Welcome to Furano!

Furano, located in the heart of Hokkaido, offers one of Japan’s most authentic and enchanting winter experiences. Known for its powder-light snow, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and charming rural ambience, Furano combines world-class skiing with a warm, welcoming small-town feel.

Whether you’re carving down the slopes of Furano Ski Resort, exploring traditional Japanese culture, or indulging in the region’s exceptional local cuisine, Furano delivers an unforgettable winter holiday suited for skiers, families, couples, and adventure-seekers alike.

Unlike more commercialised resorts, Furano maintains a perfect balance between convenience and authenticity. Its two mountain zones — Furano Zone and Kitanomine Zone — offer wide-open groomers, tree runs, and long descents suitable for beginners through to experts.

With consistent snowfall from December through March, excellent lift infrastructure, and easy access from Sapporo or Asahikawa Airport, Furano has quickly become one of Japan’s most desirable ski destinations.

The town of Furano is only 5 minutes away and is home to an array of restaurants and bars for once you’re off the mountain. Furano operates as a fully functional, authentic Japanese city rather than a manufactured resort. This provides visitors with lower overall costs, uncrowded spaces, and a genuine cultural experience.

Mountain Statistics

Furano Zone

Anchored by the 2,330 m Furano Ropeway and includes the 1,944 m Furano Downhill high-speed quad. This side is convenient for the Shin Furano Prince Hotel, Furano Snow Land and nearby winter attractions.

Kitanomine Zone

Served by the 2,958 m Kitanomine Gondola. Kitanomine has accommodation, rental shops, and several restaurants and bars. It also provides access towards the upper-mountain link with the Furano Zone when operating conditions permit.

From Australia

Most guests fly into New Chitose Airport (CTS) near Sapporo, or Asahikawa Airport (AKJ). Direct flights from major Australian cities connect via Tokyo (Haneda/Narita), or through Asian hubs. Shared transfers are more readily available from Chitose Airport and airfares are cheaper into Chitose than flying into the nearer airport of Asahikawa.

Visit Japan Web

“Visit Japan Web” is the Japanese Government’s online immigration clearance and customs declaration portal. Register in advance at vjw.digital.go.jp to receive a QR code for speedier entry. The paper Customs Declaration Form can still be used.

Airport Transfers

Route	Duration
New Chitose Airport → Furano (private transfer)	Approx. 2.5 hours
New Chitose Airport → Furano (Hokkaido Resort Liner)	Approx. 3 hours
Asahikawa Airport → Furano	Less than 1 hour
JR Rail to Furano Station	Varies by route

Please contact your Travelplan Consultant to pre-book your transfers (private or shared).

Black Cat Luggage Service

Ski TA-Q-BIN (Black Cat Ski) delivers skis and luggage to ski resorts one day before arrival. Airport TA-Q-BIN delivers heavy suitcases to partner airport counters before departure (allow 2–3 days). See global-yamato.com/en/hands-free-travel.

Driving

To drive in Japan you must hold either a valid Japanese licence, or a valid International Driving Permit and a current Australian state driver’s licence. Driving around Japanese ski resorts is not recommended unless you are confident driving in heavy snow and on icy mountain roads.

View the official Furano mountain trail map and real-time lift/weather conditions:

• Furano Mountain Trail Map — Prince Hotels
• Furano Lift Status & Weather

Hokkaido Powder Belt Pass

Travelplan recommends the purchase of this pass that includes Furano Ski Resort, Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, and Kamui Ski Links and offers flexibility as they do not need to be used consecutively.

Kids under 12 Ski Free

Children under 12 receive free lift tickets, issued through the ticket office.

Ikon Pass Access (2026–27)

Pass Type	Furano Access
Ikon Pass	7 days
Ikon Base Pass	5 days
Ikon Session Pass	No access

No Furano reservation requirement is stated. No blackout dates.

Operating Hours

Lifts open 8:30 AM every day, subject to snow and weather conditions.

Night skiing hours:

• Weekdays: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Weekends, holidays and New Year period (28 Dec – 5 Jan): 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Rhythm Furano

Rental, retail & Rhythm Tunes workshop, situated across from the Kitanomine Gondola. Speak to your Travelplan consultant to book.

First-Day Pick-Up

• Equipment may be collected from 1:00 PM on the day before your rental starts
• For the complimentary pick-up service, call +81 167-56-7744 approximately 15–20 minutes before you are ready
• Pick-up zone covers: Kitanomine, Shimo-Goryo, Naka-Goryo, and Furano Station
• After fitting, staff will return you to your accommodation or the nearest ski lift

Sportpia Furano

Located in the Kitanomine terminal. Rents a large range of skis and snowboards from beginner to advanced, plus helmets and clothing. They also offer a hot wax service which fills up quickly in peak season. Speak to your Travelplan consultant to pre-book.

New Furano Prince Hotel Rental

There is also a rental shop within the New Furano Prince Hotel for convenience.

Travelplan recommends Sportpia Furano at Kitanomine for ski and snowboard lessons. English-speaking instructors can be heavily booked during peak winter periods — reserve early.

Comprehensive English-Language Instruction: Sportpia Furano’s Snow School delivers certified English-language ski and snowboard lessons across all skill levels, from toddlers to advanced adults.

School	Best For	Contact
Furano Prince Hotels Snow School	Good for clients staying at the Shin Furano Prince Hotel	Via Prince Hotels
Pandaruman Kids Ski School	A specialised kids’ ski program located right next to the Shin Furano Prince Hotel for children aged 3 to 6	050-5526-3941 / [email protected]

Mountain Guides

Summit Backcountry Guiding: +81-090-8036-9012 — offers backcountry guide sessions up to 6 hours long. Speak to your Travelplan consultant to pre-book.

Winter Activities

Activity	Description	Info
Furano Snow Land	Snow rafting, snowmobiles, sledding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing	Prince Hotels
Kan Kan Mura	Snow dome, ice bar, sculptures, illuminations and tubing course	Furano Tourism
Ningle Terrace	Enchanting winter stroll featuring lit log cabins with local arts & crafts	Near Shin Furano Prince Hotel
Dog Sledding	Guided sled rides through snowy meadows	Furano Tourism
Ice Fishing (Wakasagi)	Classic Hokkaido tradition — catch pond smelt through lake ice, often prepared tempura-style	Furano Tourism
Snowshoeing	Guided forest and nature walks through winter scenery	Furano Tourism
Snowmobiling	Open snowfields and gentle backcountry hills	Furano Tourism
Hot-Air Ballooning	Weather-dependent winter flights over snowy landscapes	Furano Tourism
Backcountry Tours	Guided excursions to Tokachidake, Furanodake, and Asahidake	Summit Backcountry Guiding: +81-090-8036-9012

Attractions Close-By

Asahiyama Zoo (approx. 1 hr 15 mins)

Asahiyama Zoo comes alive in winter because its arctic animals — like polar bears, snow leopards and penguins — become incredibly active. Visit the famous Penguin Walk, where a flock of King Penguins leave their enclosure and march along a 500-metre path right past the visitors to get their winter exercise.

Tomamu Ice Village (approx. 1.5 hrs)

A spectacular town built entirely from ice and snow, existing only when temperatures drop below −10°C. Highlights include:

• Ice Bar & Restaurant
• Ice Chapel & Hotel
• Ice Slides & Skating

Asahikawa City (approx. 50 mins)

• Asahikawa Winter Festival: Running from 6–11 February 2027, this massive festival is famous for its Guinness World Record-sized main snow sculpture — often a towering 140 metres wide and 20 metres high — that acts as a live music stage.
• Heiwa-dori Kaimono-koen: Japan’s first permanent pedestrian shopping street runs for a kilometre straight from the station. During winter, it is lined with intricate, glowing ice sculptures and illuminated tree tunnels.
• Asahikawa Ramen Village: A culinary hotspot gathering 8 of the city’s top local ramen shops under one roof.
• Sake Brewery Culture: Asahikawa produces some of Japan’s best dry sake. Historic breweries like Otokoyama allow winter tours where you can see the traditional brewing process in action and taste seasonal, freshly pressed sake.

Furano Ski Festival

The Ski Festival is one of the biggest events in Furano’s winter season, held at the base of the Kitanomine Zone. The festival features events, fireworks in the evening, and food and drink stalls.

Must-Try Furano Foods

• Furano Cheese & Dairy — Hokkaido is Japan’s dairy heartland; fresh milk, creamy cheese, and rich butter
• Hokkaido Miso Ramen — with sweet corn, butter, and local vegetables
• Furano Omelette Curry — hearty curry with local root vegetables
• Genghis Khan (Jingisukan) BBQ — grilled lamb cooked at the table
• Fresh Seafood — salmon, scallops, crab, and ikura (salmon roe)
• Hot Pot (Nabe) — shabu-shabu with Hokkaido beef or lamb

Recommended Restaurants

Restaurant	Specialty	Hours	Best For
Gyoro Gyoro	Seafood bowls, yakitori, Kamifurano pork	17:00–22:00	Après-ski, groups
Sennari Shabu Shabu	Beef shabu-shabu, lamb	17:00–22:00 (16:00 weekends)	Families, groups
Furanoya	Chicken leg soup curry, vegetable curry	11:00–18:00	Quick lunch, families
Bistro Le Chemin	French-inspired with local produce	11:30–14:00, 17:30–22:00	Couples, fine dining
Furano Burger	Local beef burgers, homemade bacon	11:00–18:00	Casual, families
Furano Wabisuke	Sashimi, grilled seafood, sake	17:00–22:00	Seafood lovers
Kumagera	Home-style dishes, hot pots, curry	Check locally	Casual dining
Bakery Sora no Kujira	Fresh bread, pastries, light meals	Morning to afternoon	Breakfast, café
Zizi (Wood-Fired Pizza)	Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizza	Check locally	Groups, families
Restaurant Nord	Steak, cheese fondue, Furano omelette curry	Check locally	Groups (pick-up for 4+)

Venue	Area & Style
AJITO	Kitanomine sports bar; pool, darts, winter events
The Bridge	Downtown multilingual bar and café
Soh’s Bar	Quiet forest bar near Shin Furano Prince Hotel
Yama no Doxon	Kitanomine brewery and restaurant

Supermarkets & Stores

Store	Description	Hours
Furano Marche	Local produce, snacks, bakeries, dairy, specialty souvenirs	10:00–19:00
RALSE Mart	Full-service supermarket near Furano Station	9:00–20:30
Seicomart	Hokkaido-only convenience chain; hot food, meals	6:00–23:30
7-Eleven	International ATMs, ready meals, essentials	24 hours
Family Mart	Convenience store with good food selection	24 hours
Lawson	Fresh-baked bakery section, strong ready-meal options	24 hours

Pharmacies

Pharmacy	Description	Hours
Tsuruha Drug	Comprehensive drugstore: medicine, skincare, toiletries, snacks	9:00–22:00
SATUDORA	Hokkaido drugstore chain; medicines, vitamins, winter care items	9:00–21:00

Cash & ATMs

Clothing

Have a jacket and gloves ready when you arrive in Hokkaido. December to February temperatures are very low. Warm clothing is essential. Children should be prepared with helmets, goggles, high SPF sunscreen, neck warmers, waterproof layers and thermals.

Time Zone

Japan Standard Time (JST, UTC+9) is 2 hours behind Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT). When Daylight Savings ends, the difference is only 1 hour.

Water & Electricity

• Tap water is safe to drink throughout Japan
• Electricity: 100V AC, 50Hz. Plugs are 2 flat parallel pins — you’ll need an adaptor

Local Transport

A seasonal ski bus connects JR Furano Station, Kitanomine and the Shin Furano Prince Hotel. The Furano Evening Shuttle Bus runs from the resort area into town for dining and entertainment.

• Cash only: ¥500 each way for ages 6+. Children under 5 free (on laps)
• The bus from Shin Furano Prince Hotel can be crowded — prepare exact fare in advance

Taxi Numbers

• Furano Taxi: +81 120-71-5001
• FMT Traffic Taxi: +81 167-22-1010
• Chuo Hire: +81 120-41-4818
• Nakafurano Taxi: +81 167-44-2331

Onsens

Onsens are a wonderful part of Japanese culture. Important rules:

• Wash thoroughly before entering the bath water
• Swimming costumes are usually not allowed
• Your modesty towel must not touch the onsen water

Naturwald Onsen (Kitanomine area): open-air and indoor baths with semi-natural hot spring water.

Shisai no Yu Onsen (Shin Furano Prince Hotel): indoor/outdoor pools, hot and cold baths, and sauna.

Fukiage Open-Air Onsen is a rustic, completely free hot spring hidden deep within the forested slopes of Mt Tokachi. It features two natural rock pools — one very hot and one more moderate — and is completely unstaffed and open 24 hours a day. Because it is a wild, mixed-gender bath with no private changing stalls, it is best suited to visitors comfortable with traditional mixed bathing.

Emergency Numbers

Walking Safety

Walking around Japanese ski resorts without proper snow or ice grips can be hazardous. Use resort shuttles when possible.

Japanese Culture & Etiquette

• Do not eat while standing or walking in the street
• Sit down to eat when inside
• Never blow your nose in a restaurant — use the restroom
• Remove shoes when entering homes; use inside slippers but not on tatami
• Be quiet and orderly in public places and onsens

Useful Japanese Phrases

Japanese	English
Ohayo gozaimasu	Good morning
Konnichiwa	Good afternoon
Kombanwa	Good evening
Arigato gozaimasu	Thank you very much
Sumimasen	Excuse me / Sorry
Kudasai	Please give me
Toire wa doko desu ka?	Where is the toilet?
Ikura desu ka?	How much is it?

Useful Links

• Australian Smart Traveller — Japan
• Furano Ski Resort (Prince Hotels)
• Furano Tourism
• Ikon Pass
• Visit Japan Web

Image credits: header photo of the New Furano Prince Hotel and Tokachi range by Sklatch (CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons); Fukiage Onsen photos courtesy of the Kamifurano Tourism Association (kamifurano.jp).