Restaurants, Bars & Snacks
In Furano, the ski ground/village and the town center are a mere 2 km apart from each other. Guests can hop on the shuttle or simply walk to town to sample one of Furano’s many restaurants.
WIth over 60 restaurants, snack shops, cafes, and bars, you can enjoy various authentic menus at a reasonable price. Furano is really just an ordinary Japanese village that happens to have a large ski ground.
With a great variety of food including Western, Korean, Chinese, and fast food franchises, it is a great way to wind-down after a long day on the slopes.
After dinner, feel free to visit one of the local bars to get your favorite beverage or even try a Japanese drink like Nihonshu (sake) or Shōchū (sometimes referred to as Japanese Vodka, but much less potent) for a taste of culture!
A meal can range anywhere from ¥600 for a bowl of ramen-noodles to ¥3,000 for a larger, banquet-style meal called ‘Tabe/Nomi hodai’ (All you can Eat/Drink) at a Japanese style pub which is also family orientated.
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Nihonshu (Sake):
...The word "sake" is used in English, as the name for a specific Japanese alcoholic beverage made from rice. However, in Japanese, the word sake (Japanese: 酒; usually preceded by the honorific prefix o-) means alcohol or alcoholic beverages in general and not exclusively to this specific single beverage; instead, the word Nihonshu 日本酒 (literally, "Japanese alcoholic beverage") is used to distinguish it from other beverages. In English, the word "sake" always refers to Nihonshu...
Extract from Wikipedia.org
Shōchū:
Shōchū (焼酎) is an alcoholic beverage of Japan, most commonly distilled from barley, sweet potato or rice. Typically it is 25% alcohol by volume, making it weaker than whisky, but stronger than wine and sake.
Shōchū is produced everywhere in Japan, yet the home of shochu is Kyūshū island.
Extract from Wikipedia.org
Festivals
During the winter season here in Furano, there are plenty of festivals to get out and enjoy, so don’t be afraid to take a break from riding and check them out!
Here are just a few examples of some of the festivals and events going on every season
Cultural Live Performance Show
Location: Furano
When: Every weekend during the peak season.
Japanese Tea Ceremony Work Shop
Location: Furano
When: Every weekend during the peak season.
Kimono Wearing Work Shop
Location: Furano
When: Daily during the peak season.
Skiing Santa
Location: Furano Ski Ground
When: Christmas.
Open-Air Year End Party
Location: New Furano Prince Hotel
When: New Years Eve.
New Years ‘Hatumoude’ traditional First Shinto-Way Worship
Location: Furano Shrine
When: New Years.
Furano Ski Festival
Location: Furano Ski Ground
When: First weekend of Feb.
Asahikawa Winter Festival
Location: City of Asahikawa
When: 2nd week of Feb.
Activities
If you want to add some variety to your trip, why not try out one of the many fun winter-activities available for people of all ages?
Here are some of the most popular activities visitors enjoy while in Furano. Please visit Furano Connection Tour Desk for booking
Snowmobiling
Details: Guide provided & various engine types/courses available.
Hot air ballroom ride
Details:Rise up to 1000m and float peacefully over snow-covered fields in Furano. You'll often see diamond dust shining in the crisp morning air.
Back-country ski & snowboarding
Details: Depending on age, skill etc. you & a guide can hike the peak and enjoy the ride of your life.
Ice fishing
Details: With a guide, enjoy the nature and wildlife found in Hokkaido.
Banana ride
Details: Feel the thrill of the wind rushing past your face as you are pulled through the snow on an inflatable banana boat!
Tubing
Details:Sledding on inflatable tubes is a great family activity
Onsens
Onsens or hot-springs are located all over Japan and are a popular location for people of all ages to come and relax. An onsen not only soothes aching muscles & helps re-energize, but will also provide an un-rivaled way to relax after a long day on the slopes.
Many consider an onsen a must when in Japan, and we think that after one dip you’ll tend to agree. Please enjoy as we say in Japanese - “Hadaka no tsukiai” - naked relationship, with the friendly locals.
Visit our tour desk for onsen tour information. Onsens in this area offer you a very authentic atmosphere even by Japanese standards.
When enjoying the Onsen here is the general guideline before you get in for a soak:
- Take off your clothes in the changing room and put your clothes on the shelf or in the basket.
- Enter the bathroom with a small modesty towel and your amenities.
- Sit down at one of the shower / wash stations and wash yourself. Soap and shampoo is often provided here. Please make sure you remove all soap and shampoo from your body and hair before entering the bath.
- Soak in the bathtub. Remember not to bring any-thing into the tub, not even a towel. You can place your towel on your head if you like. If you have long-hair make sure to tie it up.
- Dry your body with your small towel before you go into the changing room.
- Dry your body with your bath towel and dress in the changing room.
- Drinking in the bath is sometimes prohibited. In that case please enjoy cold beers or ice cream at lounge.
- A spacious Japanese lounge is usually located in the onsen for day-visitors along with various vending machines.
Banks & ATMs'
You can withdraw money in Furano using an international card at Seven Eleven or the Furano Main Post Office.
These ATMs have English commands and are easy to use. Seven Elevens are conveniently located at Kitanomine (600m from the Kitanomine ski area) and in the village, also at the Furano Main Post Office (1.5km from the base of the Kitanomine ski area).
Foreign currency exchange booths are located at the North Country Inn & the New Furano Prince Hotel.
*Please note that Traveller’s Cheques are not commonly accepted in the area.
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