Glass Forest in Furano

The Glass Forest in Furano is a specialized glass art museum and gallery located in the scenic countryside of Furano, Hokkaido. Established in 1998, this attraction showcases an extensive collection of Venetian glass artwork and glassware, bringing European artisanal traditions to the Japanese landscape. The facility was created to complement Furano's growing reputation as a destination for art, crafts, and pastoral tourism, particularly following the region's fame from Japanese television dramas filmed in the area during the 1980s and 1990s.

The museum houses approximately 10,000 pieces of handcrafted glass items, primarily sourced from Murano, Italy, the historic center of Venetian glassmaking. The collection includes decorative vases, chandeliers, tableware, and intricate glass sculptures displayed across multiple themed galleries. The architecture itself incorporates European design elements with large windows that allow natural light to illuminate the glass displays. Beyond the indoor galleries, visitors can explore a garden area featuring glass ornaments and installations set against Furano's rural backdrop, creating a distinctive contrast between Italian craftsmanship and Hokkaido's natural environment.

Visitors can participate in glass-crafting workshops where they create their own small glass accessories or ornaments under professional guidance. The facility includes a retail shop selling imported Venetian glassware and locally produced glass items, along with a café serving light meals and beverages in a glass-decorated interior. The combination of viewing rare glass artworks and hands-on creation experiences makes it particularly popular with couples and families.

The Glass Forest is located approximately 15 kilometers northeast of central Furano. Visitors traveling by car can reach it via Route 237 in about 20 minutes from Furano Station. Parking is available on-site at no charge. For those using public transportation, limited seasonal bus services operate from Furano Station during summer months, though taxi services remain the most reliable option for visitors without private vehicles.