Furano is famous, particularly in Japan, for the spectacular lavender fields that transform the surrounding countryside into vibrant hues of purple. Lavender is not indigenous to Hokkaido, but due to the cool continental climate it has found it’s home in the region. The peak lavender season is July and August, with early and late-blooming varieties also visible in June and September. During this period many visitors and avid photographers from around the world visit Furano to behold the flower spectacular found in area. The best vantage points to view the lavender can be found at Kitanomine Bell Hills Lavender Park (only 3 minutes from FFP), the Highland Furano hotel only 10 minutes from town and the breathtaking Tomita farm (details below).

The Furano Winery is located on a picturesque hilltop just west of Furano City. From this beautiful vantage point visitors are treated to incredible panoramic views of rolling fields of Lavender and the distant mountain ranges, often still covered in late melting snow. The winery is open for tours of the winemaking process as well as samples of local wine and grape juice, and in summer there is a barbecue park featuring the local “Genghis Kahn” style lamb BBQ.

Lavender in Hokkaido was originally a cash crop, grown for its oil which has many therapeutic and cosmetic uses. In the late 1960s, the demand for lavender oil dried up and many of the lavender farms went out of business. In the face of great economic difficulty, Tomita persevered, tending his fields as the other farms slowly disappeared. By 1973, Farm Tomita was the only lavender farm to remain in the Furano area.
Tomita’s perseverance would be rewarded when a freelance photographer submitted a photo of the breathtaking lavender fields to the Japan Rail Calendar in 1976. This created a sudden boom of tourists from mainland Japan, revitalizing the local economy and sparking central Hokkaido’s tourist industry. Today, Farm Tomita has expanded to a year-round flower park, featuring hundreds of varieties of live and dry flowers in indoor and outdoor gardens. The area is now one of Japan’s most photographed places.

Cherry Blossoms abound in this hilltop park which is named for its uncanny resemblance to the shape of a sea cucumber (you’ll have to trust us on this one). The hill has over 1000 cherry trees, and in spring is blanketed with white and pink cherry blossoms. There are also a variety of seasonal flowers planted throughout the park, and a shrine and picnic area at the top of the hill. A kid’s park at the base of the hill has one of the largest playgrounds in the area. The Cherry Blossum festival held in May each year encourages guests to sample food whilst enjoying the beautiful spectacle.

Cheese is another famous local product, with varieties ranging from wine cheddar to the strikingly jet-black squid ink camembert. All very delicious and made using local products. The cheese factory offers a number of activities including cheese making, butter making, and pizza baking. Perhaps the most popular summertime attraction is the fresh ice milk, available in interesting flavours such as corn, pumpkin, asparagus, and occasionally lavender. Furano cheeses can also be purchased at many supermarkets through town, and there are a variety of local ice creams and inventive dairy dishes available at eateries throughout the city.

Situated in a beautiful forest just below the New Furano Prince Hotel, Ninguru Terrace is a beautiful collection of boutique cottages housing specialty arts and crafts shops. The craftsman create all their products on site as you watch. The mini village features a wooden walkway that gracefully winds between the all natural buildings creating a tranquil atmosphere.A local café serves a range of products including hot and cold drinks, baked milk, cakes and cheese platter and some delicious ice creams. At night Ninguru Terrace comes alive with the walkways and buildings lined with fairy lights. perfect place for wandering around and enjoying the sightseeing and beauty, or for getting some perfect souvenirs with a touch of nature and Furano.

In Spring, Summer and Autumn the Furano Ropeway (Cable Car) offers visitors incredible views of the Furano area. The ropeway floats its way up the Furano mountain above a plethora of beautiful trees and flora. The colours from the forests below and in the surrounding valleys are magnificent, especially in Autumn. Once at the top visitors can choose to take in the breathtaking scenery and ride back down or access any number of well maintained hiking trails through the hills. A return journey in summer is very reasonable priced at around 1,800 Yen.

Within a short drive from Furano numerous mountain ranges and national parks can be accessed. The highest peaks in Hokkaido are found in the region and include Mt. Ashibetsu Dake (1726.5m), Mt.Furano-Nishidake (1331.1m) Mt. Furanodake and Genshigahara Wetlands (1912.1m) and the highest peak of all Mt.Tokachidake (2077m). Located at the base of the hike to Mt Tokachidake is the famous onsen region featuring the highest natural onsen in Hokkaido. It makes for a perfect place to unwind after hiking in the hills for the day. Further details and maps can be obtained from the Furano Tourist Association.

Furano is famous for the long serving TV drama “From The Northern Country” which ran for 18 years. The drama centred around 3 main characters and heavily featured Furano’s nature and four distinct seasons to create an iconic Japanese series.
Furano’s popularity and culture was largely inspired and developed by the series and as a result it has left indelible mark on the area with buildings and original TV sets from the show being maintained as major landmarks. Among the landmarks are the Northern Country museum, Goro’s stone house (the main set for the show), Jun and Yui’s Recycled House and two building found in the beautiful Rokugo forest which played a major part in the show.