Autumn
Furano: A Colorful Autumn Escape in Hokkaido’s Heartland
There are places in this world that are magnificent no matter the season, and Furano, nestled deep in Hokkaido’s heart, is one of them. Best known for its lavender-laden summers, Furano takes on a quieter, more reflective charm as autumn arrives, transforming its lush green landscapes into a spectacular patchwork of red, gold, and amber. If summer in Furano is a symphony of color and fragrance, then autumn is a slow, orchestral movement—calm, meditative, and altogether captivating.
It’s funny, really, how autumn sneaks up on you in Hokkaido. While the rest of Japan clings to the final vestiges of summer’s oppressive humidity, Furano subtly ushers in the crisp air of fall, bringing with it a sense of peacefulness that almost feels earned after the frenetic energy of the warmer months. With its vast landscapes, gentle hills, and cooler weather, Furano in autumn is the embodiment of tranquility, a place where time seems to slow down and every tree and field is bathed in a golden glow.
A Canvas of Color: Autumn in the Fields
For many, Furano is synonymous with its lavender fields, but come autumn, these famous flower farms take on an entirely different beauty. The fields at Farm Tomita, where purple once reigned supreme, are now painted in deeper shades. While the lavender blooms have long since faded, the farm offers something just as striking in fall: kochia, the fluffy, spherical plants that turn a fiery crimson as the temperature drops. If the lavender fields represent the vibrant energy of youth, then the autumn plants, tinged in warm hues, are the mature beauty of nature’s grand finale.
As you wander the farm in autumn, it feels like the countryside is performing a final encore before the long sleep of winter sets in. In addition to kochia, Farm Tomita’s autumn gardens come alive with golden marigolds and sunflowers that stretch lazily toward the soft blue skies. The weather in Furano at this time is ideal—temperatures hover between a refreshing 10 to 20°C (50 to 68°F), making it perfect for long strolls through fields of golden grasses or leisurely afternoons spent sipping lavender tea while admiring the view.
Furano Delights: A Sip of Wine and a Taste of Cheese
One of the best things about autumn in Furano is that the slower pace gives you time to really savor the region’s local delicacies. While summer may be all about melons and ice cream, fall in Furano is a time for more substantial fare. The cooling temperatures call for heartier indulgences, and Furano’s wine and cheese industries step into the spotlight.
You’ll want to make a pilgrimage to the Furano Winery, perched on a hill that overlooks the town and the patchwork countryside beyond. Here, autumn feels like an invitation to sample Furano’s homegrown wines, which reflect the changing character of the season. The cooler climate makes for crisp, light wines, perfect for pairing with the rich flavors of autumn. The winery’s autumn wine harvest is a highlight of the season, and it’s impossible not to be charmed by the sight of ripe grapes hanging in dense clusters, just waiting to be turned into a glass of something delicious. The tour is simple, the tastings generous, and the panoramic views over the golden fields make everything taste just a little bit better.
While you’re indulging in local flavors, a stop at the Furano Cheese Factory is a must. Here, you can watch the cheese-making process from start to finish and sample their lineup of cheeses, including the factory’s signature camembert, which seems to take on an extra layer of creaminess in the cool autumn air. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even try their famous squid-ink cheese. Sure, it’s a little bizarre, but isn’t that half the fun of travel? Plus, the Cheese Factory’s workshops let you roll up your sleeves and try your hand at making your own cheese—an ideal way to spend a brisk autumn afternoon.
Biei and the Blue Pond: Nature’s Sublime Palette
Autumn in Furano isn’t just about fields and farms, of course. The nearby town of Biei, just a short drive away, is home to one of Hokkaido’s most mesmerizing natural wonders: Aoiike, or the Blue Pond. It may sound counterintuitive to go searching for a pond when the temperature is dropping, but trust me, Aoiike in autumn is worth the chill. The pond’s famously surreal blue color, caused by natural minerals suspended in the water, contrasts dramatically with the surrounding birch and larch trees, their leaves shimmering in vibrant golds and reds. The whole scene feels like a painter’s dream, where colors exist in ways that shouldn’t be possible outside of a canvas.
Aoiike’s otherworldly beauty is amplified in autumn. The wind rustles through the yellowing leaves, sending ripples across the pond’s still surface, and the whole experience becomes meditative. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a clear day, the reflection of the autumn leaves in the glassy water is almost too perfect, as if nature were showing off one last time before the snows arrive.
After a visit to the pond, a stop at Shikisai no Oka (“Hill of Four Seasons”) is the perfect way to continue your immersion in autumn’s palette. Shikisai no Oka is famous for its rolling flower fields, and while the summer blooms are gone, the hillsides are now dotted with autumn foliage, set against the ever-present backdrop of Hokkaido’s distant mountains. In fall, the sight of these colorful hills under a pale autumn sky has a kind of quiet magic. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent one of their golf carts or buggies and explore the sprawling grounds at your own pace, making stops to take in the view or snap a photo.
Autumn Adventures: Hiking and Hot Air Balloons
For those looking to stretch their legs, Furano’s surrounding mountains offer some of the best hiking in Hokkaido, particularly in autumn when the foliage is at its peak. Mount Tokachi, an active volcano that looms over the Furano-Biei region, provides an excellent autumn hiking experience. The trails are well-marked and range from easy walks to more challenging ascents, and as you climb, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the colorful landscape below.
If hiking isn’t your style but you still want to take in Furano’s autumn splendor from above, you’re in luck. Hot air balloon rides are a popular way to see the fields and forests of Furano from a completely new perspective. Imagine drifting quietly above the patchwork of orange and red, with the cool autumn breeze in your face and nothing but wide-open skies above. The view from the balloon is breathtaking in any season, but in autumn, when the leaves are at their most brilliant, it becomes a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Furano’s Autumn Festivals: A Taste of Tradition
As the autumn leaves start to fall, so too do the crowds that flock to Furano in summer, but that doesn’t mean the town quiets down completely. In fact, one of the most enjoyable ways to experience autumn here is through its festivals. While summer has its lively Bellybutton Festival, autumn brings a more low-key but equally delightful event: the Furano Wine and Grape Festival. Held each September, this festival celebrates the region’s grape harvest, offering a delightful window into Furano’s rich winemaking traditions.
Wine tasting is a highlight of the festival, with Furano’s three local wineries—Furano Wine, Domaine Raison, and Tada Winery—proudly presenting their finest bottles. It’s the perfect opportunity to sample, discover a favorite (or a few), and bring home a bottled memory of the region. Another beloved tradition is grape stomping, where visitors of all ages can channel their inner vintner by joyfully squishing grapes beneath their toes. It’s an experience not to be missed—just be sure to leave the fancy shoes at home. Of course, no festival is complete without a spread of delicious food and drinks. Guests can indulge in fresh grape juice, gooey cheese fondue, buttery corn on the cob, unique pumpkin dumplings, and even fluffy cheese pancakes, making it a true celebration for the taste buds.
Farewell to Furano: Autumn’s Golden Goodbye
Autumn in Furano is a season of gentle transformation. The vibrant energy of summer slowly gives way to a more introspective atmosphere, but the town remains as captivating as ever. Whether you’re wandering through golden fields, savoring a glass of wine on a crisp evening, or watching the sun set behind the mountains, there’s a sense that Furano’s beauty, though quieter now, is just as powerful.
It’s a place where every breath of cool air feels fresh, where every leaf that falls seems to dance in the breeze, and where the rhythm of life slows down, inviting you to do the same. Furano in autumn is a reminder that beauty doesn’t have to be loud to leave an impression—it can be subtle, soft, and lingering, like the final notes of a beautiful song.
And so, as the last of the autumn leaves drift to the ground, you might find yourself looking out over the landscape and thinking, “I could stay here just a little longer.” But winter, ever the impatient guest, will soon be knocking at the door, and Furano will be ready to welcome it. For now, though, it’s autumn, and Furano is basking in the golden glow of the season, content to offer one more moment of magic before the snow falls.