Mild Seven Hill | A Scenic Hokkaido Landscape Painted by Light and Seasons
In the peaceful hills of Biei, Hokkaido, lies one of Japan’s most iconic rural views — Mild Seven Hill (マイルドセブンの丘).
A gentle slope crowned with a line of larch trees, this spot became famous after appearing in a 1970s cigarette commercial, yet its beauty today transcends its origin — a pure symbol of Hokkaido’s ever-changing landscapes.
Here, vast fields stretch toward distant mountains, and the air carries the scent of grass and wind.
Every season paints the hill in different hues — from green summer fields to golden autumn hillsides, and silent white winters blanketed in snow.
🌿 Where Light, Wind, and Trees Create Harmony
What makes Mild Seven Hill unforgettable is its simplicity.
The composition — a curve of road, the rhythm of trees, and the soft play of light — creates a natural balance that feels almost artistic.
In summer, the trees stand proudly over emerald fields.
In autumn, the larches turn golden against the blue sky.
In winter, snow transforms the scene into a quiet, monochrome world — minimalist and serene.
This harmony between land and light is what makes Biei so beloved by photographers from around the world.
📸 A Photographer’s Dream in Every Season
From sunrise to sunset, the mood of the hill changes with the sky.
Morning mist, golden hour light, or even a gentle snowfall can turn the same landscape into an entirely new masterpiece.
Whether you’re a professional or a casual traveler, you’ll find yourself pausing — just to breathe in the silence and the view.
Bring your camera, but more importantly, bring time.
Mild Seven Hill is best enjoyed slowly — watching the colors shift with the light.
🗺️ Access & Basic Info
Name: Mild Seven Hill (マイルドセブンの丘)
Location: Biei Town, Hokkaido, Japan
Type: Scenic rural viewpoint
Best season: Summer (green fields), Autumn (golden trees), Winter (snow scenes)
Official Info: https://biei-hokkaido.jp/
Access:
- 🚗 By car: About 10 min from JR Biei Station
- 🚴 By bicycle: 20–25 min from the station (gentle uphill road)
- ⚠️ Tips: Stay on the road — the fields are private farmland. Visit at sunrise or sunset for the best light.
✨ Mild Seven Hill isn’t just a viewpoint — it’s a quiet dialogue between nature and light, a timeless scene that captures the soul of Hokkaido.
