A Guide to Furano Ski Resort

Furano still feels a bit like a local secret, but it’s without question a world-class snow destination. The resort boasts a stunning geographical setting for nature and winter sports enthusiasts. Rolling hills, wide-open plains, and a picturesque farmland-dotted landscape characterize the region.

The Daisetsuzan mountain range, with its towering peaks, is Furano's stunning backdrop. This unique geography not only provides a visually captivating experience but also contributes to its excellent ski conditions.

This consistent and abundant snowfall creates perfect conditions for skiers and snowboarders, making Furano a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts mainly local but growing worldwide.

Here the ski season typically spans from late November to early May, with the peak of winter sports activity from December to March. During this period, the area experiences a generous snowfall, with an annual average ranging from eight to nine meters (about 26 to 30 feet), which might be less than Niseko, but Furano's snow has a reputation for being some of the fluffiest in Japan.

Given Furano's position practically right in the middle of Hokkaido but not necessarily close to Hokkaido's main transport hub of Sapporo, there are a few ways to get there.

Direct to Furano via Asahikawa Airport

This is the best way to go if you want the speediest option. Japan's major airlines JAL and Hokkaido's Air Do operate several daily flights between Haneda Airport in Tokyo and Asahikawa Airport, the closest airport to Furano. Flight time between Tokyo and Asahikawa is a little over an hour and a half. Ticket prices vary depending on seasonality and campaigns, so to get the best deal, try and book as early as you can. As a general rule, Air Do is a little cheaper than JAL. From Asahikawa, buses connect Asahikawa Airport with Furano (approximately 60 minutes).

A bonus tip, from December 2023, Jetstar Japan will start offering flights between Narita Airport and Asahikawa Airport with very competitive rates.

From Tokyo to Sapporo to Furano

Another option that offers ample time for exploring Hokkaido's other popular destination, Sapporo, is traveling from Tokyo to Sapporo and then heading to Furano. You can do this in a few ways, which we'll outline below.

Flying

Tokyo-Sapporo is one of Japan's busiest air routes. Dozens of flights between cities run daily. Major airlines like JAL, ANA, Air Do, Skymark, Peach Aviation, Jetstar Japan, and Spring Airlines Japan run flights. Most flights depart from Tokyo's Haneda Airport, but a few also use Narita Airport, a little further away, so double-check your departure location beforehand. There's a direct train that will take you to Sapporo Station, and from there, you'll have to switch by train. Take the Lilac-Kamui Limited Express Asahikawa to Asahikawa Station, then switch to theFurano Line, which will get you to Furano Station.

Train

The journey from Tokyo to Furano by train is a more scenic route, but definitely the longest as it involves transfers at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, Sapporo, and Takikawa. In total, the journey will take about 10 hours. The plus? If you have a JR Pass, it's fully covered by both JR Pass and JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass.

As a lot of Furano’s key spots are a little more spread out, getting around the town without a rental car can be a challenge, so it could be worth looking into getting a rental car. If you’re here just to ski though, staying close to the ski fields will make it easy.

Furano is a little smaller than some of Japan's other ski resort destinations, including Hokkaido's famous Niseko. That said, there's no shortage of excellent runs located throughout the facility, and skiers of all levels will find something to do.

The area is split into two "zones" the Furano Zone and Kitanomine ZoneIf you grab a Furano lift pass you’ll have access to both zones (Furano and Kitanomine) and offer opportunities to experience neighboring ski areas.

The difficulty of the terrain is divided into a ratio of 40% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 20% advanced. For kids, there are two magic carpet escalators that connect to very beginner-friendly slopes, and for the daredevils, there are ungroomed powder runs that have been home to FIS Alpine Ski World Cup races. If that’s not enough to get your heart pumping, the mountain is also home to a vertical drop of over 950 meters making it one of Hokkaido’s steepest mountains.

If you want to see skiing in a whole different light, the Furano is a good choice, as beyond the excellent day offerings, this destination is well known for its incredible night skiing. Part of the resort's slopes are floodlit throughout the season, meaning that you're no longer restricted by short winter days. There’s also a pass that gives you access to neighboring ski resorts Tomamu and Kamui Ski Links, both of which are easily accessible by car.

If you can, we recommend putting aside a night or two to stay in the town of Asahikawa. An easy bus ride from Furano, this charming city is the epitome of Hokkaido's culinary excellence; Asahikawa is Hokkaido's second biggest city after Sapporo and is a lot more laid back. Like Sapporo, though, it's filled to the brim with excellent dining options, like fresh Hokkaido seafood and a cozy take on a Japanese staple, a hearty, soy sauce-based Asahikawa Ramen.

For those in the area in the early weeks of February, you can't miss the region's second-biggest festival, the Asahikawa Snow Festival. This event actually started before Sapporo's, back in 1947 when it was initially known as "Iyomante" (Bear festival in Ainu). In 1960, it became the winter festival we know today, with ice sculptures, lights, displays, laser shows, food, drink stalls, and an ice bar.

Most of the celebrations are located in the Asahibashi Site and along Heiwa Dori pedestrian street. Here, you'll find ice sculptures as part of the local ice sculpture competition. While it may not be as well known as the Sapporo event, it's a unique local experience and an event that holds the proud title of being home to the biggest snow sculptures in Japan.

La Vista Furano Hills offers a tranquil retreat nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Furano. This charming hotel blends modern comfort and natural beauty. With its cozy rooms, guests can savor breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and the Furano ski resort. The hotel's onsen (hot spring) facilities are a highlight, allowing visitors to unwind in the healing waters while taking in the stunning views of the town below. When you're too tired to go out, there's an on-site restaurant serving up cozy local specialties and international dishes for all tastes.

For a budget-friendly but stylish accommodation option, Hostel Tomar in Furano is a top pick. The facility has both dorm-style spaces that are completely self-contained as well as bigger, private rooms for those who want a little more. Home chefs can grab some supplies from the local supermarket and take advantage of the hostel's well-equipped kitchen, while socialites and solo travelers will appreciate the stylish common areas, perfect for mingling with fellow guests and enjoying a cozy evening after a day of outdoor adventures.

Ishitei Furano is a very special Furano option. Here, each of the six rooms has a theme. The moody, almost monolithic exterior is made from darkened Donan cedar, a type of wood used in Hokkaido because of its resiliency and durability. The interior of the home is furnished with Asahikawa and Italian furniture brands for an unlikely but very harmonious collaboration. You can book completely self-contained units of the facility, like your own little apartment, making it great for longer stays and traveling groups.