Organizations Overview
To take over the beautiful landscape that has been brought up to protect the life of agriculture in the next generation, while exchanges in Japan and overseas photographers and tourists and the photos and video, set the shooting manners and rules of Biei, of agricultural land by the spread and thereby to contribute to the development of the protection and the local economy.
Name: Non-profit organization Biei-cho Photo and Video Association
Location: 9-21-21 Honcho, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido 071-0208
Phone number: 0166-92-4321 (Office: Biei Town Hall Economic and Cultural Promotion Section)
Representative: Hiroshi Iida
Established on March 2, 2018
Information
Overtourism in Biei
Overtourism in Biei has become a serious issue.
On January 14, 2025, as reported in the news, approximately 40 birch trees located next to the well-known “Seven Stars Tree” were cut down by a local residents’ group.
This decision was made due to increasing problems caused by visitors, including entering nearby farmland for photography and creating traffic congestion.
Part of the tree-lined area was located on municipal land, and a formal request was submitted to the town regarding the decision.
After careful review, the town’s Landscape Review Committee concluded that the removal was unavoidable.
At the same time, the committee emphasized that overtourism is a serious issue across the entire town and that urgent discussions and effective measures are needed.
Background
Similar incidents have unfortunately occurred in the past.
Trees at popular photography locations, such as the “Philosophy Tree” and the “Mild Seven Tree,” have also been removed under different circumstances.
Preserving Biei’s Landscape
Biei’s unique landscape is defined by a delicate balance of three elements:
the rolling hills shaped by agriculture, the Tokachidake mountain range that nurtures the land, and the trees that give the scenery its character.
To protect these valuable natural assets, it is important to remember that this area is also active farmland and the workplace of local farmers.
We kindly ask all visitors to:
・Refrain from entering farmland
・Give priority to agricultural vehicles
・Take photographs from roadside areas only
Your cooperation is essential to preserving the beauty of Biei.
Our Commitment
The Biei Town Photography and Video Association will continue to share information through social media.
We aim to serve as a bridge between the local government, visitors, photographers, and the farming community.
＜The 'Temporary Stop' Traffic Sign＞
In Japan, the traffic sign for temporary stop at intersections and similar locations is represented by this sign. Please note that it differs slightly from international standards. There have been numerous rental car accidents at intersections, so please exercise extra caution.
Accidents involving rental cars driven by foreigners are increasing.
Driving on unfamiliar snowy roads is extremely dangerous. Please be careful.
The shooting spots in winter are quite crowded.
Please do not park in a nuisance manner.
Please strictly keep out of the farms and private lands.
Brochures for the shooting manners and rules have been created and being distributed.
On February 1, 2018, NPO Biei-cho Photo and Video Association, tourism organizations, commerce and industry, agricultural organizations, and agricultural workers came together to launch the `` Biei-machi Shooting Rule Development Committee '' in Biei-cho and started working to create shooting rules.
Various opinions by each stakeholder were exchanged for two months, and the shooting manner rules for maintaining the farming and landscape of Biei on the hill were completed. Afterwards, we have created a brochure to introduce the shooting manner rules and it aims to enlighten everyone who take photos and videos in Biei. Your cooperation is much appreciated. It is also available in multiple languages for the visitors from overseas.
