Pippu: Ski Runs, Strawberries and Bamboo Craft

Pippu combines a ski resort with cherry and azalea trees, strawberry picking, and a local craft tradition. These themes offer different perspectives on the town: active ski runs, plants, and seasonal harvest sit alongside local handicrafts and a September event.

Skiing on Nine Runs

The Pippu ski resort has nine varied runs for skiers ranging from beginners to experienced. The longest run measures 2,200 meters. These two figures answer different questions: the number describes the range of options, while the distance indicates the maximum length of a single run. When choosing a destination, you can therefore consider whether the variety of runs or the length of the longest run is the more important guide for you. If your group includes people with different levels of skiing experience, the range from beginners to experienced skiers offers a specific point of comparison.

Cherry and Azalea Trees and the Strawberry Season

About 400 cherry and azalea trees have been planted in Murakami-yama Park. This adds a plant-focused highlight alongside the ski runs, broadening the view of Pippu beyond winter sports. Strawberry picking, by contrast, is limited to a short season: five of Pippu’s approximately thirteen strawberry farms open for picking, and the number of participating farms may change. Picking usually takes place from late June to early July, but dates may vary depending on growing conditions. If you plan this activity, check the dates for the relevant year. The ski runs and the limited-time picking experience therefore appeal to different travel interests and timeframes. Also check in advance which farms offer picking.

Crafts and Pippu Station Marche

Another distinctive feature of Pippu is its craft tradition: handicrafts are made from Sasabamboo, locally called “Nemagaridake.” The material and its local name give this theme a specific local connection. Unlike a single festival or seasonal activity, this is a craft tradition that adds a cultural dimension to Pippu. The Pippu Station Marche is also held every September at a specially set-up venue in front of Pippu Station. The program includes dance, music, special lunch dishes, and the sale of regional products. Specific dates and the program may vary, so check the dates for the relevant year. The Marche offers a September highlight that falls well apart from the strawberry-picking season from late June to early July.

If you are coordinating different interests within your travel group, choosing a main reason for the trip can help narrow down the dates; for a search for a vacation rental in Pippu, the travel period is therefore a useful first filter. Consider whether ski runs, strawberry picking, or the September Marche should shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Furano, Koshimizu, Iwamizawa, Asahikawa, Rebun District, Nemuro, Teshikaga, Yūbari

For the overview of the wider region: Hokkaido.