A pure white canvas with a single tree standing alone: a scene anyone planning a Sapporo winter trip has dreamed of.
This is the story of the Biei Christmas Tree, the highlight of a Biei tour that stops countless travelers in their tracks, plus the romance and practical photo tips from our snowy trip with our child.
1. “All That Way for One Tree?”
Before a Biei tour, many people wonder whether driving three to four hours round trip just to see one tree is worth it.
Traveling with a child, I also worried about the long ride, and whether our child would cope with Sapporo’s cold, often below minus 10°C.
But my answer is this: you can only understand that stillness in person. When the scene you’ve only seen in photos unfolds before you, even the freezing air feels sweet.
2. A Landscape Where Time Stands Still
Driving through Biei’s rolling hills, you spot a lone, slender spruce standing tall in the distance. It’s named for its Christmas tree shape, though the official name hardly matters.
There are no decorations or lights, yet the contrast of white snow and blue
sky is dazzling enough. At sunset, the purple gradient behind the Biei Christmas Tree is beyond words.
3. Bus Tour, Taxi Tour or Rental Car?
The Biei Christmas Tree area is very hard to reach by public transport, and driving on snow can be risky, so most people join a tour. Each style has clear pros and cons.
Budget-friendly bus tour
* Pros: good value for up to two people; a comfortable ride from central Sapporo with a guide’s commentary and restaurant tips.
* Cons: only 15–20 minutes per stop, so there’s little time for photos, and group schedules make it hard to manage a child’s mood.
Private taxi tour
* Pros: just your family, so no need to worry if your child cries or gets tired; you can linger and the driver may show you hidden photo spots.
* Cons: it’s expensive, and booking in peak season is very hard.
Our choice
Traveling with a child, we chose a rental car to handle surprises, even though it was a stretch. A day’s rental was about 7,000 yen, so we rented for three days and avoided the crowds to get our own perfect shots.
4. Photo Tips for the Biei Christmas Tree
You can’t approach the tree because it stands on private land, so you shoot from the roadside. Here’s how to get great photos.
Dress boldly
The background is all white, so a white parka blends in. Bright red, blue or yellow clothes, scarves or gloves make a great accent.
Use a low angle
Hold the camera low and include lots of sky. Person, tree and vast sky together create drama.
Raise the exposure
Cameras read snow as too bright and underexpose. Raise exposure by +1.0 to +2.0 so the snow looks white, not gray.
5. Etiquette You Must Follow
Most of Biei’s beautiful scenery is private farmland.
* Never enter the fields: bacteria on shoes can harm crops, and you may crush crops sleeping under the snow.
* Don’t block the road: snowplows and local residents use it, so never stand in the middle of the road for a photo.
Traveler etiquette keeps these views beautiful for years to come.
6. Extra Special With Kids
For adults it’s a photo spot, but for our child it was the world’s biggest snow playground. Photos with the tree were great, but watching our child marvel at snow walls taller than an adult and giggle while touching the clean snow was the best part of the trip.
Pack plenty of snow boots and hand warmers. When the kids are warm, parents can enjoy the romance too.
The Biei Christmas Tree on a Sapporo Biei tour is more than a tree; it’s an icon of Sapporo’s winter.
Like that tree, shining brighter for being simple and standing out for being alone, I hope your winter trip is full of special memories.
Prices, hours and details in this post are from our visit in November 2025 and may have changed, so check the latest information before you go.
More Family Trips on Yans World
- Biei Shirahige Falls in Winter: Hokkaido’s Most Stunning Hidden Gem
- Hokkaido Soup Curry at Garaku Tomamu: Hotaru Street Food Guide for Families
- Otaru Sushi Guide: Why We Skipped Waraku and Found Toppi — No Wait, Better Value
Schedules and prices can change, so check the Japan National Tourism Organization before you go.