January 2026 Edition: A Winter Stay with Nozo Hotel
Winter in Furano offers a quieter, more refined way to experience the region. Snow covers the landscape, revealing wide-open views, crisp air, and a sense of calm that defines the season. Unlike summer, when fields are filled with color, winter highlights Furano’s natural scale and clarity.
Clear days bring sharp mountain views, while evenings introduce subtle lighting across snow-covered scenery. From well-known landmarks and winter events to hands-on experiences and scenic drives, Furano in winter is best enjoyed at an unhurried pace.
This guide outlines the highlights of winter travel in Furano and the surrounding area, with Nozo Hotel as a convenient and comfortable base.
Must-See Winter Sights in Furano & Biei
Farm Tomita
Farm Tomita is best known for its lavender fields in summer, but in winter the grounds are covered in snow, offering a very different perspective of the landscape. Rolling fields stretch toward the Tokachidake mountain range, and frost-covered trees frame the view.
The Greenhouse remains open during winter, allowing visitors to see lavender, geraniums, and other flowers despite the cold. At Hanabito no Ie, lavender products and seasonal sweets, including lavender soft-serve ice cream, are available year-round.
Shirahige Falls
Located in the Shirogane Onsen area near Biei, Shirahige Falls is a year-round sightseeing spot. Groundwater flows from cracks in the rock face and drops roughly 30 meters into the Biei River below.
Even in winter, the river does not freeze, creating a clear contrast between snow, ice-covered trees, exposed rock, and blue water. The falls are illuminated throughout the year, making nighttime visits especially popular.
Shirogane Blue Pond
During winter, the surface of the Blue Pond freezes and becomes covered in snow, temporarily hiding its well-known blue color. The area takes on a quieter appearance, defined by snow and standing larch trees.
A winter-only nighttime light-up highlights the landscape through a rotating lighting sequence that changes every ten minutes. Snowfall, shadows, and tree silhouettes are emphasized, offering a seasonal interpretation of this well-known site.
Asahidake Ropeway (Daisetsuzan National Park)
The Asahidake Ropeway provides access to Mount Asahidake, the highest peak in Hokkaido and one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. The ten-minute gondola ride connects the base station to Sugatami Station.
From the ropeway, visitors can enjoy views of the Tokachidake range and Lake Chubetsu. At approximately 1,600 meters above sea level, the area is fully snow-covered in winter. Under favorable conditions, natural phenomena such as diamond dust or sun pillars may appear. Observation areas and walking paths allow visitors to enjoy the alpine environment without advanced hiking experience.
Winter Illuminations
Furano Kankan-mura
Furano Kankan-mura is a seasonal winter event held on the grounds of New Furano Prince Hotel. In the evening, more than 60,000 lights illuminate the area, reflecting off snow and ice.
Lighted walking paths and ice-made installations provide a relaxed way to experience Furano at night during the winter season.
Ningle Terrace
Ningle Terrace is a forested craft area consisting of log cabins arranged along a lit pathway. In winter, the area is softly illuminated, creating a calm atmosphere.
Each cabin features handcrafted items inspired by Furano’s natural environment, including woodwork and leather goods. At the end of the path is Mori no Tokei, a coffee shop known from the television drama Yasashii Jikan, offering a quiet place to rest.
Hands-On Craft Experiences
Glass Forest
Glass Forest is known for “Shibare Glass,” which reflects winter conditions unique to Furano. The site includes several workshop buildings displaying glassware, accessories, and art pieces.
Visitors can also join workshops such as glass decoration, gel candle making, crystal sun catcher creation, and accessory design.
Furano Music Box Hall
Located in the Rokugo Forest area, Furano Music Box Hall allows visitors to create a custom music box in about one hour. Participants select the shape, melody, and decorative elements.
The shop displays around 1,000 music boxes, including hand-cranked and specialty designs, making it a worthwhile stop even without joining a workshop.
Furano Jam Garden
Furano Jam Garden offers a jam-making experience using recipes developed by the company’s founder. The jams are made without added water, preservatives, or coloring.
During the one-hour session, participants learn basic jam-making techniques, sample the finished product, and bottle their jam with a custom label.
Scenic Winter Drives
Patchwork Road (Biei)
Patchwork Road is a well-known driving route through the hills of Biei. In winter, farmland and hills are fully covered in snow, creating a simple, uniform landscape.
Landmarks such as the Seven Star Tree and the Ken & Mary Tree stand out against the snow, particularly on clear days.
Roller Coaster Road
Roller Coaster Road is one of Furano’s most recognizable driving routes. In winter, the road’s steep rises and dips become more pronounced against the snow-covered surroundings.
The open landscape and clear sightlines make this route especially popular for winter drives.
Local Souvenirs and Shopping
Furano Marche
Furano Marche is a central shopping area offering regional products such as wine, cheese, dairy items, and local specialties. More than 2,000 items are available across several buildings.
The Farmers Market Ogall, operated by JA Furano, is known for its fresh produce and locally made products.
Campana Rokkatei
Campana Rokkatei is set among vineyards with views of the Daisetsuzan and Tokachidake ranges. The location includes a shop and gallery.
Limited-edition items such as Furano Ankoromo, made with locally grown green peas, and freshly prepared Furano Mochi are popular souvenir choices.
Biei Roadside Station “Shirogane Birke”
Located near Shirogane Onsen and the Blue Pond, this roadside station offers souvenirs inspired by Biei’s scenery, including Blue Pond-themed items.
An on-site burger shop using locally sourced ingredients is also popular with visitors.
Stay at Nozo Hotel
Located in central Furano, Nozo Hotel offers convenient access to winter sightseeing, scenic drives, and shopping in both Furano and Biei.
The hotel provides a calm, well-designed space to relax after a day outdoors. Guest rooms are comfortable, dining highlights local Furano and Biei ingredients, and service is warm and attentive.
For travelers looking to experience Furano in winter with ease and comfort, Nozo Hotel serves as a practical and welcoming base.
