Part 2: Sajun & Kurata — Connecting with Nature and Local Spirit
Sajun – Front Chief
Originally from Okinawa, Sajun is one of the warm, welcoming faces guests often meet at the Nozo Hotel front desk. He balances his love of sports, community, and Furano’s natural beauty with thoughtful, practical recommendations for every season.
Top Recommendations:
Relaxation: For hot springs, Sajun recommends Banka no Yu, just a 10-minute drive from Nozo Hotel. With a wide variety of baths and plenty of space to unwind, it’s an ideal place to relax after a day outdoors.
Sports & Community: Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Sajun stays active by playing basketball with a local club and cheering on Furano’s minor league baseball team, the Blue Ridge—a fun way to connect with the local community.
Seasonal Experiences: Winter brings opportunities for snow and ice fishing, while summer is all about lavender fields, flower farms, and fruit picking. Sajun especially values Furano’s fresh produce—cabbage, onions, pumpkins, and potatoes—and the simple pleasure of breathing in the area’s clean mountain air.
Dining: He recommends Japanese BBQ (Yakiniku) for a hearty meal. He does note that restaurant options can be limited during winter, so planning ahead is always a good idea.
Local Insights: Sajun loves Furano’s calm, colorful landscapes in autumn and suggests occasional trips to Asahikawa for a wider range of restaurants and nightlife.
Kurata- Front Desk Staff
Born and raised in Hokkaido, Kurata brings deep local knowledge and heartfelt hospitality to the Nozo Hotel front desk. She enjoys sharing Furano’s traditions, seasonal flavors, and everyday culture with guests from around the world.
Top Recommendations:
Local Festivals & Culture: To experience Furano’s true spirit, Kurata suggests visiting festivals held near Furano Station, such as the Wine Festival or Cheese Festival, where you can sample local specialties. She also recommends the lively Heso Matsuri (Belly Button) Festival, known for its playful performances and strong sense of community.
Hidden Spots: For a quieter escape, Kurata recommends Morino Tokei Café, a peaceful spot surrounded by nature and made famous by the TV drama Kita no Kuni Kara. She also points out that Furano’s minimal city lights make it an excellent place for stargazing in winter, with remarkably clear night skies.
Nature & Family Activities: Furano offers outdoor fun year-round. In winter, guests can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, or even hot-air balloon rides. Families especially love evening stargazing—an experience that captures the beauty of Hokkaido’s changing seasons.
Dining: Local restaurants proudly serve dishes made with vegetables grown in Furano’s fertile soil. Each season brings different flavors, and enjoying what’s freshly harvested is part of the experience.
For International Guests: Kurata highlights Furano’s strong support for overseas visitors, including Rhythm for ski and snowboard rentals and White Room for English-language ski lessons. Many international guests choose to stay longer, enjoying Hokkaido’s powder snow, local spas, bars, and popular spots around the Furano–Biei area.
Creating Memorable Stays: Kurata believes it’s the small details that make a stay special. Even when language is a challenge, she and her team focus on sincere service—listening closely to guests and valuing the smiles that follow. At Nozo Hotel, this genuine warmth is at the heart of every stay.
Experience Furano Like Our Team
From Nina’s hidden craft cafés and Victoria’s favorite slopes to Sajun’s hot springs and seasonal harvests—and Kurata’s deep local insights into festivals, family adventures, and starlit nights—these recommendations come straight from the people who live and work in Furano every day.
At Nozo Hotel, we’re proud of our team’s knowledge and love for the area. Whether you’re here for skiing, summer flowers, or cultural experiences, let our staff help guide you to the best of Furano. During your stay, explore not just as a visitor—but the way our team does, as locals who truly love this place.
