Minshuku Bibaushi makes a good base if you intend to explore the rolling hills of Bibaushi and Biei by car. If you are dependent on public transport, it is better to stay at Biei instead as there are no taxis or buses that run from Bibaushi.

This is a budget family run minshuku that provides the basics -a roof over your head at night and hearty home cooked meals with seasonal vegetables from their own vegetable farm. There are many house rules: guests are expected to clear utensils and cutlery to the kitchen after meals, bath times are between 5pm to 10pm, lights out at 11pm, no smoking in the house (my favorite rule), meal times are 7:30am for breakfast, 6pm onwards for dinner.

The rooms are Japanese styled and guests are expected to make their own futon beds. Bathroom and toilet facilities are shared (no toiletries or bath towels sorry). In short, this minshuku is like a home away from home with "Papa" (the owner) making sure that everything is in order. At a flat rate of ¥4800 per person per night inclusive of two hearty Japanese meals, one cannot complain much. This has got to be the cheapest minshuku we stayed in during our entire trip.

If you have strong legs like us, it is possible to explore the nearby sights like the Chikisai-no-oka (a beautiful flower garden atop a hill, about 45 minutes) and the Bibaushi Elementary school (20 minutes) on foot. If not, you can rent one of their bikes and pedal your way around as many tourists do. Alternatively, you can chill out at their "little lounge" across the minshuku, facing a garden and vegetable farm. This lounge was built by the owner. There is pretty much nothing to do after dark, (being located in a farm area) other than watch Japanese variety shows on telly; or you can buy fire crackers from the local convenient shop Biba and light the skies with it.

To get there:

Minshuku Bibaushi is located a mere 5 minute walk from the JR Bibaushi station (if you are coming from Furano, you need to cross the track to the other side). Look out for a huge wooden board that has directions to nearby Youth hostel and sights. It was easy to find our way there once we had our bearings right. Clear wooden signs with neon arrows directed the way. You cannot get lost.

Go here for details and online reservations. You can email them directly at bibaushi@kmj.biglobe.ne.jp too.

For reservations of other accommodations in Biei, This website is very useful.