Autumn is one of the best times to pick up a book. The crisp Hokkaido air, the sound of leaves in the wind, and a warm cup of coffee make it easy to lose yourself in a story. Whether it’s a quiet morning, a golden sunset, or a peaceful evening after a bath, fall invites you to slow down and enjoy reading in a way that feels extra special.
In this blog, we’re sharing novels set right here in Hokkaido — stories where the characters’ journeys and the local scenery come together in unforgettable ways.
Perfect Reads for a Relaxing Morning
There’s something calming about opening a book in the stillness of the morning. These novels are perfect for settling in with a cup of coffee after breakfast.
- Mudflow Zone — Ayako Miura
Set in Kamifurano, this novel is based on the 1926 eruption of Mt. Tokachi, which triggered a devastating mudslide and took 144 lives. It follows villagers who, despite overwhelming loss, fight to rebuild their lives and land. A powerful story of survival and renewal, it’s set for a film adaptation in March 2025. In Kamifurano, you can even take part in literary walks that trace the book’s setting.
- The Faraway Girl — Maha Harada
This story follows a woman worn down by career setbacks and heartbreak who sets off on a solo trip. Through unexpected encounters, she rediscovers herself and takes a new step forward. Set around Memanbetsu and across northern and eastern Hokkaido, the novel blends breathtaking scenery with themes of hope and resilience.
Stories to Settle Down in the Evening
As the light softens and the sky turns orange, some stories feel especially moving. These works pair beautifully with the mood of an autumn evening.
- From the North Country — Sō Kuramoto
Based on the famous TV drama, this novel tells the story of a father and his children who move from Tokyo to Furano. Living without electricity or running water, they experience both the struggles and the beauty of life in nature. The Rokugō district of Furano, where the drama was filmed, still preserves sets such as “Goro’s Stone House” and the “House Picked Up Along the Way.”
- Terminal Station — Shino Sakuragi
Set in Kushiro, the author’s hometown, this short story collection centers on characters grappling with loneliness. The stark, windswept landscapes reflect emptiness but also bring out small sparks of warmth and hope. It’s a quiet, powerful meditation on endings and beginnings.
- The Last Graduates — Ariake Honda
Inspired by a real middle school in Yūbari that closed after the city declared bankruptcy, this novel follows teachers, residents, and the final class of students. Through their stories, it captures both the harsh realities of rural decline and the pride and spirit of the people who live there. A deeply moving coming-of-age tale.
After the Bath
Fresh from a soak in the hot spring or the hotel’s large bath, you’re in the perfect mindset to take on deeper, thought-provoking stories.
- Freezing Point — Ayako Miura
Written by an Asahikawa-born author, this classic begins with the murder of a couple’s young daughter. When they adopt the child of the killer, the family faces struggles of guilt, hatred, and forgiveness. It’s a powerful drama where Hokkaido’s harsh natural settings mirror the darkness and complexity of the human heart.
- The End of the Story — Kanae Minato
Set across Sapporo, Otaru, Kamifurano, Biei, and Asahikawa, this novel follows people at turning points in their lives. Each one encounters an unfinished book titled *Beyond the Sky*, which helps them face struggles and move forward. Furano’s Hinode Park lavender fields also appear in the story.
- A Wild Sheep Chase — Haruki Murakami
This surreal tale takes place in the fictional town of Junitaki, believed to be modeled on Niupu in Bifuka. A man sets out to find a mysterious sheep, leading to a journey full of strange encounters and blurred lines between reality and fantasy.
Reading in Furano
Every October, the Furano City Library hosts a Library Festival with performances, book markets, and the ever-popular secondhand book fair. It’s a great way to celebrate the season of reading.
Some of the novels we introduced are set right here in Furano:
| Novel | Author | Setting |
| Mudflow Zone | Ayako Miura | Kamifurano |
| From the North Country | Sō Kuramoto | Rokugō, Furano |
| The End of the Story | Kanae Minato | Hinode Park Lavender Fields, Furano |
After finishing the books, why not visit the real places that inspired them? Walking through the landscapes you’ve just read about brings the stories to life in a whole new way.
A Cozy Place to Read: Nozo Hotel
Here in Furano, reading and scenery go hand in hand. At Nozo Hotel, you can curl up with a book in the quiet lounge, enjoy a novel in the spacious guest rooms, or relax at the Sugi Spa before turning a few more pages. And once you close the book, the very landscapes that inspired these stories are just outside waiting to be explored.
