Day trip in Furano : Stop and Smell the Flowers and Summer Hotspots

From seaside scapes dotted with horses grazing by the coast of Hidaka to the wildlife-rich and rugged beauty of Shiretoko, Hokkaido is an incredibly photogenic prefecture. It is no surprise that Furano in central Hokkaido would host an abundance of hotspots perfect for daytrips. Find out why Furano is considered a summer eden. Let your senses rejoice with all the sights, smells and tastes of summer in Furano.

Drive by rolling lavender fields, stop for sweet and juicy Yubari melons and find yourself wine tasting with baby goats. Make sure you capture these incredibly Instagrammablespots in Furano, Nakafurano and Biei.

Related: Where to eat in Furano? Top restaurants to try

Related: 10 Fun Things To Do In Furano This Summer

When you think of Furano, the image of the aquamarine waters of Biei’s Blue Pond may be one of the first images that come to mind. The hot spring onsen town of Shirogane and the natural minerals dissolved in the water are what give the water its Technicolor blue hue.

Address: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235, Japan
Tel: +81 166 943 355

One of the largest tourist attractions in Furano due to the sweeping landscapes of fragrant lavender and stunning flower fields, Farm Tomita is best visited between late June and early August to catch the lavender in full bloom. With a number of cafes throughout the property, seek out lavender-infused soft serve, confectionary and other local products and produce.

Address: 15 Kisenkita, Nakafurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido 071-0704, Japan
Tel: +81 167 393 939

The panoramic flower gardens of Shikisai-no-oka provide spectacular views across fifteen hectares of land on Oka-no-machi in Biei. A summer eden of seasonal blossoms from spring through to fall where several dozen different species of flowers and grasses flourish.

Address: No. 3, Shinsei, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido
Tel: +81 166 952 758

Tour the winery and taste the wine of Furano with the vineyards in full view. The lavender field just next-door blooms from late-June to early August. Peruse the winery shop which showcases products made with wine and fruit juice. Furano Wine House is down the road where you can pair Furano wine with wagyu beef, fresh local veggies and cheese fondue.

Address: 1161 Shimizuyama, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0048, Japan
Tel: +81 167 223 242

Furano’s first world-class condominium hotel. Ideally positioned directly beside the mountain, Fenix Furano provides all the convenience of location with the luxury and versatility of a purpose-designed property, featuring 62 full-service units ranging from hotel-style suites to 3-bedroom apartments.

Address: 19-10 Kitanominecho, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0034, Japan
Tel: +81 167 225 177

This new boutique café and tasting room, which also has a small vineyard and goat farm, has a wonderfully rustic feel with views of rolling fields in sight in the background. Domaine Raison is a great place to relax and try some of their homemade wine. They’ve worked hard to create a sustainable environment where, “humans and nature can coexist together”, by keeping all of their products organic and using sustainable packaging.

Address: Nakafurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido
Tel: +81 167 443 035

This is one of the most difficult and challenging courses in Furano which was designed by Arnold Palmer. 2 courses combine to provide 36 beautifully designed and maintained holes. These long rolling courses with bunkers and valleys makes for an interesting and enjoyable day on the course. The courses are situated right in the heart of the forest where golfers of all levels can enjoy a game.

Address: Yahataoka, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0184, Japan
Tel: +81 167 221 111

Make Furano Marche a pit stop to load up on local Furano produce, confectionary, souvenirs and more. Showcasing local wares, and goods, you will be amazed at how many crafts and goods come from Furano!

Address: 13-1 Saiwaicho, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0024, Japan
Tel: +81 167 221 001

Located in central Hokkaido, Furano is often referred to as the belly button of Hokkaido. The Hokkai Heso Festival in late July is the annual festival of the city’s “Heso (belly button) shrine” (Hokushin Shrine). The “Hokkai belly button dance competition” is the main attraction attended by thousands of dancers over two days. Participants draw large faces on their bellies (known as “Zubara) ato march up and down the streets.

Address: Shin-aioi Shopping Street Furano

Visit Popura Farm’s Santa no Hige in Nakafurano for desserts such as “Santa’s Mustache” featuring Japan’s most popular and sought after fruit, Yubari Melon, loaded with fresh soft serve ice cream.

Address: Higashi 1-Sen, North 18, Nakafurano Town, Sorachi District
Tel: +81 167 44 2033

Shirahige-no-Taki (White Beard Waterfall) is a waterfall at about 600m above sea level in Shirogane Onsen, Biei town, and was. It is a rare waterfall in Japan whereby underground water seeps from cracks in the rocks. Shirogane Onsen Hotel is built on the falls. This breathtaking waterfall is worth a visit in any season.

Address: Shirogane, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0235, Japan
Tel: +81 166 924 321

This windbreak of Japanese larch trees was initially made famous by a Mild Seven cigarette commercial and now has become a popular destinationfor all seasons, showcasing the beauty and bounty of Biei.

Address: Mita, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0222, Japan

Another famous tree that finds itself in the spotlight long after it’s camera debut is the Tree of Ken and Mary. The tree itself is said to be over 90-years old. In 1973 Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. filmed a TV commercial for their Skyline car here. The tree has since been named after the 2 characters who appeared in the commercial.

Address: Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido

This lone oak tree stands on top of a hill with a 360-degree view of Patchwork Road. It has been known as the “Seven Stars Tree” ever since 1976, when the Japanese Monopoly Corporation (now JT) used a photograph of the tree in their Seven Star souvenir packaging; “Hokkaido Trip”.

Address: Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido

In Biei, this lone Christmas tree is another heavily Instagrammed and highly photogenic highlight. In all seasons this spruce tree with the surrounding fields and farmlands look magnificent. It is important to remember that the fields are not to be trespassed when taking photos out of respect for the farmers and their private land.

Address: Bibaushi, Biei, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 071-0471, Japan