Winter Festive Getaway to Furano, Hokkaido

If you are looking for an adventure-filled getaway packed with nature and festivity Furano offers the best of winter magic and cultural delights combined. Here, I provide a guide on everything I did in Furano. 

Dog Sledding 

Dog sledding in Furano will be a unique winter time adventure. Just imagine the miracle of sliding down on snow-covered paths pulled by a team of energetic huskies. This is a highly recommended activity of mine and it is perfect for families with children, couples, and solo travelers since one can take a tour with a guide provided by local companies. These guides also take very good care of their huskies, you are even able to pet them after the rides as they go around introducing each husky to you. 

Explore Ningle Terrace

No visit to Furano would be complete without Ningle Terrace. It is a tiny, magical village near the ski resort. The village has a very charming collection of wooden cottages, beautifully lit during winter, making it very cosy and just like a setting from a fairy tale. You can go shopping for some handmade crafts, enjoy the light festivity, and take a hot drink at one of the cafes. This is the place to take in a romantic walk or take a peaceful rest from your activities in winter.

Biei’s Famous Tree, Shirogane Blue Pond & Shirohige Waterfall

Just a short drive from Furano, the town of Biei is home to the “Tree of Winter”. This lonely tree, against a backdrop of snow white, is almost an iconic figure. Very close by to the famous tree is the Shirogane Blue Pond, although the pond is frozen in winter, it is still magical in winter at dark when the pond and trees surrounding are bathed in soft magical lights. This creates a surreal, peaceful atmosphere with glowing blue lights amongst the winter landscape, it is ideal for quiet moments of reflection. Another short drive from there and you are able to witness the Shirohige waterfall. In winter, Shirohige Waterfall turns into a magical frozen scene. The water freezes into beautiful ice formations, and the surrounding snow adds to the peaceful atmosphere. Shirohige, meaning “white beard” in Japanese, is especially fitting in winter. As the waterfall freezes, large icicles form, resembling a white beard hanging from the rocks.

Furano Skiing and Snowboarding

Furano hosts many ski resorts which is a must-visit for lovers of winter sports. It is famous for its world class powder snow and offers various runs for both skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Whether you’re hitting the slopes for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, Furano’s powder snow and stunning mountain views will make your skiing or snowboarding experience unforgettable. 

Sample Local Delicacies

After a day of outdoor events, refuel with some specialty foods of Furano. The star food here is the Omu curry rice and soup curry. Omu curry is a fluffy omelet topped with Japanese curry and rice, while soup curry is a hokkaido style curry with more of a soup texture, they are both local’s favourite comfort foods on a cold winter day. For more adventurous eaters, deer and bear meat dishes can also be found at certain restaurants. These meats are unique to the region and offer a taste of Hokkaido’s wild side.

Other Winter Activities

To add to this, you can even participate in snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or even take a hot air balloon over the snowy landscape. Furano’s wide, open spaces and its breathtaking views are a great way to enjoy such activities this winter season.

Practical Tips for Furano & Furano in Summer:

The nearest terminal is New Chitose Airport, which is about 2 to 3 hours away by car from Furano. The town has a number of local taxis and buses that can go to almost all the area attractions, but renting a car is highly recommended. Don’t worry, these rental cars usually come with snow wheels allowing you to drive safely in the snow. Furano is not just a winter paradise, it is also incredibly beautiful in summer; offering many summer activities such as rafting, canoeing, and fishing. It is also home to enchanting flower fields that boast a wealth of beauty.

Written and Photos Taken by Lucy from Australia