Furano
Flower fields and skiing in Hokkaido
Furano is a city located on the island of Hokkaido, in the Kamikawa sub-prefecture. To get there from Tokyo, the easiest way is to fly directly to Asahikawa (1h40 flight time), then to Furano by train (JR Furano line), which is still about 1 hour 40 minutes away. Otherwise, Furano is very easily accessible from Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido Island, 2 hours by train. You can even take a special train, such as the Furano Lavender Express or the Furano Biei Norokko Train.
Furano is famous for its lavender fields in summer, and its skiing in winter.
Indeed, from May to October, Furano will undoubtedly seduce nature lovers through its fields of tulips, rapeseed, poppies, lupins, and other varieties. Throughout the summer, the floral culture colours its valleys bordered by mountains, offering a pleasant landscape full of joy and scents as well as a magnificent view of Mount Tokachi. In July, lavender blossoms attract tourists from all over the country and the world. One of the largest lavender fields in the region is located at the Tomita farm, open to visitors, where you can also visit a lavender essential oil distillery. Also, not to be missed: the panoramic flower gardens of Shikisai no oka.
Furano also has many culinary specialities based on lavender: lavender ice cream, lavender tea, lavender cake… The region is also known throughout Japan for the quality of its milk: for cheese lovers, the Furano cheese dairy is a must. You can enjoy milk and cheese ice-cream!
The Furano market, near the station, gives you the opportunity to buy locally produced products.
Furano is also known for its glass work, particularly blown glass and ice crystals (shibare garasu).
The other part of the year, from November to May, Furano is frequented for its ski area Furano Ski Resort with one of the most famous ski areas in Hokkaido with its 24 slopes divided into two ski areas. The Sancho-eki ski resort, located at an altitude of 900 metres, is renowned for its beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
The most beautiful views of Furano are as follows: Flower Land Kamifurano (which can be visited by tractor bus between June and September), Kanno farm, and the blue bridge of Biei.
General informations
In japanese : 富良野
Region : Hokkaido
Prefecture : Hokkaido
Population : 22,000 inhabitants
Density : 36 inhab/km²
Link : Official website