Furano
Travelers come to Furano for the lavender fields in summer and the powder snow in winter, with local cheese and quiet farmland in between.
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Furano is a town in the Kamikawa area of central Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's four main islands. It sits in a basin ringed by hills and mountains. The town is known for its flower fields, its winter snow and its dairy, including cheese made from local milk. In July and early August, the lavender at Farm Tomita and other farms draws crowds. In winter, the ski area is known for dry, powdery snow.
Furano suits travelers who want a slower pace, a few days outdoors and a base for day trips. In summer, you can walk or cycle through the farmland and sample farm fruit and dairy. In winter, the slopes and snow activities are the main draw. The town is a short trip from Asahikawa, and Biei, with its blue pond and patchwork hills, is nearby. July is the peak month for lavender, and December to March is the main ski season. Two to three nights covers the core sights.
Furano in five
- Plan the transfer from New Chitose AirportNew Chitose Airport is the main gateway, about two hours by road to Furano. Buses run on set times, so check the timetable before you land.Getting around
- Book Furano rooms for July and the ski seasonThe lavender bloom in July and the snow season from December to March fill rooms in town. Book early, since the town centre has the most choice.
- Carry cash for small shops and farm standsMany small restaurants, farm stands and shops in the countryside take cash only. Withdraw yen at a Japan Post Bank or 7-Eleven ATM.Money and costs
- Download offline maps before you drive outSignal can drop on the farm roads and near the ski slopes. Save the map of the area to your phone before you leave town.Phones and eSIM
- Ask for winter tyres when you rent a carSnow and ice make the roads slippery from December to March. Ask the rental company for winter tyres and check whether they supply snow chains.Travel insurance
Need to know
- Currency
- Yen (JPY)
- Entry
- Visa-free short stays for many passports; check your nationality Read more
- Emergency
- 110 police, 119 fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Time
- UTC+9, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuarySnow, skiing
- FebruaryDeep snow
- MarchSnow, thaw
- AprilThaw, quiet
- MayFresh green
- JuneMild, green
- JulyLavender bloom
- AugustWarm, flowers
- SeptemberAutumn colors
- OctoberCool, colors
- NovemberCold, quiet
- DecemberSki season
Right now in Furano
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
2
- Feels like
- 1°
- Humidity
- 99%
- Wind
- 5 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 96%
Furano
05:37 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today6°0°96%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 6°, Low 0°. Chance of rain 96%.
- Wed7°-2°98%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 7°, Low -2°. Chance of rain 98%.
- Thu14°-2°60%Thursday: Cloudy. High 14°, Low -2°. Chance of rain 60%.
- Fri15°3°93%Friday: Drizzle. High 15°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 93%.
- Sat3°-1°98%Saturday: Snow. High 3°, Low -1°. Chance of rain 98%.
- Sun0°-2°69%Sunday: Snow. High 0°, Low -2°. Chance of rain 69%.
- Mon1°-5°52%Monday: Snow. High 1°, Low -5°. Chance of rain 52%.
Updated 04:56 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 157.5 JPY
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Every year
- JulPacific Music FestivalSapporo, a day trip
Day trips by train
- Bieiabout 30 min by carThe blue pond and the Shikisai hill, a short drive for a half day.
- Asahikawaabout 1 hour by carHome to Asahiyama Zoo, known for its penguin walk and animal enclosures.
- Sapporoabout 2 hours by carThe regional capital, with the Sapporo Beer Museum and ramen shops.
Before you go to Furano
Rules for Furano, checked
- Visa-free entry to Japan depends on your passport. Check your nationality on the MOFA visa page before you book.Source
- Driving needs an International Driving Permit alongside your home licence. Get the permit in your home country before you travel.
- Some common medicines are restricted in Japan, and cash above the legal limit must be declared. Check the Japan Customs site before you fly.Source
- The legal drinking age is 20, and shops and bars may ask for your passport. Carry it when you go out.
Plan around Furano
Seasons, ski areas and the wider island for a Furano trip
Read the guideAll of JapanEntry, rail and money for a trip to Japan
Read the guideGetting aroundTrains, buses and car hire between the airport and Furano
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and typical prices for a Japan trip
Read the guideVisas and entryWho can enter visa-free and what to carry
Read the guideWhere to stayAreas and room types for a summer or winter stay
Read the guideFurano FAQ
How many days do you need in Furano?
Two to three days cover the lavender fields, a cheese factory and a day trip to Biei. Add a night or two if you ski, since the slopes take a full day.
Is Furano worth visiting?
Yes, if you want countryside, flower fields, Hokkaido food and winter snow. It is a poor choice if you want city nightlife, since the town is small and quiet after dark.
When is the best time to visit Furano?
July for the lavender bloom and February for powder snow. September to October brings autumn colors and mild weather.
Do you need a car in Furano?
Often yes. Biei, the farms and the lavender fields are spread out, and buses are limited outside the town centre, so check timetables before you plan a day.
How do you get from Sapporo to Furano?
Take a highway bus or a train via Asahikawa. Schedules change by season, so check the current timetables on the operators' sites before you travel.
Is Furano safe for tourists?
Street crime is low in the town. The main risks are icy roads in winter and the cold, so dress in warm layers and walk carefully on frozen paths.