20 Of The Best Things To Do In Furano: Snow Season And Beyond

Known for its rolling flower fields in the summer and abundant powder snow in the winter, this charming resort town offers a unique dual appeal that attracts travellers, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike.

A list of Furano's best things to do starts in just one place—the snow, which comes in at around nine metres per season across two inter-connected zones—Furano, and Kitanomine. Pros will appreciate the area's steeper terrain, however there's also plenty of safe spaces for skiing and snowboarding noobs and even better, English-speaking snow schools (we recommend Kiminobu Kimura Ski School and Furano International Snowsports School). Or perhaps a giant tube ride down the slopes is more your style? 

Everyone knows that the best way to finish a day on the slopes is with a drink in hand. Enter Furano's cute (read: small) après-ski scene. Sink ice cold beers at Furano Brewery Yama no Doxon, sip on fancypants cocktails in front of the fireplace at Soh's Bar, or pair your tipple with molten cheese fondue and omelette curry at Bar & Dining Ajito. 

Nothing screams relaxation like a soak in a steaming hot onsen. These Japanese hot springs will not only warm you up after a long day on the slopes (or a long day, period), but are rich in minerals for your bod and more often than not, come with a side of stunning views. La Terre Onsen, Highland Furano and Fukiage Onsen are amongst some of Furano's best—just be sure to brush up on your onsen etiquette beforehand. 

No trip to Furano would be complete without a visit to its iconic flower fields. Amongst them, Farm Tomita—world famous for its endless paddocks of bright purple lavender during the summertime (visit in July for peak viewing), and breathtaking multi-coloured flower fields, blooming May through October. Don't forget to treat yourself to a scoop of lavender soft serve while you're there. 

Snowsports may be Furano's crowning glory, but the area also lends itself to some solid water-based pursuits thanks to the idyllic Sorachi River. Take a gentle paddle in a Canadian-style canoe or ducky (inflatable kayak), or go full adrenaline-junkie with a spot of white water rafting. 

If it's cute and cuddly vibes you're after, make the 75-minute sojourn out of Furano to Asahiyama Zoo. Here you'll find more than 150 animal species including a number of cold-climate faves like penguins, seals, and polar bears. This spot is big on creating comfortable spaces for its residents—in fact, during the winter, you can watch the penguins march through the middle of the zoo (read: outside of their enclosures) as part of its famous Penguin Walk. 

If you're the arty type (or you simply like shiny things), be sure to check out Glass Forest in Furano. This series of buildings, complete with a beautiful cathedral-like hallway, is home to installations from local and international artists along with gorgeously crafted glassware for you to take home (think tableware, jewellery, and intricate Christmas decorations). And if you really, really like shiny things, you can even give glassblowing a go.

Around half of Japan's milk comes from the Hokkaido region, alongside a stack of delicious dairy products. Enter the Furano Cheese Factory, where you can gorge on samples of its signature camembert (including a black version coloured with squid ink) while sneaking a peek at how said cheese is made. Continue the feasting at the on-site pizzeria and ice cream parlour (both featuring cheese-infused creations, of course). 

Another winter sport worth having a crack at here in Furano is ice fishing. Take a tour to a completely frozen Lake Kanayama, before drilling through the ice to catch your very own wakasagi (Japanese smelt). You'll even get the pleasure of a heated tent AND your catch cooked on-site, tempura-style. P.S. Don't forget to keep an eye out for wildlife, above the ice—think foxes and deer. 

Take your (literal) pick of 60 different cherry varieties at the Ohashi Cherry Farm. Found around 35 minutes from Furano, this incredible orchard lets you pick to your heart's content beneath an all-weather dome (one of Japan's largest), with low-hanging fruit for the littlies and even a dedicated 'Silver Orchard' for the elderly. Fun fact: the trees here are played gentle music to help them grow. 

Ningle Terrace—sounds like something out of a Studio Ghibli film, right? And it sure looks like one, too. This charming collection of wooden cabins amongst the forest is a magical experience no matter when you visit, but is especially enchanting in the evening when lit from within, and in the winter when covered in snow. Each cabin houses a different artisan or craft store selling handmade goods, from candles through to kaleidoscopes (there's even a shop dedicated entirely to owl merch). 

One way to view Furano's postcard-worthy scenery is by bike. Grab a rental and hit up the Furano-Biei Cycling Course, taking in rolling hills, patchwork farmlands, breathtaking mountain ranges and if your timing's right, plenty of fragrant flower fields as you go. 

Some might say that there's a view even sweeter than Furano's flower fields—hills covered in grapevines! And that's exactly what you'll find at the famed Furano Winery, which has been producing drops of top-notch vino for more than 50 years from its location overlooking the town. Partake in free wine tasting before eating a meal of wine-paired Western cuisine at the onsite restaurant, then grab a bottle or two to take home as a souvenir. 

If you thought you had to travel to North America or Europe to go dog-sledding, think again. Furano has its very own version of this thrilling activity, which involves being pulled at speed through a legit winter wonderland (in reality, the snowy landscapes of central Hokkaido) by a team of cute, highly trained huskies and other canines. Bucket list moment, unlocked. 

Get your coffee (or matcha, or hot choccy) fix from one of Furano's quaint cafes. One of our favourites is Rojo & Ronin Coffee, where you can enjoy drinks made from locally roasted coffee beans and fresh Hokkaido milk alongside perfectly crafted Japanese pastries, all with a side of mountain views. 

Another cute pick is Mori no Tokei (Forest Clock Cafe), located directly beneath Ningle Terrace, which was actually used in the famous Japanese television series, Yasashii Jikan. Here you can grind and brew your own coffee, before enjoying the result in super zen forest surroundings. 

Another road-trip worth taking is to the Blue Pond (Aoike) in Biei, about half an hour from Furano. This magical body of water—famously used as a desktop wallpaper for Apple—ranges in hues of blue throughout the year, actually caused by minerals in the water. Ain't nature grand? (As a matter of fact, the pond is man-made and part of a local erosion control system). Who knew? Well, you do, now.

Experience the beauty of Furano from the air with an enchanting hot air balloon ride. Soaring high yet ever-so-gently above the ground in your own brightly coloured balloon, you'll be treated to unrivalled views of the area including the Tokachi mountains and Daisetsuzan National Park. Those with acrophobia need not apply. 

A hike is the perfect way to experience the stunning natural beauty of Furano. Fortunately, the area has a number of great trails to try out—starting with largely flat, family-friendly numbers like those at Torinuma Park and Nakafurano Forest Park. The Furano-dake Loop Hike and Mount Furano-Furano Shiyurin Trail, on the other hand, are more challenging and traverse alpine forests and open ridges, with breathtaking views of Daisetsuzan National Park as your reward. And though not technically a hike, you might also like the idea of going snowshoe trekking in the winter. 

For one of the area's sweetest attractions, visit the Furano Jam Garden, which has been serving up 35 different kinds of jam made from locally sourced fruit from its spot in the woods since the 1970s. Interestingly, this site is also shared by the Rokugou viewing platform (surrounded by flowers and offering unrivalled rural views), and a dedicated Anpanman shop (operated by the famed animated character's creator, Takashi Yanase). Take part in a jam-making class and stop by the dedicated cafe, where jam-topped ice cream and other delights await.

Furano's festivals are legendary, with celebrations happening across the year in accordance with the seasons. Winter sees the arrival of the Furano Ski Festival, Furano Kan Kan Mura and Yamabe Snow Festival, bringing with them fireworks, food stalls and of course, snow (plus some pretty epic snow sculptures and even snow tubing). 

This is followed by the Hokkai Heso Matsuri in summer—a riot of laughter, music, and colour complete with dancers wearing painted belly faces (a local tradition). And finally, as fall begins to take hold, be sure to attend the Furano Wine Festival and / or Tokachi-dake Autumn Foliage Festival, at the foot of the magnificent Mount Tokachi.

With so much to see and do in this wonderful part of Hokkaido you might wonder about making your visit a little more permanent. If this sounds tempting, be sure to check out the latest Furano listings available on Uchi—your one stop shop for Japanese real estate in Furano and beyond.