What to Do in Furano: The Ultimate Travel Bucket List
Furano is a stunning town located in the heart of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. This charming destination offers year-round beauty and unforgettable experiences. From world-famous lavender fields and powdery ski slopes to delicious local food and unique cultural festivals, Furano has earned its place as one of Japan's must-visit destinations.
Let me guide you through everything you need to know about this magical place.
Best Things to Do in Furano and Biei
1. Visit the Famous Lavender Fields in Summer
Farm Tomita's history dates back to 1903 when the founder first settled in Furano to cultivate rice, but lavender cultivation didn't begin until the late 1950s. During the 1970s, Furano's lavender farmers faced tough times competing with cheaper imported lavender, and many fields disappeared. However, Farm Tomita's owner Tadao Tomita and his wife refused to give up, eventually opening their fields to tourists.
The farm gained nationwide recognition in 1976 when its Traditional Lavender Field was featured on a Japan National Railways calendar, which became the springboard for lavender tourism in Furano.
Today, Farm Tomita is the largest lavender farm in Japan, spanning 29 hectares after expanding in 2008 with the addition of Lavender East, and welcomes over one million tourists annually. The best time to visit is from late June to early August, with peak blooming typically occurring in mid-July.
The farm features several spectacular fields including the Traditional Lavender Field on a hillside, the Irodori Field with seven different colored flowers planted in stripes creating a rainbow effect, and the Sakiwai Field showcasing four different lavender varieties.
2. Experience World-Class Skiing and Snowboarding at Furano Ski Resort
Furano Ski Resort is bordered by Hokkaido's stunning Daisetsuzan National Park and has hosted the FIS Downhill World Cup 10 times, regularly hosting national and international ski and snowboard events including the 2005/2006 Snowboard World Cup. Due to its central Hokkaido location, the resort receives over 8 meters of powder snow annually and enjoys more bluebird days than many other Hokkaido resorts.
The resort consists of two interconnected zones: the Kitanomine Zone (open mid-December to late March) and the Furano Zone (open late November to early May). With a base at 239 meters and summit at 1,209 meters, Furano offers a vertical drop of 964 meters, making it one of the steepest mountains in Hokkaido. The resort has 23-28 varied trails, with 20% rated advanced, 40% intermediate, and 40% beginner, making it perfect for all skill levels.
3. Explore the Colorful Flower Gardens at Shikisai-no-Oka
While Farm Tomita gets most of the attention, Shikisai-no-Oka in nearby Biei offers equally spectacular flower displays across rolling hills. The farm features stripes of colorful flowers including lupines, salvias, sunflowers, and many other varieties that create a patchwork quilt effect across the landscape. The viewing season runs from June to September, with different flowers blooming throughout the period.
You can explore the gardens by walking through the fields or taking a tractor cart tour for a guided experience. In winter, the farm transforms into a snowy playground offering snowmobile rides and other winter activities. The adjacent alpaca farm is especially popular with children and families.
4. Taste Fresh Furano Melons and Local Agricultural Products
Furano is renowned throughout Japan for producing some of the country's sweetest melons. The region's climate and soil conditions create ideal growing conditions for these premium fruits. Many local farms offer melon tastings, and you can find fresh melon served as desserts at restaurants throughout the area. Peak melon season runs from July through September.
Beyond melons, Furano produces exceptional dairy products including fresh milk and cheese, plus high-quality potatoes, corn, asparagus, and other vegetables. The region's agricultural excellence stems from rich volcanic soil and the significant temperature difference between day and night during growing season.
Visit the Furano Marche, a local market where farmers sell fresh produce and specialty food products. The famous Furano omelet curry rice combines local eggs, vegetables, and rice into one delicious dish that's become a regional specialty.
5. Take an Unforgettable Hot Air Balloon Ride
Hot air balloon free flights are a popular winter-only activity in Furano, allowing you to enjoy an aerial stroll at a maximum altitude of 1,000 meters. As the powerful sound of the burners reverberates over the quiet earth in the early morning, you gradually leave the ground and float into the sky. The unique sensation of floating, lifted only by the power of flame, creates an experience unlike any other.
The silvery white panorama seen from the sky and the majestic view of the Tokachi mountain range are truly spectacular. In summer, hot air balloon rides offer views over colorful flower fields and green mountains. Rides typically take place in early morning when weather conditions are most stable. This experience provides incredible photo opportunities and creates memories that last a lifetime.
6. Discover Ningle Terrace's Magical Forest Shopping Village
Ningle Terrace is an enchanting shopping area nestled in the forest, featuring small wooden cottages connected by elevated walkways. Each cottage serves as a workshop where local artisans create and sell handmade crafts including leather goods, wooden toys, jewelry, glasswork, and handmade paper products. The village takes its name from a Japanese television drama and has become one of Furano's most beloved attractions.
During daytime, the forest setting provides a peaceful atmosphere for browsing unique artisan goods. At night, soft lighting illuminates the wooden paths and cottages, creating a magical fairytale atmosphere.
The covered walkways protect visitors from weather while allowing them to enjoy the natural forest surroundings. This is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs made by skilled local craftspeople, and many items cannot be found anywhere else in Japan.
7. Learn About Cheese Making at Furano Cheese Factory
Hokkaido produces about 50% of Japan's milk along with a wide range of dairy products including butter, yogurt, ice cream, and cheese. This is possible because Hokkaido, while being Japan's largest prefecture, has an unusually high amount of flat land perfect for dairy farming in a country where over 70% is mountainous.
The Furano Cheese Factory produces excellent camembert-type cheese and offers visitors a comprehensive experience. You can watch the cheese-making process through viewing windows, taste different varieties of fresh cheese, and participate in hands-on experiences making your own ice cream or butter. The factory's pizza restaurant serves delicious pizzas made with fresh Furano cheese and local vegetables.
Outside, an observation deck provides beautiful views of the surrounding countryside where you can enjoy your food while taking in the scenery. The factory also sells a variety of cheese products to take home, and you can even try unusual flavors like squid ink cheese as samples.
8. Watch Sunrise from Scenic Mountain Viewpoints
For early risers, watching the sunrise from elevated viewpoints around Furano offers breathtaking rewards. Several locations provide spectacular views of the Tokachi mountain range as dawn breaks. The sunrise paints the sky in pink and orange hues that reflect beautifully on the mountains below.
The Furano Ropeway connects the base station near New Furano Prince Hotel to the summit station over approximately 2,330 meters, offering quick access to 900 meters altitude. The Panorama Deck 900 at the rooftop of the summit station provides views where you can sometimes see Mount Tokachidake floating above a sea of clouds during early morning, and even catch the sunrise in certain seasons.
9. Tour Furano Wine House and Sample Local Wines
Furano has been producing wine since 1972, and there's a winery perched atop a hill overlooking the town that's open to the public with free wine tasting. The Furano Wine House offers tours where you can learn about the wine-making process and see how grapes grown in Hokkaido's unique climate are transformed into quality wines.
The building features a terrace with panoramic views overlooking Furano town and the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect spot for enjoying wine while admiring the scenery. You can taste several different varieties of Furano wines, and purchase bottles to take home.
About 1.5 kilometers north of the winery is a grape juice factory where you can watch the production process and sample flavorsome grape juice made from local grapes, perfect for non-drinkers and children. In September, Furano holds a wine festival featuring local wines paired with gourmet food made from Furano ingredients.
10. Visit the Mysterious Shirogane Blue Pond
Discover the wonders of Hokkaido with our captivating day tour! Dive into the mesmerizing sights of Asahiyama Zoo, experience the enchantment of the Blue Pond, and lose yourself in the floral paradise of Kamifurano.
The Blue Pond, despite looking 100% natural, is actually part of an erosion control system built to prevent damage to the town of Biei in case of an eruption by nearby Mount Tokachidake. The pond's otherworldly blue color comes from natural minerals dissolved in the water from the Shirogane hot spring area.
The surreal blue water contrasts beautifully with dead larch trees standing in the pond, creating a scene that looks almost supernatural. The pond's color changes throughout the day depending on lighting conditions, ranging from turquoise to emerald blue.
While primarily a photography spot, the nearby Shirogane Onsen hot spring area offers relaxing natural hot spring baths. The pond is particularly photogenic during golden hour and has become one of Hokkaido's most Instagram-worthy locations.
11. Relax in Natural Hot Springs After Adventure
Furano and the surrounding area feature several natural hot spring facilities where you can soak away the tiredness after hiking, skiing, or sightseeing. The mineral-rich hot spring water provides therapeutic benefits and deep relaxation. Several hotels and public bathhouses offer onsen experiences with both indoor and outdoor baths.
Outdoor baths (rotenburo) are particularly special, allowing you to soak in hot water while surrounded by nature. During winter, sitting in a steaming outdoor bath while snow falls around you creates an unforgettable Japanese experience. The contrast between the cold air and hot water is invigorating. Many onsen facilities also offer day-use options for visitors not staying overnight, making it easy to include a hot spring visit in your itinerary.
12. Take Scenic Drives Through Biei's Patchwork Roads
The Biei area northwest of Furano is famous for its bucolic rural landscapes of vast, colorful rolling fields. The Patchwork Road area features Hokusei Hill Observatory, a pyramid-shaped structure offering fine views over the fields, and Zerebu Hill. The region's agricultural fields create a patchwork pattern across rolling hills as different crops in various stages of growth create natural color variations.
Popular photo spots include individual trees that have become famous landmarks, such as the Ken and Mary Tree featured in a car commercial, and the Seven Stars Tree that appears on cigarette packages.
The Panorama Road offers continuous spectacular views as you drive through the countryside. Renting a car provides maximum freedom to stop whenever you see something beautiful - and there are countless photo opportunities along every route. The best times for scenic drives are early morning and late afternoon when lighting creates dramatic shadows across the hills.
13. Experience the Unique Furano Belly Button Festival
The Furano Hokkaido Heso Matsuri (Belly Button Festival) takes place in late July, typically on July 28th and 29th. This unique festival celebrates the fact that Furano is located in the center of Hokkaido, making it the prefecture's "navel" or belly button. During the festival, around 3,000 participants paint funny faces on their bellies and dance through the main street in a parade.
The faces painted on participants' stomachs become animated faces as people dance, creating hilarious effects. Beyond the belly button dance parade, the festival features food stalls, entertainment, and fireworks.
This whimsical celebration showcases the playful spirit of Furano's residents and offers a completely different experience from any other Japanese festival. It's a perfect example of Japanese regional festivals that celebrate local uniqueness with humor and community spirit.
Enjoy Other Seasonal Activities and Attractions
Winter Activities Beyond Skiing:
White-water rafting on the Sorachi River (summer activity, but winter snow rafting also available)
Dog sledding through snowy landscapes
Ice fishing for smelt on frozen lakes
Snowshoeing through pristine winter forests
Visiting ice sculpture festivals
Summer and Autumn Activities:
Mountain biking on trails through forests and countryside
Hiking in Daisetsuzan National Park
Paragliding over flower fields
Visiting local art museums like the Goto Sumio Art Museum
Fruit and vegetable picking at local farms
Exploring glass-making workshops at Glass Forest in Furano
How to Get to Furano
Furano is located in central Hokkaido. From Sapporo, you can take a train (about 2 hours) or drive (about 2.5 hours). The JR Furano Line connects to major cities. If you're flying, New Chitose Airport in Sapporo is the nearest major airport. Renting a car gives you the most freedom to explore Furano and surrounding areas at your own pace.
Why Furano Belongs on Your Travel Bucket List
Furano offers something truly special that sets it apart from other Japanese destinations. The combination of world-class natural beauty, unique agricultural attractions, excellent winter sports facilities, and authentic local culture creates an experience you won't find anywhere else.
Whether you're standing in a field of purple lavender with mountains in the background, skiing down powder-covered slopes, tasting the sweetest melon you've ever experienced, or soaking in a hot spring under falling snow, every moment in Furano creates precious memories.
