Furano (???) is a city located in Kamikawa, Hokkaid?, Japan. Furano is situated along the middle reaches of the Sorachi-gawa River in the central part of Hokkaido and it belongs to Furano-Ashibetsu Nature Park. Because of its geographical position, which is almost right in the middle of Hokkaido, Furano has a unique nickname – “the navel town.” Every summer, a humorous navel festival is held in Furano, during which about 3,000 participants draw funny faces on their bellies and dance around in the main street.
Furano Skiing
Furano is famous for winter holiday destination because of its ski slopes.
Furano ski resort has two great ski areas: Furano and Kitanomine. Both areas are interconnected by the lifts and boast over 900 vertical meters of terrain suitable for all abilities and will challenge even expert skiers. It is one of the most respected ski areas in the whole of Japan and with an average seasonal snowfall of over 8 metres; the perfect destination.
The Furano ski resort lies at the very centre of Hokkaido and is reknowned for its long runs, magnificent views and the ever present Hokkaido powder, with falls of up to 8 metres per season on average. Furano resort has been the venue for world cup races with many of the world’s great skiers having tested its steep and fast ski runs.
Ski area lifts include the 6 person Kitanomine Gondola which goes 2.95km giving runs up to 4.5 km in length, the 100 person Furano Ropeway which covers 2.5km in 5 minutes! The central valleys have superb powder and the views of the central ranges of Hokkaido are spectacular. Furano is well known for it’s lack of crowds adding to your enjoyment of this former world cup resort. There are ample beginner/intermediate runs at the base of each side of the mountain, with the steeper and deeper runs up high.
Furano Sightseeing
Sightseeing in Furano can be seperated into several locations such as : Biei, Kami Furano, Naka Furano, Furano, Minami Furano, and Shimukappu.
Some of Furano Sightseeing spots and main attractions are listed here :
1. Chushin-Hyou Park.
The hear of Hokkaido LIes in a corner of Furano Elementary School Yard. 1.2km form JR station
2. Furano Winery
The winery produces dozens of varieties of local wine carefully developed mellow flavor and scent. Observation tour and tasting are available.
Tel: 0167-22-3242. 3km from JR station
3. Furano Grape Juice Factory
100% Fruit juice tastes great. Furano Grape Juice comes in red or white. Observation tours and tasting are available.
Tel: 0167-23-3033. 4km from JR station
4. Furano Cheese Factory
The factory manufactures and sells Furano cheese and Furano Milk. Cheese tasting is available. The adjoining Ice Milk Factory is always crowded. You can try your hand at a number of things, including making butter and ice cream, at The Hands-on Work Shop. (Booking necessary)
Tel: 0167-23-1156. 4km from JR station
5. Taiyo-no-Sato Park Fureai House
This 20ha.-park includes camping site, adventure circuit and a park golf course. At Fureai House, you will find a restaurant and accommodation.
Tel: 0167-42-3445. 14km from JR station
6. Hotel Furano HIghland’s lavender fields
You can take a look at the largest lavender fields in the city from its outdoor hot spring.
Tel: 0167-22-5700. 7.5km form JR station
7. Furano Ski Resort
This international class ski resort has hosted the World Cup Skiing Competition 10times and the World Cup Snowboarding Competition. The resort offers slopes for all levels of skiers. Snowboarders are also welcomed. The ropeway can hold up to 101 passengers and it the fastest of its kind in Japan. It also operates in the off-season.
Tel:0167-22-1111. 2.7km from JR station
8. Ningle Terrace
A shopping road of log houses designed by Soh Kuramoto. Nearby to this spot are the cafe Morino-Tokei (A Clock in a Forest), featured in the TV drama “Yasahii Jikan” (Heart Warming Moment) and “Soh’s Bar” also designed by Soh Kuramoto.
Tel:0167-22-1111. 7km form JR station
9. Rokugo-no-Mori, the Forest
The family of Goro Kuroita, the leading character appeared in the TV drama “Kitano Kuni Kara” (From the North Country) lived in this forest.
Tel:0167-29-2323. 18.2km form JR station
10. Goro’s Stone House
A spot commonly used as the main set in “Sudachi, Leaving the Nest”, a chapter from the TV drama “Kitano Kuni Kara”. 21km form JR station
11. Jun and Yui’s Recycled House
A popular location used as the set for the TV drama “Kitano Kuni Kara” where you can see unique ideas shown in the Recycled Houses. 16.5km from JR station
12. Kitano Kuni Kara Siryoukan, the Museum
This museum contains commemorative items and information for “Kitano Kuni Kara”, and was built under the supervision of the author, Soh Kuramoto.
Tel:0167-39-2800 0.3km form JR station
Furano Sightseeing and Ski photos and pictures :
The Furano ski resort lies at the very centre of Hokkaido and is reknowned for its long runs, magnificent views and the ever present Hokkaido powder, with falls of up to 8 metres per season on average.
Furano and Biei are two towns in the center of Hokkaido, known for their pleasant and picturesque rural landscapes.
New Furano Prince Hotel, Furano, Hokkaido
Hotel in Furano Japan
Farm Fomita in Naka Furano Many lavender fields are in bloom.
Furano Ski Area Map
Cable Car to Furano Ski Resort
