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Furano City is a renowned tourist destination in Hokkaido. Due to its central location, it's nicknamed "The City of the Navel." Blessed by the natural beauty of the Furano Basin, it's also the setting for the Japanese drama "From the North."
Lavender fields are scattered across Nakafurano, including Farm Tomita, the birthplace of lavender tourism, Sasaki Farm in Saika no Sato, and the municipal lavender garden. Amidst the vibrant colors of Nakafurano, including the Tokachidake mountain range and beautiful rural scenery, you can enjoy delicious food, festivals, and sightseeing experiences year-round.
The best time to visit Furano is summer, when lavender blooms. It also hosts the humorous "Hokkai Umbilical Cord Festival," where a 3,000-person dance troupe parades through the city's main thoroughfare, each with a face painted on their belly. In winter, Furano is also a renowned ski resort.
Recommended play time: 1-2 days
Furano is a rural town in central Hokkaido, Japan, known for its agriculture, flower cultivation, and ski resorts. It gained fame for lavender fields and has become a seasonal tourist destination, symbolizing Hokkaido’s natural beauty.
Furano is located in central Hokkaido. Accessible via JR Furano Line from Sapporo (about 2.5 hours), by bus from Asahikawa Airport, and by taxi or rental car for local sightseeing.
Most flower farms charge ¥300–¥700. Ski resorts vary by day pass; onsen typically ¥500–¥1,000. Tickets can usually be purchased on-site; some farms and resorts allow online booking.
Advance booking is recommended for ski resorts, popular farms, and onsen accommodations, ideally 1–2 weeks before peak season. General flower field visits do not require booking.
2–3 days to enjoy flower fields, Ningle Terrace, Furano ski resort, and nearby hikes or onsen experiences.
Guided tours are available at some farms and ski resorts in Japanese and English; audio guides are limited and mostly in Japanese.
Day 1: Farm Tomita and lavender fields, Furano Cheese Factory, Ningle Terrace. Day 2: Furano Flower Land, Furano-Biei Norokko Train, and Daisetsuzan National Park. Day 3: Ski resort (winter) or cycling countryside (summer).
Some farms and Ningle Terrace offer evening illumination in summer; ski resorts provide night skiing during winter. Seasonal events vary by year.
Peak is mid-June to mid-July for lavender and December–March for skiing. Visit weekdays or early mornings for fewer crowds.
Most tourist farms, ski resorts, and Ningle Terrace have toilets, cafés, souvenir shops, and rest areas. Some remote fields have limited facilities.
Main flower fields and Ningle Terrace are generally accessible, but hilly areas and ski slopes may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Cash is preferred for small shops, farms, and local eateries. Cards are accepted at larger resorts, hotels, and some restaurants.
Cafés, local bakeries, ramen shops, and restaurants serving Furano vegetables, cheese dishes, and Hokkaido specialties are scattered near farms and downtown Furano.
Some restaurants offer vegetarian options; vegan and halal choices are limited, so planning ahead is advised.
Range from ski resorts and luxury lodges to guesthouses and inns near downtown Furano and Ningle Terrace.
