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Bibai was once Hokkaido’s second largest coal mining city sits halfway between Sapporo and Asahikawa, on Japan’s longest straight road (29.2km!). Today the city is putting effort into agriculture and tourism.
⚫︎ Sakura seasons and events are subject to change. Check the official website for the latest information.
TRANSPORT
Take the limited express train from Sapporo to Bibai (35min). There are also local trains between Sapporo and Bibai (1hr), required a change at Iwamizawa.
⚫︎ Bibai Municipal Bus (美唄市民バス) operates several city lines from JR Bibai Station west gate. The East Line (市民バス東線) makes a convenient loop on the eastern side of the city, stopping at Arte Piazza (アルテピアッツァ), Yurin-kan (ゆ〜りん館) and Core Bibai (コアビバイ).
⚫︎ During the cherry-blossom festival (late April), free shuttle buses circle around the city from JR Bibai Station west gate, stopping at Arte Piazza Bibai, Tomei Park, Sorachi Jinja and Bibai City Historical Museum. For more info, see bibai-event.com.
Itinerary
▼ 20-30min by bus
▼ 1km (14min walk)
▼ 0.6km (8min walk)
▼ 0.8km (10min walk)
▼ Take the bus for Bibai Station, get off at Core Bibai (17-29min)
▼ 0.4km (6min walk)
ART MUSEUM
Arte Piazza Bibai
アルテピアッツァ美唄
▶︎ 20-30min by bus from JR Bibai Station
The photogenic sculpture park of Arte Piazza is located inside the old wooden elementary school built in the colliery-era, it exhibits the marble work of Bibai-born famous sculptor Yasuda Kan in the classrooms and open-air grounds setting.
HISTORIC BUILDING
Old Tomei Station
東明駅舎
▶︎ 14min walk from Arte Piazza Bibai
About 1km west of Arte Piazza Bibai, this wooden train station was built in 1948 on the Bibai Railway. The steam locomotive 4110 sits near the platform. The waiting room is open to the public on the 1st Sunday between May and October.
PARK
Tomei Park
東明公園
▶︎ 8min walk from Old Tomei Station
If you have a chance to visit Bibai in early May, stretch your legs to Sorachi’s top cherry-blossom viewing spot on a hill. Otherwise, azalea (tsutsuji) will bloom from late May to early June. There is an observation tower with a great view.
ONSEN
Pipa-no-yu Yurin-kan
ピパの湯ゆ〜りん館
▶︎ 10min walk Tomei Park / 19-31min by bus from JR Bibai Station
The Yurin-kan features a cave-like open-air bath with rural views. It has a modern hotel, restaurant and park golf links. Local buses run from JR Bibai Station.
MUSUEM
Bibai City Historical Museum
美唄市郷土史料館
▶︎ 5min walk from JR Bibai Station / 1min walk from Core Bibai (コアビバイ) bus stop
A 5-minute walk straight down Chuo-dori from JR Bibai Station west gate, this museum exhibits on the history of coal mines, local life and Hokkaido’s only meteorite. Sorachi Jinja (空知神社) is located behind the museum.
YAKITORI
Tatsumi
たつみ
▶︎ 5min walk from JR Bibai Station / 3min walk from Core Bibai (コアビバイ) bus stop
Bibai’s most famous yakitori place is Tastsumi, often crowded with locals and tourists. We recommend ordering motsu-kushi (モツくし: various meat of yakitori) and motsu-soba (soba with two yakitori). Take-away is available. Closed Tuesday.
Photo: Jalan.net
HOTEL (SPONSORED)
Bibai-ekimae Hotel Bijiko
美唄駅前ホテルBIJIKO
▶︎ 1min walk from JR Bibai Station west gate
This is one of Sorachi Region’s most convenience places to stay, if you are relying on the train – it is in front of JR Bibai Station west gate. It has modern Western-style rooms and a lounge.
LINK YOUR TRIP
北海道 美唄 櫻花 | 홋카이도 비바이 벚꽃