Things To Do
in Furano
Furano is a scenic town in central Hokkaido famed for its lavender fields and rolling farmland set against the backdrop of mountains. In summer the area bursts with color from flower fields and fresh produce, while winter brings powdery slopes nearby that draw skiers and snowboarders. The town blends rural charm with easy access to national parks, dairy farms, and delightful seasonal cuisine.
Visitors enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with plenty of photo-worthy landscapes and farm-to-table flavors year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Furano and check into your accommodation, soaking in the stunning views of the majestic mountains. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, trying some of the regional specialties. Stroll around the town center to get familiar with the shops and charming streets.
Visit the iconic Furano Cheese Factory, where you can sample delicious cheeses and learn about the cheese-making process. Take a short hike to the nearby Farm Tomita to marvel at the vibrant lavender fields in full bloom. Capture plenty of photos as the colorful scenery is nothing short of breathtaking.
Dine at a cozy local izakaya, savoring fresh ingredients and traditional Japanese dishes. Engage with locals and fellow travelers, sharing stories and enjoying the warm atmosphere. Return to your accommodation and unwind, preparing for the adventures ahead.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to Farm Tomita to explore the stunning lavender fields. The sight of purple flowers stretching across the hills is a photographer's dream, so don't forget your camera. Participate in a lavender workshop where you can create your own lavender-scented products.
Continue your farm adventure by visiting the nearby Furano Winery for a tour and tasting session, sampling various local wines. Afterward, head to the Furano Ski Resort area for a leisurely walk or a bike ride through the beautiful landscapes. Relax and enjoy the panoramic views before retreating to town.
Find a local restaurant that specializes in fresh Furano produce for dinner, delighting in dishes featuring seasonal ingredients. Engage with the chef to learn more about the culinary culture of the region. As the evening draws to a close, take a calming stroll under the night sky, absorbing the serene atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Three-course dinner for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| 🚌Local transit ticket (one-way) | $2-4 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $3-5 |
| 🏨Hotel night (mid-range) | $90-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning seasonal landscapes (lavender fields, autumn colors, snowy mountains).
- Excellent dairy-based foods and farm-to-table experiences.
- Compact, walkable town center with easy access to nature and parks.
- Friendly locals and a relaxed, safe environment.
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-energy entertainment options.
- Some attractions and services may be seasonal or weather-dependent.
- Public transport outside town can be infrequent; a car or guided tours help reach remote spots.
- "こんにちは" - Hello
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
- "すみません" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "いくらですか？" - How much is this?
- "トイレはどこですか？" - Where is the toilet?
- "おすすめは何ですか？" - What do you recommend?
- "英語を話せますか？" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Furano
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic purple fields with a backdrop of distant hills and mountains; best in mid-summer for vibrant color and wide-angle shots.
Multi-row, tiered flower fields create painterly patterns and striking color contrasts; great for panoramic shots.
A charming cluster of wooden cottages set in a pine forest near Furano Station; warm lights create a magical evening photograph.
Elevated viewpoints offering sweeping views of farmland, hills, and distant mountains; ideal for sunrise colors.
Food in Furano
Furano Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Seasonal, exceptionally sweet melons from local farms; enjoyed fresh, as juice, or in desserts.
Must-Try!
A signature summer treat made with local milk and lavender from nearby fields; a must-try for photos as well as flavor.
Creamy soft-serve and milk-based sweets highlighting Furano’s dairy; available at markets and cafés.
Hearty Hokkaido-style curry served with vegetables and meat; widely available and warming in cooler months.
Dishes featuring corn, potatoes, and other regional produce; often prepared simply to highlight freshness.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Market near Furano Station with local dairy products, jams, lavender products, and fresh produce; great for samples and gifts.
Seasonal stalls around farms offering lavender jams, cookies, and other scented treats to bite-sized samples.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Remove shoes indoors where required; bow greetings are common; avoid loud conversations on public transport.
Be patient in queues; respect personal space and move politely in crowds.
Present cash neatly when paying; avoid counting money aloud.
Follow local rules for waste and recycling; respect farmland and wildlife.
Safety
Tipping in Furano
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan; exceptional service is expected as standard. A polite thank-you or bow is sufficient.
Cash is widely used, especially in markets and smaller shops. Many hotels and larger establishments accept credit cards; some rural places may be cash-only or prefer local currency.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Lavender fields in full bloom (roughly late June to August). Warm days, cool nights; perfect for photos and outdoor activities.
Vivid foliage from late September to early October; crisp air and clear skies bolster photography and hiking.
Heavy snowfall and cold temperatures; excellent for skiing and snowy landscapes; layers and winter gear required.
Milder temperatures and budding greenery; cherry blossoms and garden flowers start to appear; quieter crowds.
Furano at Night
Hiking in Furano
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Daisetsuzan National Park trail accessed via Sounkyo; alpine terrain, rewarding summit views. Best in midsummer to early autumn.
Trails around Japan's highest mountain in Hokkaido; ropeway access from Asahidake Onsen makes several routes feasible in clear weather.
Easier hikes in the park’s lower regions offer forest scenery and wildlife viewing for a lighter day.
Airports
How to reach Furano by plane.
Regional airport serving northern Hokkaido; typically reached by bus or car in about 40–60 minutes to Furano.
Sapporo's main international gateway; connections to Furano typically involve train or bus rides of ~2–3 hours.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Japanese locals with a blend of farming communities and hatch tourism during peak seasons.
Summer influx of visitors and farm workers; languages mainly Japanese, with growing English usage in tourist centers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Winter sports are a major draw with nearby Furano Ski Area offering reliable powder and runs for all levels.
Several golf courses in the region are popular during the short summer season.
Road cycling through farmland and scenic routes is popular in the milder months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Furano.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most places offer vegetable-forward dishes, tofu, and salads. Mention no meat or fish stock; many chefs can adapt dishes if asked in advance.
Ask for soy and gluten-free options; rice-based dishes are commonly available; clarify sauces and marinades.