A Swedish Dream in the Heart of Hokkaido

Nestled in the peaceful town of Tōbetsu, about a 40-minute drive northeast of Sapporo, Hokkaido, lies an unexpected and charming community: Sweden Hills. This idyllic neighborhood was inspired by a visit in the late 1970s by Sweden’s ambassador to Japan. During his trip to Tōbetsu, he remarked on how the area’s cool climate, dense forests, and gently rolling terrain reminded him of Sweden’s own countryside. This comment sparked the imagination of local officials and soon led to a formal sister city relationship with Leksand, a town in central Sweden. The project was driven by a desire to promote cultural exchange and international friendship in a unique and lasting way. By the early 1980s, planning and development began, and Sweden Hills gradually came to life as a community that not only looked Swedish but honored its values and traditions. Today, the area consists of around 400 homes designed in traditional Swedish style, and although it's primarily residential, it has become a quiet symbol of cross-cultural harmony between Japan and Sweden.

More Than Just Red Houses: A Living Culture

At first glance, Sweden Hills looks like something out of a postcard from Dalarna with rows of Falu red wooden homes trimmed in crisp white, complete with steeply pitched roofs designed to shed Hokkaido’s heavy winter snow. But the authenticity of the village goes far beyond its appearance. The community has embraced many aspects of Swedish lifestyle and culture, making it one of the few examples in the world where a foreign culture is so fully and respectfully integrated. Each year, residents and visitors come together to celebrate Swedish Midsummer, complete with flower crowns, maypole dancing, folk music, and traditional foods. In late summer, they host kräftskiva, the classic Swedish crayfish party where participants wear paper hats, sing silly songs (snapsvisor), and feast on crayfish and schnapps. While most residents are Japanese, many have a deep appreciation for Swedish culture, and some even take part in cultural workshops and language exchanges. Swedish flags fly proudly beside Japanese ones, and signage around the community often includes Swedish translations, further adding to the village’s immersive atmosphere.

A Taste of Sweden, Made in Japan

Food is one of the most powerful ways to experience another culture, and Sweden Hills does not disappoint. The community has embraced Swedish culinary traditions not just during festivals, but in everyday life. One of the most cherished customs is fika, the Swedish ritual of taking a pause in the day to enjoy coffee and pastries and more importantly, conversation and connection. Residents gather to enjoy freshly brewed coffee alongside kanelbullar (cinnamon buns), cardamom rolls, or other homemade baked goods. During kräftskiva season, you’ll find long tables filled with dill-boiled crayfish, cheese pies (västerbottensostpaj), and perhaps a shot of aquavit a spiced Swedish spirit. In December, some families bake lussekatter, the saffron buns traditionally eaten on Lucia Day, a beloved winter celebration in Sweden. While ingredients like crayfish or saffron are locally sourced from Japan, the cooking methods, flavors, and presentation remain faithful to Swedish tradition. The result is a unique fusion of Japanese craftsmanship and Swedish soul a culinary exchange that feels both global and deeply local.

A Hidden Gem for Curious Travelers

Although Sweden Hills is not a theme park or tourist attraction in the typical sense, it draws curious visitors each year who are eager to experience something different. Located in the mountains of Tōbetsu, the area offers stunning seasonal beauty from colorful wildflowers and cool breezes in summer, to fiery autumn leaves and snow-covered rooftops in winter. Visitors are welcome, especially during cultural events like Midsummer or Christmas-themed gatherings, which are sometimes open to the public. There is a Swedish Cultural Exchange Center in the village, which hosts exhibitions, language classes, and even fika sessions in a cozy on-site café. You’ll also find Scandinavian-inspired goods, crafts, and books available for purchase. While Sweden Hills is primarily a residential area, some homes are used as guesthouses or short-term rentals, particularly during holiday seasons, though these are not widely advertised and must often be booked in advance. For travelers seeking a serene, off-the-beaten-path destination that celebrates cultural harmony, this little village offers a truly peaceful and memorable experience.

A Model of Cultural Exchange Done Right

In an age when globalization can often feel like cultural flattening, Sweden Hills stands out as an example of how cultural exchange can be meaningful, respectful, and enduring. Rather than replicating Sweden superficially, the residents of Tōbetsu have cultivated a deep appreciation for the values and traditions of their sister city, Leksand. The project was never meant to be a novelty but a living, breathing community rooted in shared ideals like harmony with nature, strong community ties, and balanced living. Sweden Hills continues to thrive thanks to this foundation of mutual respect. Whether you’re drawn to the area for its Scandinavian architecture, its culinary traditions, or simply the novelty of finding a little piece of Sweden in northern Japan, the village is a beautiful reminder that cultural bridges can be built anywhere, even halfway across the world.

Sweden Hills is more than just a charming village, it's a heartfelt testament to what can happen when people from different corners of the world come together with curiosity, respect, and a shared vision. In a time when authentic cultural connection can feel rare, this little Scandinavian haven in Japan offers a refreshing reminder that traditions can be honored, preserved, and celebrated across borders. Whether you’re planning a visit, dreaming of Nordic life, or simply inspired by the beauty of cultural collaboration, Sweden Hills invites you to pause, explore, and appreciate the quiet magic of a world thoughtfully intertwined.