Furano

Furano is a centrally located city in Hokkaido, this uncrowded ski resort in Hokkaido that offers great quality powder snow, along with accessability to great food and unforgettable cultural experiences. It is fast becoming one of the most popular ski fields for Australians. The average snowfall is 9m per season. The new Furano lift pass has an extended access to best off-piste mountains in Central Hokkaido such as Kamui Ski Links and Tomamu. Furano also has Japan's only Ski Host programme made up of local English speaking volunteers to assist you with finding restaurants, bars, museums galleries and all events and activities on Furano. It is located approximately 3 hours train or bus ride from Sapporo Airport however, the most convenient access point is Asahikawa Airport which is only 1 hour away.

Being one of the largest ski resort in Hokkaido, it is an amzzing place for skiiers / snowboarders. If you are looking for somewhere that offers great quality powder snow and not so crowded, this is the ideal snow destination. There are a total of 10 lifts in around the resort and it includes the fastest gondola in Japan. Furano is also one of the best family-friendly ski resort in Japan for foreign guests as they offer childcare services and snow schools with certified English-speaking staff.

Location

Furano, is a town which is located in the centre of Hokkaido (North Island of Japan). They offer large terrain covered by dry and fluffy powder snow and resorts also offer family friendly services and facilities.

How to get there

As Furano is located in the middle of Hokkaido, there are various ways of transport to Furano from nearby airports. The closest airport to Furano is Asahikawa Airport which has regular flights from Haneda (Tokyo), Itami (Osaka) and Seoul and there are hourly bus services between Asahikawa Airport and Furano. From Sapporo City or New Chitose Airport, the Hokkaido Resort Liner Bus (direct bus) is the easiest way to access Furano and there are multiple departure times during the day.

Alternatively, you can take train to Furano from Sapporo Station. It is either via Asahikawa Station or via Takikawa Station to Furano Station. From Furano Station, you will need to catch a taxi to your accommodation which will be approximately 5 - 10 minutes (1000yen).

Mountain Statistics

Shuttle buses

Resort Shuttle bus service operates during winter season (mid December to early March) between Furano ski resort and Furano town. There are also buses that take you to day trips to Asahikawa Zoo (the most Northern Zoo in Japan), Asahikawa Shopping Centre from Furano and Furano Hot Spring. You can ask day tour and bus information at Alpine Visitor Centre. Resort Liner Bus also operates between Furano ski resort and Tomamu Ski Resort which is the closest ski resort of Furano.

Restaurants & Nightlife

Over 200 restaurants, cafes and bars. Locals eat at the same places which means the food is very good and very affordable. Huge variety of food and dining with some very high class restaurants downtown, at the New Furano Prince Hotel and in Kitanomine.  A lot of 'cool' Japanese bars and little places tucked away. Ask a local or at the information centres for advice and find one of the great little places where you can have a fun night in a Japanese style place but also communicate and enjoy the experiences. Restaurants in Furano average costs  between ¥700 to ¥2,000 per meal and from ¥600 per drink.

Culture

Furano is one of the family friendly resort as it offers good facilities and services for children such as kids snow schools and child care. The Child care centre is located in front of Kitanomine Gondola and there are even qualified English-speaking staffs too (private child care service is also available). Kids snow school is located inside the Kitanomine Gondola and offers group and private lessons for children.