Maple Farm is a private farmhouse rental: a former farmhouse on quiet countryside land, not a working farm or farm-stay. The name comes from the maple tree in the front garden, which you can watch from the living room through the seasons. Located just minutes from Asahikawa Airport (AKJ) and Biei's famous attractions, it offers a comfortable blend of convenience and tranquility.
Whether you're here for the summer flower fields, winter illuminations and skiing, or year-round cultural experiences, Maple Farm serves as your ideal base for exploring all that this beautiful region has to offer. And at five minutes from the airport, it makes an easy first or last night of a trip, whether you land late in the evening or have an early flight the next morning.
Location
Maple Farm is perfectly located just 5 minutes drive from Asahikawa Airport (AKJ), making it an ideal base for exploring the famous Blue Pond, Patchwork Road, and the beautiful flower fields of Biei, with Asahiyama Zoo just 20 minutes by car.
Maple Farm sits on the southern edge of Asahikawa, just minutes from the boundaries with Biei and Higashikawa. The property offers easy access to all major attractions while providing a peaceful countryside setting.
Transport and Access
Getting here
- Flights to Asahikawa Airport
From Airline Period Time Tokyo Haneda (HND) JAL / AirDo (ANA) Daily, all year 1 hr 50 Tokyo Narita (NRT) Jetstar Daily, all year 1 hr 55 Nagoya Chubu (NGO) ANA Mid-Jul to mid-Oct 2 hr Osaka Itami (ITM) JAL From Aug 2026 2 hr Flight times are approximate. Seoul Incheon (ICN) and Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) routes have operated as winter-season services in recent years. Most overseas visitors connect via Tokyo Haneda (HND) or New Chitose (CTS, Sapporo).
- From Asahikawa Airport (AKJ)
- Five minutes by taxi, usually no more than ยฅ1,600. To call one: Asahikawa Chuo Kotsu radio dispatch, 0166 33 3131.
- Car rental
- Eight companies have counters in the airport arrivals hall, so you can collect a car on landing: Toyota, Nissan, Nippon, Times, Orix, World Net, Honda and Budget.
- By Train
Chiyogaoka Station (JR Furano Line) is a 20-minute walk from the house. From there you can reach Biei, Furano and Asahikawa directly, and Sapporo with one change at Asahikawa. Trains run roughly hourly, about 18 a day each way, but there are some two-hour gaps, so check the timetable before setting out.
Getting around
- Bicycle Rentals
- Both options are at Asahikawa Airport: COGICOGI electric-assist share bikes (app-based, ยฅ3,000 for 24 hours), or electric mountain bikes from the Airport Activity Center (ยฅ4,000 a day plus a refundable deposit).
Availability
Check availability using the calendar below. We recommend booking early, especially during peak lavender season (mid-July to mid-August) and winter illumination and ski season (December to February).
Reserve Your Stay
Book Direct
Request your dates directly with us. There are no booking fees, so we are usually cheaper than using other sites.
Prefer email? Write to us directly at [email protected]
โญ Rated 8.2 “Very Good” on Booking.com (38 reviews) · 4.74 / 5 on Airbnb (39 reviews · Superhost)
Nearby Attractions
The world-famous cobalt-blue pond is around 35-40 minutes drive away. Features winter illuminations from late October to late April, from sunset until 21:00 (schedule varies).
Scenic route featuring the iconic Ken & Mary Tree, Seven Stars Tree, and colorful agricultural fields creating a beautiful patchwork landscape.
Famous for winter penguin walks, interactive seal tanks, and up-close animal encounters, the zoo is only a 20-minute drive away.
Peak lavender season is from mid-July to mid-August. Shikisai Hill is only 20 minutes drive and has walking trails and tractor-pulled wagon rides.
For Kids & Families
Maple Farm is a relaxed, spacious base for families with young children. Here's what we keep at the house for little ones, plus the family favourites that are a short drive away:
At the house
Free to use. Two microphones and a speaker, in a house far enough from the neighbours that you can sing as loudly as you like. There are no built-in songs: connect your own device over Bluetooth, or sing along to YouTube on the 80-inch TV.
An 80-inch screen wall-mounted in the living room. The house has a 1 Gbps connection, so YouTube and Netflix stream smoothly. It also doubles as the karaoke screen.
A baby high chair so the littlest guests can sit up at the dining table with everyone at mealtimes.
A box of toys for babies and toddlers to enjoy during your stay.
Board games, card games, and picture books to share together on a rainy or snowy day.
A child-size toilet seat that fits over the washlet, so toddlers can use the bathroom comfortably.
Family attractions nearby
Free indoor children's playground on the 6th floor of the Feeeal Asahikawa complex in central Asahikawa. Forest-themed barefoot play, perfect on a rainy or snowy day. For ages 0 to elementary school; open 10:00-18:30 (last entry 18:00).
A big family park in Asahikawa with a huge wooden play structure, a shallow water-play stream in summer, and the all-weather indoor “Wakuwaku Egg” play hall.
Japan's most famous zoo and a favourite with children. Kids love the underwater penguin tunnel, the seal “marine way” tank, and the up-close feeding times. See the Nearby Attractions section above for more.
Food & Drink
Restaurants, cafรฉs, shops, and a convenience store under one roof. Hours vary by shop, but many restaurants are open from 11:00 to 20:00.
The famous Asahikawa-born Santouka, at its quieter Biei branch, an easier place to enjoy their signature shio (salt) tonkotsu ramen than the Asahikawa main shop and Ramen Village, which get very busy. About 20 minutes by car.
One of Hokkaido's best-loved conveyor-belt sushi chains, with fish landed around the island. Open 11:00 to 22:00 every day. About 15 minutes by car, in the Twin Harp complex with a supermarket and a 100-yen shop.
Artisanal ice cream and gelato made from fresh local milk at Tamura Farm, on a hilltop near Asahikawa Airport. Five minutes from Maple Farm.
Located next to Chiyogaoka Station for fresh, hot fried chicken. (Opening times are limited!)
Navy-style curry served by a retired Maritime Self-Defense Force cook, in a home-restaurant in Biei.
A welcoming handmade-soba restaurant in central Biei, right next to Santouka. A lovely lunch stop while touring the Biei hills. About 20 minutes by car.
Supermarkets
Convenience store next to Chiyogaoka Station, only 5 minutes drive or a 20-minute walk away.
Full-service supermarket in Higashikawa. Fresh local produce and Hokkaido specialties. Perfect for stocking up on groceries and local products.
Large supermarket chain with wide selection. Fresh foods, daily necessities, and local products. Convenient shopping for extended stays.
Popular Hokkaido supermarket chain. Quality fresh produce, prepared foods, and household items.
Large Hokkaido co-op supermarket with a wide fresh-food hall and 210 parking spaces. Open 9:00 to 21:00. About 15 minutes by car, with a 100-yen shop and conveyor sushi in the same complex.
Nearby Hot Springs
Maple Farm doesn't have an on-site onsen, but these hot springs are popular day trips nearby:
Modern spa with design supervision by Kengo Kuma and panoramic views. Finnish-style saunas and outdoor baths overlook Higashikawa town. Free massage chairs and family-friendly facilities.
Forest onsen with Daisetsuzan mountain views. Outdoor baths under starry skies, cottages with private hot springs. Peaceful retreat in nature.
Beautiful hot spring village near Blue Pond. Known as "hot springs for beautiful skin" with 100% natural flowing water. Multiple hotels and day-trip bathing options available.
Mountain hot springs at 1000m elevation on Hokkaido's highest peak. Rich in metasilicic acid for moisturizing skin. Access by ropeway with stunning mountain views.
Luxury onsen in Asahikawa city with private open-air baths. Traditional Japanese healing experience with city views. Convenient location with premium facilities.
Famous hot spring resort at the base of the Daisetsuzan mountains, with 60+ hot spring sources, gorge views, and hiking trails.
Modern onsen facility in Asahikawa open 23 hours daily. Features rare Hutamata Radium waters unique to Hokkaido.
Ski Resorts
The closest slope to Maple Farm: a smaller, family-friendly ski area perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers. Affordable lift tickets and relaxed atmosphere. Great for families with children learning to ski.
The town's own little slope, and it is free. One rope tow, a gentle 200-metre run and floodlights for evening skiing, ideal for small children to sledge and find their feet on skis. The season and opening hours change every winter, so check the town's page before setting off.
The biggest ski area near Maple Farm, with 25 courses from beginner to advanced. Known for excellent powder snow and a relaxed local atmosphere. Check the official site for season dates, hours, and lift prices.
One of Japan's longest ski seasons (November to May) on Hokkaido's highest peak. Famous for deep powder, backcountry skiing, and stunning mountain views. Advanced terrain recommended for experienced skiers.
Part of Daisetsuzan National Park with spectacular alpine scenery. Offers both groomed runs and off-piste opportunities. Ropeway access from Sounkyo for mountain exploration.
Useful Info
Best Seasons:
Summer (July-August) for flower fields and mild weather. Winter (December-February) for skiing, the Blue Pond illuminations and Asahikawa Winter Festival.
Cultural Sites:
Asahikawa City Museum showcasing Ainu culture, Otokoyama Sake Brewery for tastings, and traditional Hokkaido handicraft shops.
Weather:
Summer temperatures 15 to 30ยฐC (59-86ยฐF). Winter temperatures -15 to +10ยฐC (5-50ยฐF) with many days of powder snow and blue skies.
Key distances by car
| Asahikawa Airport (AKJ) | 5 min |
| Higashikawa | 15 min |
| Central Asahikawa | 20 min |
| Biei | 20 min |
| Asahiyama Zoo | 20 min |
| Shikisai Hill | 20 min |
| Blue Pond | 35–40 min |
| Furano | 1 hour |
| Sounkyo | 1.5 hours |
| Sapporo | 2 hours by expressway |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Maple Farm from Asahikawa Airport (AKJ)?
Just 5 minutes by car or taxi. A taxi from the airport is usually no more than ยฅ1,600.
Do I need a car to stay at Maple Farm?
A rental car is recommended for maximum flexibility, and cars can be rented at Asahikawa Airport (AKJ). Taxis and electric-assist rental bicycles are also available at the airport, 5 minutes away.
How far is the Blue Pond?
Biei's famous Blue Pond is around 35-40 minutes away by car. In winter (late October to late April) the pond is illuminated at night, from sunset until 21:00 (schedule varies).
Does the house have a kitchen?
Yes: a full kitchen with induction cooktop, built-in oven, and microwave. Several supermarkets are within a short drive for groceries and local Hokkaido produce.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer (July to August) for lavender and flower fields, and winter (December to February) for powder snow, skiing, the Blue Pond illuminations, and the Asahikawa Winter Festival.
Which ski resorts are closest?
Canmore Ski Village is 20 minutes away, Kamui Ski Links 40 minutes, and Asahidake, which has one of Japan's longest ski seasons, about 45-60 minutes.
Is there parking at Maple Farm?
Yes: free on-site parking is available for guests.
How far is Asahiyama Zoo from Maple Farm?
Asahiyama Zoo, famous for its winter penguin walks, is about 20 minutes away by car.
Have a different question?
Send us a message and we will get back to you.