Furano
From World travel guide
Furano (富良野), located somewhat debatably in the precise geographical center of Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, is more of an amalgamation of several quaint farming towns around a minor municipal center. Furano is famous for its remarkably light and dry powder snow, beautiful fields of lavender, entirely domestic vinyards, and its unique Hokkai-Heso Matsuri — the Hokkaido Belly Button Festival.
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Understand
Furano is known as Heso no Machi (the Belly Button Town) due to its central location. Furano's inland location (almost 100 km -- about as far inland as Japan gets) and high elevation result in a continental climate, the reason behind Furano's successful ski hill and wine industries. There is a very large temperature variation, so a light jacket is recommended even in the summer. Summer midday temperatures may exceed 30 degrees C, and midwinters will drop below -30. Furano has very heavy snowfall in the winter.
The population is approximately 26,000, including the incorporated communities in the outskirts. The population of the main municipal area is said to be about 16,000. Don't expect to meet a large number of English speakers outside of the major hotel and tourist areas.
Get in
By train
Furano has indirect train service from Sapporo and New Chitose Airport. All trains require a transfer at Takikawa station. The last trains leave at 20:19 (New Chitose Airport) and 21:00 (Sapporo). In the winter, there is also a direct Ski Express Train from Sapporo which leaves at 8:04, and can also be accessed from the local Airport train which leaves New Chitose at 6:53. There are 12 direct trains from Asahikawa, with the last train leaving JR Asahikawa station at 22:37.
By bus
There is a regular Chuo Bus between Sapporo and Furano (timetable). The Lavender Express bus provides connections from Biei, Asahikawa Airport, and JR Asahikawa Station (timetable). During the ski season, there is a very convenient shuttle bus directly from New Chitose Airport (timetable). Unfortunately, the last bus leaves at 16:20, which is too early for many international flights. In 2006, there is a Night Shuttle which meets Australian Air / JAL flight 7991, arriving in Chitose at 19:35 pm. The only known place to directly book this bus (outside of packages) is Prai Travel Services of Sapporo. Note: This bus was not shown on their website, but they were able to take direct reservations by e-mail.
By taxi
If you are arriving at New Chitose Airport at 8 pm or later, this may be your only alternative. It can cost up to 50,000 yen, depending on season. Prai Travel has some discounts and can take reservations for this taxi trip. It will cost about 25,000 - 35,000 depending on season if booked in advance.
By car
Furano is accessible by highways 237 and 38. There is no expressway which reaches Furano directly. The closest expressway exit is Takikawa, about a 45-minute drive away. In good weather, it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to reach Furano from Sapporo, or about 1 hour from Asahikawa. Driving to Furano in winter is highly unadvisable unless you are extremely familiar with winter driving in northern Japan. Highways and major roads may ice or drift over, especially during evenings and early mornings. Sudden blizzards can be extremely severe in the exposed highway areas.
Get around
By train
Very limited access, besides the main JR Station. Local trains also stop at Shimanoshita (north of the main city) and Yamabe Station, but there is very little of interest within walking distance. One exception is the mountain climbing entrance to Ashibetsu-dake, which is located within the Taiyou no Sato park, about 45 minutes' walk from Yamabe Station.
By bus
Furano Bus provides most local bus services. The office is located directly across the street from the entrance to JR Furano Station. Conveniently, their office is shared with the Furano Tourist Association, which can provide advice on how to reach tourist attractions by bus. Overall, the bus service is poor, with only a few buses each day going to many of the major destinations.
By taxi
Due to the lack of effective public transportation, taxi services in Furano are very good. The largest carrier, Furano Taxi, has a cell-phone interpretation system which can provide service in English, Chinese, and Korean. Their fleet also contains wheelchair-accessible and other special-needs vehicles. For a small group, taxi can be quite affordable, with fares to many tourist attractions under 2,000 yen per trip. There is a 20% fare increase for late night (10pm to 5am) or winter (Nov 25 to Mar 31) services.
By car
Furano has a high traffic accident rate and one of the highest fatality rates for accidents in Japan. Rights of way are often confusingly marked on back and rural roads, where locals will often drive in excess of 100 kph. Driving is not recommended during the peak summer holidays (o-bon or local festival periods) due to the severe traffic congestion. If you are unfamiliar with winter driving in Japan, do not start here. A four-wheel drive vehicle is highly recommended. Many minor roads will be solid ice, and major roads may ice or drift over during the evening and early morning. The stop lines and center lines will be completely invisble at many intersections -- look for the blue signs which designate them. With that said, Furano has a generally poor public transit system, and many of Furano's unique attractions are best reached by car. Remember for the driver not to sample the wine at Furano Wine Factory -- even a miniscule amount of blood alcohol when driving is a criminal offense in Japan.
By bicycle
Rental cycles may be found near the train station. With the station at your back, several souvenir shops on the left side have bicycles for rent. They may not offer a helmet (adults in Japan almost never use bicycle helmets) but helmets may be available if you ask. Many hotels and pensions will also lend out bicycles. It's safest to stay on sidewalks wherever possible.
On foot
It's quite possible to explore the small downtown area on foot. The Kitanomine skiing village is also very accessible by foot, although winter conditions can be severe. Other areas, such as Rokugo, are quite spread out, with 2 or 3 km between points of interest. During winter, one should be very careful of footing, as paths and streets are often slick ice.
See
Do
Buy
Local arts and crafts can be found at the "Ninguru Terrace" shopping arcade next to the New Prince Hotel.
Locally produced food and drink (e.g. Furano Wine, carrot juice) can be found at the "Bussan Center" near downtown, or at almost any grocery store.
Eat
- Seoul Terrace, 5th Street (between the hospital and Furano Station). A Korean restaurant operated by a Korean couple. Nearly everything is handmade. Authentic Korean dishes and Japanese fusions. Prices 800 - 1500 yen for a meal, order a side dish as the volume is a bit low.
- Masaya, 5th Street (between the hospital and Furano Station). Okonamiyaki / teppanyaki shop that is very popular with locals and travellers. The owner is very entertaining and speaks excellent English. You can easily fill up on a large sized okonomiyaki with noodles for 800 yen, other dishes in the range of 1000 yen.
- Yama no Doxon / Furano Beer Hall, Kitanomine. Has a unique microbrew on tap, fresh bread, smoked meats, local cheeses, and an amazing variety of menu items. Lunches under 1000 yen, dinners 1200 to 1400, all-you-can-eat-and-drink special for 3000 yen.
- Furano Delice, Kitanomine. Home of Japan's #1 milk pudding and some amazing cakes. 400 yen + per snack.
