Japan's northernmost prefecture Hokkaido is immensely popular with travellers and sightseers not only during the winter season but in the summertime too.   If you have never heard of Biei before then we guarantee you'll want to make it your next travel destination. Located roughly at the heart of Hokkaido, the town of Biei is nothing short of majestic when it comes to its natural scenery for which it is treasured greatly. It also goes by the name "Town of Hills."   We are joined by Mirina who travels around Hokkaido and posts the sights she sees on her Instagram page. Here are some of the must-visit places located in Biei using photos kindly provided by Mirina.  

Patchwork Road

These are the kind of beautiful sloping hills you can expect your eyes to roll across when visiting Biei. The hills connect to many different locations bearing their own colours of nature. Biei's hilly area is known as "Patchwork Road," and as its name suggests, it looks just like patchwork.   ▼Patchwork Road Address: Hokuei, Kamikawa District, Biei, Hokkaido Time: Sunrise to sunset Biei Official Website: https://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/en/    

Shirogane Blue Pond

Shirogane Blue Pond can be reached by car or Dohoku bus from JR Biei Station in 20 minutes. People flock to this place every year to see the enchanting blue colour of the pond's surface. The way you see the colour also changes depending on the weather, so we recommend going one afternoon when the weather is good.   ▼Shirogane Blue Pond Address: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido Official Website: https://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/en/sightseeing/shirogane-blue-pond/    

Seven Stars Tree

Seven Stars Tree can be reached by car in 13 minutes from JR Biei Station. It gets its name from having appeared on the packaging for Seven Star cigarettes. Mirina's photo was taken by the nearby white birches. She also took one as the sun set. The pink evening sky is an equally beautiful sight to behold next to the green spectacle during the day.   ▼Seven Stars Tree Address: Hokuei, Kamikawa District, Biei, Hokkaido Opening Hours: Sunrise to sunset (Light-up runs until 21:00) Official Website: https://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/en/sightseeing/sevn-stars-tree/    

Shikisai No Oka

The Shikisai no Oka flower park is 12 minutes by car from JR Biei Station and a 25-minute walk from Bibaushi Station. When summer rolls around, the fields bloom rainbows of flowers. During winter you can enjoy riding snowmobiles across the snowy hills. This photo was taken in June and showcases the nemophilia beds. During summer break you can expect to see dianthus, scarlet sage, marigolds, sunflowers, and more. Every spot on the flower fields looks picturesque.   ▼Shikisai No Oka Address: Shinsei-daisan, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido Opening Hours: Dependent upon season, please check the website for more details Official Website: https://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/en/sightseeing/shikisai-no-oka-flower-park/    

Rubeshibe no Oka

The hills of Rubeshibe are a sightseeing spot not yet known to a lot of people. They're just a 5-minute car ride from JR Biei Station. Rubeshibe comes from the Ainu language and means "the marshy road that leads down from the mountain." From here you can see the fields and roads of Biei, and beyond Mount Tokachi, Mount Tomuraushi and more.   ▼Rubeshibe no Oka Address: Rubeshibe, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido Biei Official Website: https://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/en/visit/observationfacility/    

The Sunsets of Biei

If you're visiting Biei then you can't leave without witnessing its breathtaking sunsets. The colours of the late afternoon sky offer a much different experience to that during the day. It really is a picturesque world.   Mirina has countless other photos of must-see sightseeing spots from around Hokkaido over on her Instagram page. You should definitely check it out if you're thinking of travelling there for some amazing location recommendations.   Photos: Mirina Nishio

Shiretoko Peninsula was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 and is the northernmost location in Japan to have been so. Even in a place such as Hokkaido, which strikes all with its marvellous natural landscape, Shiretoko is said to be home to many secluded locations. Many of these have not been touched by the hands of man―they have been left as they are―and so one can discover sights, animals and much more that they cannot anywhere else.   We are joined by Mirina, an Instagrammer who posts her experiences travelling to Hokkaido's many sightseeing spots located in pockets of nature. She has provided us with photos of her trip to the Shiretoko Peninsula and its must-see spots.  

The Shiretoko Five Lakes

The Shiretoko Five Lakes are situated inside an old-growth forest from which you can admire the grand Shiretoko mountain range in the back. Many wild animals live here such as the brown bear and black woodpecker. The view is one would expect from a World Heritage Site, with gorgeous scenery to soak up in every direction.   ▶︎The Shiretoko Five Lakes Address: Onnebetsumura, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido Shiretoko Shari Machi Sightseeing Website: https://www.goko.go.jp/multilingual_eng/index.html  

Turtle Rock (Cape Chashikotsu)

Cape Chashikotsu, located on the Utoronishi side, can be seen from Shari and looks just like a giant turtle which is where it gets its nickname "Turtle Rock" from.   ▶︎Turtle Rock (Cape Chashikotsu) Address: Utoronishi, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido  

Oshinkoshin Waterfall

Oshinkoshin Waterfall is listed as one of Shiretoko's "8 Sights." This towering waterfall rolls down the rocks and splits into two separate waterfalls halfway down which has given it the nickname "Two Beautiful Falls." The are stairs that enable you to walk beside the waterfall halfway up, letting you get nice and close to the water. There is also an observation deck atop the waterfall from which you can see many sights such as the Sea of Okhotsk and Shiretoko mountain range. The waterfall is also listed as one of Japan's top 100 waterfalls.   ▶︎Oshinkoshin Waterfall Address: Utoronishi, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido Shiretoko Shari Machi Sightseeing Website: https://www.goko.go.jp/multilingual_eng/index.html  

The Road To Heaven

This long stretch of road spans 18km and has been dubbed the "Road To Heaven" as when observed from uphill looks like it disappears into the clouds. Situated on one side of the farmlands, one can enjoy a quiet and breathtaking view of the road. It's also a popular road with bikers and travellers riding bicycles. It's also a must-see from the observation deck close by.   ▶︎The Road To Heaven (Japanese Name: 天に続く道) Address: Minehama, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido Shiretoko Shari Machi Sightseeing Website: https://www.goko.go.jp/multilingual_eng/index.html     Did you enjoy this list? There are countless places to visit in Japan, and some of the best are the quiet, secluded ones. If you get the opportunity to visit Hokkaido, put the Shiretoko Peninsula on your list of must-visit places.

Hokkaido is a popular tourist destination for Japanese people as well as foreigners. During the winter, it is the perfect place to go skiing and during the summer, you will not suffer under sweltering heat like the rest of Japan. Hokkaido not only flourishes with wonderful tourist locations and delicious gourmet seafood, but also beautiful and stylish cafés.   In this feature, we are joined by Instagrammer Kei whose page is centred around cafes in Sapporo, Hokkaido. They have provided us with photos of desserts made with peaches which can be enjoyed right now before summertime ends.  

Initial Sapporo in Susukino

Parfait Pêche - ¥1,700

Sapporo cafe Initial was ahead of the parfait game before the boom in Japan. Right now they are selling two new parfaits: one made with melon and the other with peach. They are being served until the end of August. The parfait is topped with sweet sliced peaches underneath which sits refreshing milk flavoured soft serve ice cream for a heavenly combination. The yogurt mousse elevates the sweetness of the peaches and goes well with the sprinkle of black pepper. There's even Parmesan cheese which tastes gorgeous with everything. No matter where you stick your spoon in this parfait your taste buds will be treated with delight.   ▼Initial Address: DRESS 2F, 5-Chome-36 Minami 3 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido Opening Hours: [Weekdays] 17:00-Midnight / [Weekends & Public Holidays] 14:00-Midnight (Last Orders 23:30) No Fixed Holidays Access: 5-minutes on foot from Susukino Station and Ōdōri Station Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/INITIAL.sapporo/  

Gohanya Cafe Miyabi in Kita 24 Jo

Whole Peach & Royal Milk Tea - ¥1,380

The seasonal parfait at Gohanya Cafe Miyabi right now is the Whole Peach & Royal Milk Tea. It's served with an entire plump peach on top which is best enjoyed by cutting and eating bit by bit until it drops into the glass. The peaches they use are refreshing and really delicious♡ Tea is the main component of this parfait and that too was super refreshing. It also includes a framboise sorbet which add satisfying sour notes, and the cookies and other hidden treats add a multitude of tasty textures.   ▼Gohanya Cafe Miyabi Address: E-COUR24 1F, 3-Chome-1-1 Kita 24 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido Opening Hours: Lunch 11:00-15:00 / Cafe Time 15:00-17:30 / Dinner 17:30-21:00 (Last Orders 20:00) Closed: Thursdays Access: 150 meters from Kita-Nijūyo-Jō Station Official Website: https://miyabi-sapporo.shopinfo.jp/  

TSURU CAFE in Miyanomori

Flavour Soft Peach - ¥830

TSURU CAFE is a stylish and popular little cafe that is selling its new Flavour Soft Peach for a limited time. The syrup is this parfait is in fact made from red shiso leaf. Inside you will find a tower of peach compote, soft serve ice cream, meringue, and the syrup.   The milky ice cream is a a magical mix together with the peach compote. The crunchy meringue is simply melt-in-your-mouth too♡   The syrup has that distinct red shiso fragrance but it tastes sweet and so makes an amazing flavour. The shiso will no longer be served once sales of this dessert finish, so you'll want to get in there ASAP!   ▼TSURU CAFE Address: 5-Chome-2-8 Miyanomori 2 Jo, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido Opening Hours: [Mon-Sat] 10:00-20:00 / [Sun & Holidays] 10:00-19:00 Closed: Wednesdays Access: 500 meters from Nishi-Nijūhatchōme Station Official Blog: http://tsurucafe.jugem.jp/  

KAJITSU_CLUB in Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Peach & Hokkaido Soft Cream - ¥600

KAJITSU_CLUB is located in the Beats Eats are on the basement floor of PARCO. You can order the ice cream of this peachy parfait as vanilla, yogurt or mixed. I went with mixed.   The fresh peaches are so good! The soft serve ice cream is nice and sweet and there's also a sour yogurt flavour. The flavours might be simple but the quality is high.   ▼KAJITSU_CLUB Address: PARCO B2F, 3-Chome-3 Minami 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00 No Fixed Holidays Access: Directly connected to the Ōdōri Station subway Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kajitsu_club/  

SHIRAYUKI in Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Momomo - ¥600

Available this August only, SHIRAYUKI's new bottled drink is made of half frozen peach smoothie and half jelly and Hokkaido milk. This combination is match made in heaven! They come with a bag if you want to order for takeout too.   SHIRAYUKI Address: Sapporo Aiseikan Bldg., 5-Chome Minami 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido Opening Hours: 12:30-19:00 No Fixed Holidays Access: 5-minutes on foot from Ōdōri Station Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shirayuki.hokkaido/  

Pâtisserie LEEMO in Shinkotonicho

Whole Peach Parfait - ¥1,350 (*Only 20 available per day)

Pâtisserie LEEMO is known for its cute cakes and baked sweets, but right now they are selling this Whole Peach Parfait until the end of August. You only need to feast your eyes on this dessert to know how refreshing the flavour is going to be. It even contains a jelly made from rosé wine, but the alcohol taste isn't strong so can be enjoyed by anyone.   Depending on the stock of the bakery's peaches sales of this dessert may end earlier. You can also make a reservation for one which I recommend, so don't miss out!   ▼Pâtisserie LEEMO Address: 6-Chome-2-21 Shinkotoni 2 Jo, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido Opening Hours: 10:00-19:00 (Parfait served at 12:00-18:00) No Fixed Holidays Access: Approximately 1km from Shinkawa Station Official Website: http://patisserieleemo.jp/  

Cake and bake HACHI CAFE in Hachiken

Whole Peach - ¥720

This luxurious-looking dessert is a whole peach filled with framboise jelly and custard making for an irresistible sour and sweet combination. The tart underneath is incredible too! Due to limited stock and the time it takes for the peaches to ripen there are days when the dessert isn't serve. You can check the cafe's official Instagram to find out if it's on the menu that day or not.   ▼Cake and bake HACHI CAFE Address: Hachiken 3 Johigashi, Nishi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido Opening Hours: 11:00-17:00 Closed: Wednesdays & Thursdays Access: 550m from Hachiken Station Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hachicafe8/     Did you enjoy this list? Make sure to wolf down all of the tempting peach desserts you can in Japan before summer ends.   Kei's Instagram page is a wealth of recommendations for meals and desserts in Hokkaido, so be sure to check out their page if you're planning to travel there.   Photo & Text: Kei (@607keih)Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga