One of Hokkaido's 179 towns
Furano富良野市
Lavender, wine and the belly button of Hokkaido
Kamikawa region · Lavender, patchwork hills and the roof of Hokkaido.
Lavender fields in July, powder skiing in January, and wine all year. Furano is the postcard of central Hokkaido — arrive early in summer.
Furano fills a broad valley in the geographic centre of Hokkaido, with the Tokachidake volcanoes on one side and the Yubari hills on the other. The town's name is shorthand for July lavender, though the biggest fields are actually in neighboring Nakafurano; Furano itself offers a city-run winery and cheese factory, a ski hill above the town and the farm landscapes made famous by decades of television drama. It works in every season, which is rare in Hokkaido, and it is the natural base for the whole Furano–Biei corridor.
Furano at a glance
- Region
- Kamikawa (上川)
- From New Chitose Airport
- Unrouted model: ~115 km · 1.8 h summer / 2.1 h winter
- From Sapporo
- Unrouted model: ~121 km · 1.9 h summer / 2.2 h winter
- Best season in Kamikawa
- Choose dates around the flowers, autumn foliage or winter scenery you want to see. Check local conditions and seasonal transport before booking.
Model figures do not follow roads or account for passes or closures; they are not driving-time estimates. They assume straight-line distance × 1.35 and 65 km/h in summer / 55 km/h in winter. Check the actual route, breaks and road conditions. Model assumptions and limitations
What to see in Furano
Furano Winery and Cheese Factory
ふらのワイン工場とチーズ工房
Two city-run facilities on the hills west of town: a winery growing its own grapes with a tasting room, and a cheese workshop with hands-on classes. Both have views back over the valley.
Furano Ski Area
富良野スキー場
The slopes rise directly above the Kitanomine district, with long runs and dry inland snow. In summer the gondola area opens for hiking and views of the Tokachi range.
Hokkaido Heso Festival
北海へそ祭り
Held every July, this festival celebrates Furano's position at the island's centre with dancers who paint faces on their bellies and parade through downtown.
Rokugo and the drama countryside
麓郷の農村風景
The farming district east of town where the long-running drama 'From the Northern Country' was filmed. Fields, woods and old farmhouses remain much as they appeared on screen.
Getting to Furano
Asahikawa Airport is about one hour by car via Biei on Route 237. The JR Furano Line from Asahikawa ends at Furano station, and the Nemuro Main Line from Takikawa also reaches it. From Sapporo it is about 2.5 hours by car through Mikasa and Katsurazawa.
Kamikawa region: Asahikawa Airport and Asahikawa Station are useful entry points. Plan the onward journey separately: reaching a railway station is not the same as reaching a flower farm, the Blue Pond or a mountain ropeway. Check seasonal bus services and the last return departure.
When to visit Furano
July for lavender and the belly-button festival, though the town fills up and lodging goes early. September for harvest and grape season, January and February for ski powder. May is quiet and green after the snow melts.
What to eat in Furano
Furano wine and Furano cheese, both from the city facilities, are the take-home items. Melons, carrots and onions come from the valley, and omelette curry with local ingredients is the town's own dish. Milk from local herds shows up in soft-serve everywhere.
Furano in context: the Kamikawa region
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Furano is in the Kamikawa region. This page introduces the town; the region guide below covers the wider area and neighbouring communities.
Kamikawa is a large inland region of Hokkaido that includes Asahikawa, Furano, Biei and gateways to Daisetsuzan National Park. It is also the name of Kamikawa town, where Sounkyo Onsen is located. The linked region guide helps you choose between the region's sightseeing areas; use the town guide below if Sounkyo is your destination.
Towns near Furano
Read next
Furano & Biei Guide
Plan Furano and Biei with a two-day itinerary, Farm Tomita driving times, no-car options, lavender timing and advice on choosing a place to stay.
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Where to Stay in Furano
Compare Furano town, Kitanomine, Nakafurano, Kamifurano and Biei by season, meals and transport. Choose a base before choosing a hotel.
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Sapporo to Furano and Biei: Train, Bus or Car
Compare Sapporo to Furano and Biei by train, highway bus or car. Check seasonal services, rail passes, fares and winter connections before choosing your route.
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Hokkaido Rail Pass 2026: Prices, Area Passes and When It Pays Off
Compare the Hokkaido Rail Pass and four-day area passes: prices, coverage, eligibility, seat reservations and when separate tickets cost less.
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Furano & Biei to Noboribetsu Onsen: Train or Car
Compare Furano and Biei to Noboribetsu Onsen by train or car, including transfer waits, the drive to the expressway and the final leg to your hotel.
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Furano and Biei in Winter 2026–27: Skiing, Snow Scenery and the Cold
Plan Furano and Biei in winter with ski-season dates, the Blue Pond, rail-pass options, cold-weather preparation and practical transport choices.
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More towns in Kamikawa
Other regions: Ishikari · Sorachi · Shiribeshi · Iburi · Hidaka · Oshima · Hiyama · Rumoi · Soya · Okhotsk · Tokachi · Kushiro · Nemuro