead. One drink will still be included. 4. 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. 5. Please let us know if you have any health or mobility issues that may affect you on this experience. 6. Aggressive or threatening behaviour towards your Dohoku Local or Biei townspeople will not be tolerated. 7. 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. 8. We reserve the right to cancel the reservation on the spot with no refund given if any of the T&C are breached. 9. 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.