To fully enjoy the nature of Biei, a snow shoeing tour with a nature guide is definitely a recommendation. Daisetuzan National Park is located at the center of Hokkaido. I was guided to the Shirogane Forest at the base of the Tokachidake Mountains.

First, let’s take a look at the Blue River near the Shirogane hot spring.

The white and blue colors are beautiful sight that can only be seen during the winter.

From here, it is time for the snow shoes. They are a modern version of the traditional “kanjiki” and have heels that bend upwards. Walking on fresh powder snow is a joy.

We enter the forest.

The quiet Shirogane forest is covered with snow as far as the eye can see. It made me feel as if I can keep on walking endlessly.

Mr. Ogura from the Biei Shirogane Nature Club was my tour guide. He took me to places deep in the forest where it would be impossible without thorough knowledge of the area.

Mr. Ogura moved to Hokkaido 16 years ago. In 2002, he founded the Biei Shirogane Nature Club to tell visitors about the beauty of Biei and to educate them about the importance of protecting the environment and animals.

We walk towards the river

We arrived at the banks of the Blue River

Normally, the tour would be over here, but since the weather cleared, he drove me to a place with a great view of Biei.

The sunset

Though I was not able to captue it on camera, you can see foxes and deer if you are lucky.

As I was listening to Mr. Ogawa’s simple yet detailed talks during the tour, I was able to feel his love for the nature of Biei.
Now, let’s take a walk together among the ever-growing forest of white birch and the blue river.

■Biei Nature Club
Address: 〒071-0235 Shirogane Onsen, Biei, Kawakami-gun, Hokkaido
TEL：0166-94-3555
URL： https://www.nature-club.jp/