For city dwellers, an encounter with the hills and forests of central Hokkaido is a rare treat. This self-drive itinerary through the vast land and nature of Furano and Biei is filled with famous sightseeing spots that relaxes and refreshes you. Savor the fresh produce of this beautiful region and be enchanted by the colorful flower farm that stretches across the land.
When it comes to Furano, not only must one visit the lavender fields of Farm Tomita, ‘Kaze no Garden’ found within New Furano Prince Hotel is also a must-see spot in summer of 2009. In addition, make a point to stop at the fields of flowers found at Shikisai no Oka and Hills of Zerubu.
Sample the tender and juicy Furano beef steak filled with just the right amount of fats at a wine factory located atop a hill in Furano city. Next, savor the rich taste of cheese pizza generously topped with fresh vegetables at Furano Cheese Factory. Visitors can enjoy this dish as a snack as the pizza comes in a variety of sizes. Don’t forget to try the lavender flavored soft serve ice-cream in Farm Tomita.
Lake Katsurazawa
A nature reserve surrounded by primeval forest
Lake Katsurakawa, a man-made lake created from the completion of the Katsurazawa Dam, has a perimeter of 62 kilometers. Surrounded by a vast expanse of primeval forest, this scenic spot has been designated as a nature reserve. Located at the lake’s shore are accommodation facilities, parks and a camping site, making it a perfect leisure spot for every season. The area around Lake Katsurazawa is also widely known for its rich deposits of fossils.
Ningle Terrace
Original souvenirs from Furano are available here!
A shopping street featuring numerous shops selling a wide collection of craft items inspired by the nature of Furano. Produced by famed Japanese author Sou Kuramoto, many of the delightful craft products sold at Ningle Terrace are original creations that are only available here. Ningle Terrace is home to more than ten craft stores, and there is even Ningle Atelier, a craft workshop open to anyone keen to create their very own handmade craft collectible at a small fee.
Rokugo Forest
Choose from a range of original goods at Rokugo Forest, the setting for the popular drama Kita no Kuni Kara (From the Northern Country)
This lush forest, originally the location where the immensely popular drama Kita no Kuni Kara was filmed, is dotted with attractions such as a small art gallery as well as film sets. Explore Goro Kokuban's log cabin and the wind-powered Goro House No.3, which are featured in the drama. After enjoying the fresh air and lush greenery, do stop by the souvenir shops, which are steep in the atmosphere of Furano, to purchase some of their original puddings and jellies, perennial favorites with visitors.
Farm Tomita
The pioneer in lavender cultivation in Furano
The widely-known image of Furano as a town of beautiful lavender blooms has its beginnings here in Farm Tomita. In addition to lavender flowers, poppies and baby’s breath bloom in early summer, while autumn heralds the blossoming of cleome and cosmos flowers. At Farm Tomita, you can view lavender flowers even in winter as greenhouses are used to cultivate lavender in the colder months. Don’t forget to try the lavender soft-serve ice cream, a hit with visitors to the farm.
Shikisai no Oka (Hillocks of the Four Seasons)
Enjoy the breathtaking view of vast flower fields set against rolling hills
Spread over an area equivalent to three Tokyo Dome stadiums, this 7-hectare flower field is a burst of vibrant color from spring to autumn each year, when more than ten types of flowers are in bloom. The area offers equally spectacular views in winter, when the flower fields are enveloped in sparkling white snow. Spend time at the souvenir shops and wholesale market specializing in agricultural produce, tuck into a meal at one of the restaurants and take a ride on the Norokko train, a special sight-seeing tractor locomotive. Rent a buggy and travel around the flower fields or take the four-person cart that allows you to move freely amongst the pretty blooms, a truly enjoyable experience even for adults.
Takushinkan
Gallery of photographic gems depicting Biei’s beautiful landscape
Takushinkan is the gallery of Maeda Shinzo, a prominent landscape photographer whose pictures of Biei propelled the small town to national fame. Converted from the disused grounds of the former Chiyoda Elementary School, the photo gallery is home to some 80 pictures, all of which beautifully document seasonal changes in Biei. Masterpieces on display include “Bakushuu Senretsu” (Impressions of Early Summer) and “Yuuyake no Tou” (The Evening Tower). Purchase some picture panels or postcards from the souvenir shop before visiting the Chiyoda Garden, where lavender blooms and rows of white birch make for a relaxing walk.
Hills of Zerubu
Enjoy the sheer fun of running through summer flower fields!
At the hills of Zerubu, bask in glorious views of lavender and sunflowers set against the majestic landscape of the Asahi Mountains and Tokachi Alps. Zerubu, whose named derives from the last characters of the words “kaze” (wind), “kaoru” (scent) and “asobu” (to have fun), invites visitors to “have fun on the hills and enjoy the flower-scented breeze”. Attractions here include restaurants and shops selling agricultural products and folkcraft. In summer, you can rent a buggy and ride freely around the flower fields.
