Furano Pizza Factory
Furano Pizza Factory: A Slice of Italy in the Heart of Japan
The Furano Pizza Factory, housed within the larger complex of the Furano Cheese Factory, offers visitors an unexpected but delightful encounter with true Neapolitan pizza, meticulously crafted by artisans who honed their skills in the pizzerias of Naples, Italy. This dedication to authenticity is not just a gimmick; it’s the cornerstone of their culinary philosophy.
A Taste of Naples in Japan
What makes the pizzas here so noteworthy isn’t just the wood-fired ovens—though these hefty structures were indeed imported from Naples—but the passionate precision with which they are used. This devotion to the tools and techniques of Italy’s pizza-making capital guarantees the authenticity of every pie. But there’s a local twist, too: the ingredients come from nearby fields, making the pizza not only Neapolitan in spirit but also a proud representative of Furano’s agricultural bounty. You’ll find Furano-grown flour, tomatoes, onions, and, perhaps most impressively, mozzarella made on-site at the factory’s own cheese workshop. It’s a fusion of Italian tradition and Hokkaido’s freshest produce, offering a flavor that’s both familiar and distinctly unique.
That Perfect Pizza Balance
Neapolitan pizza is famed for its delicate balance of textures, and the Furano Pizza Factory doesn’t disappoint. Each pizza is baked at a high temperature, ensuring a crispy exterior with an airy, chewy interior. The technique locks in the vibrant flavors of the ingredients, producing a pizza that’s both light and deeply satisfying. This precise baking process, matched with high-quality, fresh ingredients, has earned the restaurant a devoted following, with some pizza pilgrims traveling considerable distances just to sample the results.
Fan Favorites
Among the many offerings, the Margherita reigns supreme. This classic choice is deceptively simple—just tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil—but it exemplifies how the combination of perfect technique and high-quality ingredients can elevate even the most straightforward dishes. The popularity of this pizza is a testament to the care and craftsmanship behind every slice.
How to Get There
Getting to the Furano Pizza Factory is straightforward, whether you’re flying in, arriving by train, or taking the scenic route by bike or car.
By Air
Chitose Airport: After landing at Chitose, catch the JR train to Sapporo Station—a quick journey of 40 to 50 minutes.
Asahikawa Airport: From here, it’s a 50-minute ride by Furano Bus to Furano Station, placing you just a short trip from your pizza destination.
By Train
Sapporo Station: From Sapporo, it’s an express train ride to Takikawa Station, taking around 50 minutes on the Hakodate Main Line. After a change to the Nemuro Main Line, the ride to Furano takes just over an hour.
Asahikawa Station: From Asahikawa, hop on the Furano Line, which will get you to Furano Station in about an hour.
By Taxi or Private Car
Furano Pizza Factory is a mere 9-minute drive from Furano Station, at a distance of about 3.4 kilometers. There’s no need to worry about parking; the site offers complimentary spots for up to 120 vehicles, so visitors traveling by car can dine without delay.
By Bicycle
Feeling adventurous? The journey from Furano Station to the factory is just a 25-minute cycle ride along 3.4 kilometers of scenic road. It’s the perfect way to work up an appetite for that wood-fired pizza.
For those seeking additional information or wanting to peruse the menu in advance, the official website offers detailed resources, including a downloadable menu:
Whether you arrive by plane, train, car, or bike, what awaits at the Furano Pizza Factory is not just pizza, but an experience—one that blends the age-old tradition of Neapolitan cooking with the freshest local ingredients Hokkaido has to offer.