Furano

Furano lies in the middle of Hokkaido, where lavender colors summer fields and ski runs define winter. The name comes from the Ainu word "Fura-nui," linked to sulfur vents near Mount Tokachi. Hike Daisetsuzan National Park, watch cheese being made at a dairy factory, or join crowds in late July for the Hokkaido Belly Button Festival, where dancers paint their stomachs. Mountains and farmland surround the town, creating opportunities for rafting the Sorachi River or skiing on lit trails after dark. A short drive away, Biei draws visitors with striped flower hills and a bright blue pond that changes color with minerals in the water.

Lavender Fields and Summer Blooms

From late June to August, lavender covers large parts of Furano, with Farm Tomita as the most famous location. Purple rows stretch toward the Tokachi mountains, mixed with sunflowers and poppies growing in nearby plots. Lavender East lets you ride a tractor for four kilometers through Japan’s biggest lavender fields, and Flower Land Kamifurano has carts that take you through flower beds. On a hill above the fields, Furano Wine House invites you to try lavender-flavored wines without charge. Plan your trip for early July when the flowers reach their brightest color, and bees fill the air with movement and sound.

Furano Ski Resort and Winter Sports

Furano Ski Resort divides into two areas: Kitanomine for sharper slopes and Furano for extended runs, connected by nine lifts covering 28 trails. Each winter brings nine meters of dry snow, with guides available to take skiers to untouched backcountry zones. Groomed trails stay open for night skiing until 8 PM, revealing views of the valley’s lights below. At Family Snowland, children and adults can ride snowmobiles, slide on banana boats, or use sleds. After skiing, relax in the hot springs at Highland Furano or drive to Hakuginso Onsen in Kamifurano for warmer waters.

Local Cuisine and Agricultural Experiences

Over half of Japan’s carrots grow in Furano’s soil, and sweet "Akaniku" melons appear at roadside stalls during summer. Watch workers make camembert cheese at Furano Cheese Factory and taste samples like fresh milk and butter. Popuri Village holds classes where you cook fruit jams, and Furano Delice sells milk pudding in glass jars, popular for its creamy texture. In September, the town’s winery organizes a festival with grape-stomping competitions and races using wooden barrels, alongside dishes such as venison stew and ice cream flavored with local herbs.

Annual Festivals and Events

On July 28–29, the Hokkaido Belly Button Festival takes over Furano’s streets with dancers wearing painted stomachs, referencing the town’s nickname as Hokkaido’s "navel." Late January brings the Sounkyo Ice Waterfall Festival in Daisetsuzan National Park, where ice formations glow under colored lights—reachable by a 90-minute drive. During September’s wine festival, local vineyards pour samples next to live bands, and June’s Shoukon Festival includes parades with traditional lion dances to honor Furano’s past.

Exploring Biei and Nearby Attractions

Biei, 20 minutes from Furano by car, has Shikisai Hill’s striped flower fields and the bright blue pond known for shifting hues. Rent bicycles to explore Patchwork Road, passing sunflowers and isolated trees like the "Seven Star Tree" featured on Japanese wrappers. Hokusei Hill Observatory, shaped like a pyramid, gives clear views of the Tokachi plains. Pair a trip to Biei with a stop at Shirogane Onsen, where cloudy hot spring waters contrast with the vivid pond nearby.

Practical Information and Transportation

Asahikawa Airport is a 60-minute drive from Furano, with flights to Tokyo and Osaka. Direct buses from Sapporo take 2.5 hours. Renting a car works best for reaching rural spots like the blue pond or Daisetsuzan’s hiking paths. Furano Station acts as the main transport hub, with buses heading to ski areas and Farm Tomita. Buy Hokkaido’s regional JR Pass for train trips between Furano, Biei, and Asahikawa. Find ATMs and currency exchange near the station, but carry cash for small shops and markets.