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Navigating Hokkaido’s Enchanting Landscapes: Why Choosing the Right Airport Matters
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island and its largest prefecture, isn’t exactly known for short commutes or modest journeys. To put it in perspective, getting around Hokkaido can feel like a marathon—albeit one where the finish lines are extraordinary flower fields, pristine lakes, and delicious culinary discoveries. So, when planning a trip to the charming city of Furano, where lavender waves through the summer air and melons reach a level of sweetness that defies botanical expectations, starting your journey from the right airport makes a world of difference.
Asahikawa Airport: A Scenic Gateway to Furano’s Splendor
For those wise enough to avoid unnecessary hours in transit, Asahikawa Airport is a smart choice. Tucked just over an hour’s drive from Furano, it beats New Chitose Airport by a landslide if your primary focus is getting to Furano with minimal hassle. By comparison, landing at New Chitose—Hokkaido’s main international hub—requires a near two-hour drive via Sapporo, the island’s largest city. And while Sapporo and the picturesque canal-laden town of Otaru are worth visiting, starting in Asahikawa means more time savoring Furano’s highlights, instead of being a mere blur on the horizon as you zip past.
Asahikawa itself, a quiet city famous for its zoo and a distinctively harsh winter climate, is a perfect base for those who wish to explore central Hokkaido at a relaxed pace. The region’s compact size by Hokkaido standards makes day trips feel like leisurely strolls rather than cross-country expeditions.
Hitting the Road: Car Rentals and Scenic Routes
If you’re comfortable behind the wheel, renting a car from one of the three rental agencies conveniently located near Asahikawa Airport is highly recommended. The drive to Furano is more than just a transfer—it’s a scenic delight. Expect to pass rolling fields, small settlements nestled between forested hills, and the occasional glimpse of the Tokachi Mountain Range rising majestically in the background. Driving in Hokkaido is not for the faint-hearted, though, especially if visiting in winter when the roads are prone to icy surprises. Those less inclined to test their winter driving prowess will find Furano easily accessible by bus or train, though schedules can be infrequent compared to Japan’s more metropolitan regions.
Refueling Your Sense of Adventure: Breakfast Recommendations
One simply cannot land in Furano and embark on explorations without indulging in a proper breakfast. And, as luck would have it, one of the most delightful options is nestled right next to one of the area’s biggest attractions: the famous Farm Tomita.
Tomita Melon House, a seasonal eatery open only during the summer, is a quintessential stop for any traveler keen to get a taste of Furano’s agricultural treasures. The house specialty, fresh-cut Furano melon, practically melts on the tongue, a sweet reminder of the region’s fertile soils and long sunny days. For those with a soft spot for baked goods, the melon bread—a fluffy, doughy delight with a hint of melon sweetness—is a must-try. Feeling adventurous? Try the melon omelet—a curious but surprisingly delightful pairing of savory and sweet that somehow works perfectly in this setting.
For those venturing a bit further afield, there’s Flox Hall in Biei, located in the middle of another spectacular floral wonderland: Shikisai no Oka. Open from 8:30 a.m. during the summer season, Flox Hall’s menu offers another local delicacy—soup curry. Now, if the words “soup” and “curry” don’t naturally fit together in your mind, just remember that Hokkaido’s soup curry is a delicious anomaly, brimming with slow-cooked vegetables and tender meat in a subtly spiced broth that’s both warming and invigorating.
Making the Most of Your Furano Adventure
Hokkaido’s sprawling distances can be daunting for the uninitiated, but for those willing to plan ahead, they become less of an obstacle and more of an invitation to explore. By choosing Asahikawa Airport as the starting point, travelers can avoid hours of driving and instead spend that time basking in the serene beauty of lavender fields, savoring fresh melons, and discovering the quiet charm of central Hokkaido’s countryside. So, buckle up—or board the bus—and get ready to experience the delightful detours and unexpected pleasures that only this corner of Japan can offer.