Ken and Mary Tree is a solitary poplar standing amid the rolling farmland of Biei, Hokkaido. Its simple yet striking silhouette became famous after it appeared in a 1972 Nissan Skyline television commercial titled “A Journey Without a Map.”
After the commercial was broadcast, the tree became a popular tourist attraction. It was given the name “Ken and Mary Tree” after the names of the characters played by the actors in the advertising campaign. Today, it is regarded as one of the landscapes that symbolizes Biei’s famous rolling hills and agricultural countryside.
The tree stands alone within Biei’s vast agricultural landscape, surrounded by gently undulating fields and open skies. Its isolated form creates a beautifully simple composition, with the tree standing quietly against the broad countryside.
The surrounding scenery changes dramatically with the seasons. Spring brings fresh green leaves and young vegetation, while summer presents the tree against vibrant green fields. In autumn, the landscape takes on warmer colors, and winter covers the hills in snow, creating a particularly quiet and atmospheric scene.
The name Ken and Mary Tree comes from the Nissan “Ken and Mary Skyline” advertising campaign of the 1970s. The campaign featured memorable scenery from around Japan, with the Biei landscape providing an especially striking setting.
The image of the solitary poplar against the rolling hills left a strong impression on viewers. Following the commercial, the tree became widely recognized throughout Japan and developed into one of Biei’s best-known sightseeing landmarks.
Biei is famous for its gently rolling agricultural hills, where large fields create a distinctive patchwork landscape. Ken and Mary Tree has become one of the most recognizable images associated with this scenery.
Rather than being an elaborate monument or structure, the attraction is simply a single tree in an expansive rural setting. Its beauty comes from the contrast between the solitary tree and the enormous scale of the surrounding landscape.
Ken and Mary Tree stands on private property. At the designated viewing area, signs explain the origin of its name and ask visitors to treat the old tree with care.
Because the tree is aging, visitors are encouraged to enjoy the view from the appropriate viewing area and respect the surrounding land. Taking care of the landscape helps preserve this familiar symbol of Biei for future visitors.
The tree is a particularly appealing destination for landscape photography. In spring and summer, its green foliage contrasts beautifully with the agricultural fields, while autumn and winter create more subdued and atmospheric scenes.
The wide-open surroundings also make the site an enjoyable stop during a scenic drive through Biei. Rather than simply photographing the tree itself, take time to appreciate the hills, fields, sky, and changing seasonal colors that form the complete landscape.
Ken and Mary Tree is located close to many of Biei’s other scenic attractions. Travelers can combine a visit with destinations such as Shikisai no Oka, the Blue Pond, Shirogane Onsen, and other famous viewpoints and landscapes in the area.
Biei is also an excellent destination for scenic driving and exploring the countryside at a leisurely pace. The combination of rolling farmland, flower fields, distinctive trees, and mountain views makes the area one of Hokkaido’s most photogenic rural landscapes.
Ken and Mary Tree is a perfect example of how an ordinary element of the countryside can become an enduring cultural landmark. A single poplar in the Biei hills gained national recognition through a 1972 automobile commercial and has remained a beloved symbol of the area ever since.
For international visitors, the appeal lies not only in the tree itself but also in the peaceful landscape surrounding it. Standing among Biei’s broad fields and rolling hills offers a chance to experience the quiet beauty of Hokkaido’s countryside and the story behind one of its most recognizable views.
Free to visit
Free of charge
5 minutes drive from JR Biei Station