While the major ski resorts in northern Honshu and southern Hokkaido have been happily coping with Japan's recent notoriety as a premier skiing and snowboarding destination, Furano has, until recently at least, snuck under the international ski tourism radar. And as outstanding resort areas like Niseko and Hakuba have rapidly grown to accommodate the endless procession of powder hunters from all over the world, Furano has quietly gone about the business of improving and refining the quality of its product and sharpening its international reputation.

Already renowned for great snow (but then which place in Hokkaido isn't?), the diverse accommodation options, access options, un-congested slopes, and friendliness of local people have all conspired to make Furano a recent stand-out when considering Hokkaido winter vacation options.

Furano is as much a stand-alone destination as it is a basis for accessing the many ski areas scattered throughout central Hokkaido. Asahidake, Kurodake, Tokachidake,and Kamui Ski Links are easily accessible, while experienced tour operators are available to deliver people to the deepest stashes of undisturbed powder to be found anywhere in Hokkaido. 8m of perfect light and dry snow every year is about the best guarantee you will want for a successful winter adventure.

That's winter, and for all its glory, it is not the be-all and end-all of Furano. Central and northern Hokkaido is very proud of its four distinct seasons and travelers should not overlook Furano during spring, summer and autumn.

The non-winter seasons offer rafting, golf, park golf, mountain bike riding, fishing, camping, hiking, climbing, hot air ballooning, and horseback riding to name just a few of the outdoor activities. Add to these; festivals, wineries, galleries, museums, craft workshops, and fine restaurants and you can begin to imagine how full your Furano itinerary can get, remembering all the while that Asahikawa is just an hour north and offers even more options for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Furano has plenty to offer all year round and is an ideal choice for those looking for an exotic, culturally diverse, and adventurous holiday.

Comprehensive information on Furano and its neighbouring areas is available through the Furano Tourism Association as well as the
Furano International Tourism Centre, just follow the links on this page.