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FURANO
Furano is situated in the centre of Japan’s north island Hokkaido, Furano is a vibrant town, famous for its produce, the T. V show ‘The North Country’ which ran for 20 years and its powder snow.
Some 25,000 people live about this farming community. The rich volcanic soils and climate produce 60 different varieties of vegetables, fruit, wheat and flowers suppling much of mainland Japan.
Spring, Summer and Autumn are all short, but spectacular with the seasons actually changing before your eyes. |
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As the Spring snow melts, within weeks the weather has changed and under the snow capped mountains the flowers and crops begin to grow again at a rapid rate. By late April the Sukura (cherry blossoms) make their beautiful but brief appearance.
Summer is the most popular and most spectacular, with its flower gardens and produce at full production. This is a time for BBQ's and holidays with many festivals happening around the various communities. |
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Autumn leaves appear in October showing their colourful coats, with the Maple trees turning into fiery reds and yellows.
Winter starting in November is a long cold but marvellous time with some of the best powder snow in the world. With Kamui and Tomamu within a 1 hour drive and Asahidake across the valley, for those who want that Back Country experience, there is enough uncrowded runs for everyone. Furano is noted for its well groomed runs and relatively cheap lift passes compared with Australia and Europe.
After a days ski try an onsen (Hot Spring) to relax your aching muscles. There are a number about town, indoor and outdoor. |
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| Things To Do Around Furano |
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Kitanomine area has 4 ski schools, Furano Snow School, and ski hire (www.sportpia.co.jp/en) Furano International Snowsports School (www.fiss.jpn.com) both excellent and both can be found out of the Gondola building. FISS also has a children’s day care center. Night skiing is also available at the Furano Zone and Kitanomine Zone.
Furano Tourism Association have a free Ski HOST programme, from 10 o’clock every day (mari@furanotourism.com), to show you around the hill, and tell you all about their town and events. These English speaking friendly hosts will cater for any ability.
You can book the day before at the Tourism Centre. |
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For powder lovers, there is snow shoe trekking, Backcountry tours and Off Piste tours on Mt Asahidake and Mt Tokachidake.
Hokkaido Powder Guides have fully qualified guides and avalanche safety equipment; (www.hokkaidopowderguides.com)
There are many outdoor activities to do all through the year.
To see Furano from another perspective try Hot Air Ballooning, you might be lucky enough to see Diamond Dust.
Ice Hole Fishing, Eskimo style on a frozen lake, is another experience for the adverturous. Catch and eat as you go!
Trout Fishing, Hiking, Canyoning, Rafting and Biking are all good for the summer months. |
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Park Golf is a great summer activity not just for the old. This 1 club game is more of a challenge than it looks! There are many course spread around the area, many with minimal costs and some are free.
Asahikawa Zoo is one and a half hours bus ride away, a great day out for the children, they will love the Penguin March. There are also plenty of spectacular firework displays put on all through the year, probably the biggest is at the New Furano Prince Hotel at New Years Eve.
With 150+ excellent restaurants you can try delicious soup curries, nabe hot pots, sushi and Waygu Beef BBQ's.
The cheese factory has a superb Pizza restaurant, Furano Winery also has its own restaurant with a Fondue specialty.
Cafe Delice Furano is a Japanese renowned, serving delicious cheese cakes and milk puddings. Ajito Bar is on your door step, with the Bridge Bar down town. |
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