Alp Lodge is a log house pension located near the Patchwork Hill and the Northwest Hill Observatory. This year, I borrowed a mountain bike again to tour the scenic spots, but my lack of physical strength was evident. While my excitement was high, my legs couldn't keep up. Other tourists were effortlessly riding motorized bicycles while I struggled. This time, I noticed that the larch trees on the "Mild Seven Hill" that I have admired for years were gone. It seems that the landowner had to remove the trees due to unauthorized entry by thoughtless tourists and the aging of the trees. As for dinner, the delicious dishes made with local Biei vegetables were delightful. The main dish, a hamburger, was accompanied by perfectly cooked vegetables. Even the melon served after the meal allowed me to savor the ingredients. The next morning, the weather was perfect, as if my prayers had been answered. I woke up early and rode my mountain bike to revisit the scenic spots from the day before and take better photos (laughs). After breakfast, I realized that I had no energy left for cycling, so I drove through a dirt road with bear warning signs to Asahikawa Station. And no, there are no bear photos, so just leave me alone.

Accommodation in Biei is Alp Lodge. While many pensions in the area are run by elderly couples, the couple who run this lodge are around the same age as me and very reliable. The cozy log house has a warm atmosphere. For dinner, I had hamburger with tomato sauce, gratin, and seasonal vegetables (corn, tomato, potato, lettuce). The menu composition doesn't change every year, but I enjoyed the dishes made with seasonal vegetables. Tonight, the rooms were fully booked and the bath was crowded, so the host specially took us to a natural hot spring at the foot of Tokachi-dake. The clear natural hot spring was gentle on the body, and I healed my fatigue from the scorching heat in the warm outdoor bath. The next day, we continued to explore the beautiful scenery of Biei. However, it was quite cloudy, and unfortunately, most of the poplar trees on the "Mild Seven Hill" had been cut down, following the now deceased "Philosopher's Tree." It seems that the landowner had to cut them down himself due to trespassers entering the farmland. It's a pity.

Alproge, a pension in the Biei Patchwork Hill area. This was my third visit, as the staff are reliable and around my age. Dinner was delicious as always, with fresh vegetables like corn and potatoes in season. The weather was warm this time, so I was able to bike around in just a t-shirt. I enjoyed a Biei wheat beer and coffee at the pension. There was only one other couple staying, who were out for dinner. The owner recommended a thrilling driving route to the airport, warning of possible bear sightings. Not to worry, these bears are much larger than the ones on Honshu.

(2015/9/9) It had been a year since my last visit. It was my first time revisiting a guesthouse in Biei. The guesthouse, run by a young couple, was lively and reliable in times of need. While I didn't find the dinner exceptional, the tomato sauce hamburger with two types of corn sides was delicious. The soup and gratin were served piping hot. After dinner, a young girl staying at the guesthouse was carrying a 2-liter bottle of white liquid. She had come to Biei to paint, and I thought she had painting supplies, but it turned out to be freshly squeezed milk from a farm in Asahikawa. She couldn't drink it all by herself, so she kindly shared it with us. Such a fun little incident! Today's guests included a couple from Kawasaki, making a total of four people. We enjoyed coffee and farm-fresh milk while chatting with the owners, making the night in Biei even more enjoyable. (2014/9/20) A pension located on the Patchwork Hill in Biei. It is situated behind the northwest hill observatory park. While many guesthouses in Biei are run by elderly couples, this one is managed by a younger couple, making it vibrant. The husband enjoys mountain climbing and used to ride mountain bikes around the mountains in his younger days. After riding the Biei Panorama Road last year, I decided to explore the Patchwork Hill on a mountain bike this time. I found this guesthouse where I could rent a bike. They had several bikes, but the husband kindly lent me the mountain bike he carried to Mount Fuji. I set out from the guesthouse around 5 am to explore the Patchwork Hill. Despite the cloudy weather, the sight of the sea of clouds on the hill was exhilarating. As my stomach started growling, it was time for breakfast (7:30). I warmed up the bread baked at the nearby "Pain Koubou Komugibatake" in a toaster. After serving the toast for the Korean guest, I brought my own toast. The freshly baked toast was just the right amount, and the butter and homemade blueberry jam were delicious. The main plate was beautifully arranged with eggs, meat, seasonal vegetables, and yogurt. A side of onion soup accompanied the meal. I enjoyed the bounty of Biei's land little by little. While sipping coffee after the meal, the Korean guest had to check out as it was time for her train departure. The wife drove her to the station. Later, I had a lively conversation with the guesthouse owner and a couple from Nakashibetsu. The husband from Nakashibetsu was a regular participant in the "Biei Century Ride" held on weekends. He brought his high-end white bicycle and would be racing this year as well. On the other hand, his wife was only interested in watching the race and then going to the hot springs. We ended up chatting until after 9 am over coffee. I look forward to having dinner and more conversations next time. And maybe even participating in the bicycle race... What, aiming for the booby prize? Leave me alone! (-_-ﾒ)

I have visited Biei several times, but I always stayed at different accommodations. Although some places were nice, something just didn't feel right... But finally, I found it! Our regular lodging from now on will be here at Alp Lodge. The owner himself built this log house, and it is simple and natural. The bath is slightly larger than a regular home bath, and it is reserved for each group in order. There are no toilets in each room, which may not be comfortable for some people. It is not luxurious, but it is a heartwarming inn. Despite being in winter in Hokkaido, the indoors are warm. The fireplace warms the entire building, making it cozy. Sleeping surrounded by fluffy futons and the scent of wood is delightful. The room we stayed in felt like an attic, with the middle being fine but the edges feeling like you might hit your head. However, it didn't feel cramped. The charm of this place is not just the facilities. The owner's personality is a highlight - friendly, cheerful, but with a sense of propriety and manners. He is around the same age as us, and we were surprised to find that we share the same taste in music! The food is also not to be underestimated - warm meals made with local ingredients. The first night's dinner included tomato confit with prosciutto, hamburger steak, vegetable stew, and gratin. Dessert and coffee were also served. You can even have a refill of coffee. Breakfast included milk and delicious bread from a nearby bakery, scrambled eggs, sausages, and vegetables. Dessert and coffee were also served. The second night's dinner included seaweed and tofu, grilled salmon in foil, vegetable soup, gratin, dessert, and coffee. The breakfast menu is usually the same, and the dinner rotates through about three different options. The food may not be gourmet, but the use of good ingredients and careful preparation is evident. For those who want to trek in the Hokkaido snow, snowshoes are available for borrowing. Bicycles may also be available in the summer. The location, near the Biei Station, is convenient, and the rates are quite reasonable, starting from 7,500 yen per person for one night with two meals. The only downside is that they are not open this winter, but they plan to reopen in April. If you are interested, please inquire directly.