Category: Blog

Spring in Full Bloom in Furano: What to Expect During Golden Week

Golden Week, occurring in early May, is a popular time for tourists to visit Furano as spring blossoms into full bloom. While daytime temperatures reach an average of 19°C (66°F), nights can be much cooler, dropping to around 7°C (44°F), so layering is essential. Furano’s inland climate creates significant temperature swings between day and night, making it necessary to bring both lighter spring clothes and warmer layers, such as jackets or parkas, to avoid catching a cold.

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Cherry Blossom Viewing and More

One of the main attractions during Golden Week is cherry blossom viewing. Asahigaoka Park is renowned for its 3,000 Ezo-yamazakura cherry trees, offering not only stunning blossoms but also panoramic views of the Sorachi River, the city of Furano, and the Daisetsuzan mountain range. This park is considered one of the most scenic spots in Japan, making it a must-visit during the spring season.

Another iconic spot to visit during Golden Week is the Aoi Ike (Shirogane Blue Pond) in nearby Biei. Known for its striking blue water, the pond’s unique color is due to aluminum particles in the water that scatter sunlight. Early morning visits are recommended for the best views when the weather is calm, as wind and light variations can affect the pond’s color.

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Flower Gardens and Outdoor Activities

Spring in Furano brings a vibrant display of wildflowers. Visitors can enjoy the Hanabito Road flower gardens, where tulips, lupines, and early-blooming lavender provide bursts of color and fragrance across the landscape. If you’re looking for a quintessential Furano experience, the Flower Land Kamifurano is one of the top attractions, with vast flower fields and opportunities for vegetable tastings, such as freshly harvested asparagus.

For a more interactive experience, head to Furano Jam Garden, where 38 types of jam, including the popular haskap (blue honeysuckle) variety, are made without water and sweetened with local Hokkaido sugar. The adjacent Anpanman Shop, based on the popular children’s cartoon, is a delightful stop for families.

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River Rafting and Outdoor Adventures

May is also an excellent time for outdoor activities in Furano, with the snow melting and rivers swelling. Rafting on the Sorachi River is especially popular during this time, offering a thrilling ride through some of Japan’s clearest waters. The high water levels from the melted snow add excitement to the rafting experience.

If you prefer a more peaceful adventure, horseback riding through Furano’s fields provides a relaxing way to enjoy the spring scenery. Beginner-friendly treks are available, making it an excellent activity for families.

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Tips for Visitors

The weather in Furano during Golden Week is typically pleasant, but the large temperature fluctuations require thoughtful packing. A lightweight jacket, layers, and waterproof shoes will ensure comfort throughout the day. If you plan on visiting the mountains or partaking in outdoor activities like hiking or cycling, be sure to carry extra warm clothing as temperatures can drop sharply in the evenings.

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Conclusion: Golden Week in Furano

Furano in May offers a delightful blend of cherry blossoms, wildflowers, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. From the stunning views at Asahigaoka Park to the mysterious beauty of the Blue Pond, this region offers a unique spring getaway that balances nature, activities, and local charm. Whether you’re rafting down a river, strolling through flower gardens, or enjoying the cool evenings after a warm spring day, Furano promises a memorable Golden Week adventure.

The Cold

The wind comes down from the north. It sweeps over the mountains, gathering snow and the sharp bite of frost. In Furano, the cold is a certainty. The air is clear and cuts you clean. You feel it in your chest, in the deep parts of your lungs. The temperature is brutal, sometimes sinking to -20°C at night. The snow is thick, steady, and unforgiving, falling day and night until it covers everything. It piles high on rooftops and roads, and when the sun rises, it glistens under the pale light, as if the world is made of diamonds. You come to know the cold like an old friend, harsh but familiar.

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The Snow

In Furano, the snow is relentless. It blankets the ground, soft at first, then heavy as it settles. It drifts and banks and swirls in the air, finding its way into every corner, every crack. But it is not a bad thing. No, the snow is your companion here. It covers the land, quiets the world, softens the edges of life. You wake up to the sound of silence, only the creak of the trees in the cold or the muffled hum of the wind. It is snow that makes Furano beautiful, makes it whole. Without it, this place is not Furano.

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On Skis

The mountains rise up like giants around you. Mount Tokachi, with its jagged peaks, is the most fearsome. The slopes of Furano are steep, and the snow beneath your skis is like powder, soft and light. It gives way under your weight, but never too much. You glide down the mountains, carving into the snow, feeling the rush of cold air against your face. The world blurs by, white and silent, and for a moment, it feels like you’re the only one here.

But the mountains demand respect. They are unforgiving, and if you don’t heed their warning, you will find yourself lost in the cold. You learn quickly here. You learn to read the snow, feel the weight of it underfoot, and trust your instincts. Furano is not a place for the weak. But if you have the courage, it will reward you with the most perfect runs, the kind that stay with you long after you’ve left.

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On a Board

On a snowboard, the powder is your ally. You lean into it, let it carry you. The slopes in Furano are wide, open, and perfect for it. You cut through the snow, leaving a trail behind, and when you stop to look back, there is nothing but the long line of your ride. No one else has been here today. The snow is yours, and you own it.

In Furano, snowboarding feels different. The cold doesn’t sting as much, and the snow is softer. You find yourself moving faster, carving sharper turns, and trusting the mountain. The powder is so deep that when you fall, it catches you, cushions you. You get back up and keep going, because that’s what you do here. You don’t stop.

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The People

The people of Furano are quiet. They live with the cold like it’s part of them. There is a calmness to them, a kind of patience that comes from years of winters like this. You don’t ask them for much, and they don’t expect much in return. They respect the mountains, the snow, and the cold. They understand it better than anyone.

In the small inns and ryokans, the owners greet you with a bow, their hands red from the cold. They move quickly, preparing your room, stoking the fire, making sure you’re warm. You don’t need words with these people. They know why you’re here, and they leave you to it. But in the evenings, when the cold has settled in your bones, they offer you a small cup of sake, warm and sharp, and it is then that you feel the warmth of this place.

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The Food

The food in Furano is simple, but it sustains you. After a long day on the slopes, you crave something warm, something rich. The local fare is hearty—hot pots full of meat, vegetables, and broth that warms you from the inside out. There is salmon from the nearby rivers, fresh and fatty, served raw or grilled. And always, there is rice, sticky and steaming, to fill you up. In the morning, you wake to bowls of miso soup and salted fish, the kind of food that gives you the strength to face the cold.

The ramen here is unlike any you’ve had. Thick noodles, a broth that is rich with pork fat, and slices of meat that melt in your mouth. You sit at a small counter in the heart of town, your hands wrapped around the hot bowl, steam rising into the cold air, and for a moment, you are warm. It is a brief comfort, but it is more than enough.

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The Culture

Furano is quiet, but there is life here. The festivals, small but bright, bring warmth to the cold. The Sapporo Snow Festival is famous, but here in Furano, the celebrations are more intimate. Lanterns line the streets, their light flickering against the white snow. Children play in the snowdrifts, their laughter the only sound in the air. It is a peaceful joy, the kind that sneaks up on you.

There is a reverence here for nature. You feel it in the way the people speak, in the way they treat the land. The mountains, the snow, the cold—they are not enemies but companions. You respect them, and in return, they let you stay a while longer.

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The Ending

Winter in Furano is not for the faint of heart. It is cold, it is harsh, and it demands something from you. But if you give it your time, if you respect the snow and the mountains, it will give you something back. You will leave with the memory of cold mornings, the feeling of your skis or board carving through the best powder on earth, the warmth of a small inn in the middle of nowhere. You will leave, but a part of you will stay here, in the snow, in the cold, in Furano.

The Hokkaido Powder Belt is a renowned collection of ski areas located in central Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. This region, celebrated for its exceptional powder snow, includes ski resorts such as Furano, Tomamu, Kamui Ski Links, and Kurodake. Offering some of the lightest and driest powder snow in the world, the Hokkaido Powder Belt is a winter sports paradise, catering to all skill levels from beginner skiers to advanced backcountry explorers.

With its unique weather conditions, reliable snowfall, and diverse terrain, the Hokkaido Powder Belt is the ultimate destination for winter sports enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable snow adventure. Whether you’re looking for thrilling ski runs, safe backcountry touring, or fun activities for families and beginners, this region promises an experience like no other.

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What Makes the Hokkaido Powder Belt Special?

The Hokkaido Powder Belt is synonymous with deep powder, averaging over 7 meters of annual snowfall in most areas. Thanks to cold Siberian storm systems crossing the Sea of Japan, the snow that falls in this region is exceptionally light, dry, and fluffy, making it ideal for skiing and snowboarding. The diversity of resorts within the Powder Belt ensures that visitors can experience a wide variety of snow conditions, from well-groomed pistes to untouched backcountry powder.

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Key Resorts in the Hokkaido Powder Belt

1. Furano Ski Resort
   • Vertical Drop: 950 meters
   • Annual Snowfall: 7 meters
   • Terrain: Wide variety of runs from beginner to expert, challenging powder zones, and exceptional backcountry access.

Unique Features: Furano has hosted international ski events such as the FIS Downhill World Cup and Snowboard World Cup, making it a premier destination for competitive skiing. Its 101-person ropeway (the fastest in Japan) and a range of high-speed lifts ensure easy access to top terrain.

2. Tomamu Ski Resort
   • Vertical Drop: 699 meters
   • Annual Snowfall: 5 meters
   • Terrain: Known for its luxurious amenities and excellent groomed trails, Tomamu offers something for everyone, including off-piste powder skiing and dedicated tree-skiing areas.

Unique Features: The “Ice Village,” a winter wonderland with ice bars, ice slides, and family-friendly snow activities. Tomamu also features a wave pool and spa, making it a perfect resort for combining skiing with relaxation.

3. Kamui Ski Links
   • Vertical Drop: 610 meters
   • Annual Snowfall: 5-6 meters
   • Terrain: Kamui is a smaller but highly regarded resort, offering excellent powder skiing with fewer crowds. It features both groomed runs and untouched off-piste areas for powder enthusiasts.

Unique Features: Kamui is known for its laid-back atmosphere and is ideal for those seeking untracked powder without the crowds of larger resorts.

4. Kurodake Ski Resort
   • Vertical Drop: 1,000 meters
   • Annual Snowfall: 7 meters
   • Terrain: Kurodake is famous for its challenging, steep terrain, attracting advanced and expert skiers. It offers some of the highest vertical drops in the Hokkaido Powder Belt and thrilling backcountry skiing.

Unique Features: Kurodake’s lift system includes a cable car and a chair lift that gives access to some of the region’s most rugged and remote powder terrain, ideal for experienced backcountry skiers.

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Skiing for All Levels

The Hokkaido Powder Belt caters to a wide range of skiers and snowboarders, from beginners learning their first turns to experts seeking adrenaline-pumping runs. Each resort offers a mix of well-groomed pistes, off-piste zones, and backcountry access.

For Beginners and Families

• Dedicated Beginner Areas: Most resorts have dedicated beginner zones and ski schools where novices can learn in a comfortable, controlled environment.
• Kids’ Zones: Resorts such as Tomamu and Furano provide kids’ ski areas and snow parks, ensuring that young skiers can have fun while learning the sport.
• Ski Schools: English-speaking instructors are available across the Powder Belt, offering lessons for beginners and children. The ski schools are certified and provide both group and private instruction.

For Intermediate Skiers and Snowboarders

• Long, Wide Runs: Resorts like Furano and Tomamu feature wide, intermediate slopes perfect for building confidence. The long, roller-filled runs provide fun, gentle gradients that are ideal for improving technique.
• Groomed and Ungroomed Options: Intermediate skiers can challenge themselves with a mix of groomed trails and off-piste areas that offer powder runs.

For Advanced and Expert Skiers

• Challenging Terrain: Furano’s steeper slopes, Kamui’s off-piste zones, and Kurodake’s high vertical drops offer expert skiers a range of difficult terrain. Steep chutes, tree skiing, and deep powder fields are a highlight for advanced riders.
• Backcountry Access: Resorts like Kurodake and Furano offer guided backcountry tours that lead skiers into untouched wilderness. Powder enthusiasts can explore deep snow and thrilling descents, often with professional guides to ensure safety.

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Backcountry Skiing and Safety

The Hokkaido Powder Belt is world-renowned for its backcountry skiing opportunities. The deep powder, combined with accessible mountains, makes it a top destination for skiers looking to venture beyond the resorts.

Guided Backcountry Tours

• Professional Guides: All resorts within the Powder Belt offer guided backcountry tours led by experienced local guides. These professionals ensure safe access to some of the best powder stashes while educating participants about avalanche safety and proper backcountry technique.
• Introductory Backcountry Courses: For those new to backcountry skiing, introductory tours are available. These courses teach essential skills such as the use of avalanche safety gear, touring techniques, and route selection.

Lift-Assisted Backcountry

For those wanting to explore backcountry terrain without the long uphill slog, lift-assisted backcountry skiing is available at many resorts, including Furano and Kurodake. Skiers can access remote powder fields directly from the resort lifts and only need short hikes to reach the most pristine snow.

Safety and Standards

Resorts in the Hokkaido Powder Belt adhere to strict safety standards, particularly regarding off-piste and backcountry skiing. Each resort has avalanche monitoring systems, clear signage, and patrols to ensure the safety of skiers and snowboarders. Backcountry tours are only operated under favorable conditions, with guides providing essential safety gear, including beacons, shovels, and probes.

Avalanche Safety

• Resort Zones: Within the resorts, controlled off-piste zones are maintained for advanced skiers. These areas are regularly monitored for avalanche risk.
• Backcountry Areas: Guided backcountry tours ensure that skiers are equipped with safety gear and follow safe routes based on current snow conditions.

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Après-Ski Activities

The Hokkaido Powder Belt isn’t just about skiing—it also offers a rich après-ski experience. From family-friendly activities to gourmet dining and relaxing hot springs, the region provides a complete winter getaway.

Après-Ski Highlights

• Hot Springs (Onsen): Warming up in a traditional Japanese onsen after a day of skiing is a must. Many resorts, including Tomamu and Furano, offer onsen facilities with indoor and outdoor baths overlooking snowy landscapes.
• Ice Village: Tomamu’s Ice Village is a magical winter wonderland complete with ice bars, snow tubing, and a frozen chapel for special events.
• Mountain Dining: Ski resorts in the Powder Belt offer a variety of dining options, from cozy mountain lodges to gourmet restaurants. Furano, in particular, is known for its excellent dining options, both on and off the mountain.

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Conclusion: A Powder Haven for All

The Hokkaido Powder Belt is truly a winter paradise, offering world-class powder, diverse terrain, and a full spectrum of experiences for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Whether you’re looking for the thrill of untracked backcountry powder, the comfort of groomed runs, or fun après-ski activities, the Powder Belt has it all. For winter sports enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable snow adventure, central Hokkaido’s Powder Belt should be at the top of the list.