Hotel Naturwald Furano
Hotel Naturwald Furano: Prime Location at the Heart of Kitanomine
Imagine a place where the essence of a “second home” is not just a slogan but a way of life. That’s what you’ll find at Hotel Naturwald Furano, nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, Japan. Here, the hotel’s name—”Naturwald,” meaning “natural forest” in German—perfectly captures its ethos: an oasis of calm, surrounded by nature, with hospitality as warm as a woolen scarf on a chilly winter’s evening.
Rooms that Reflect Comfort, Not Opulence
The accommodations are an eclectic blend of traditional and modern, offering rooms that cater to every taste. Fancy a night on a tatami mat in a Japanese-style room, or prefer the sleek lines of a contemporary suite? Either way, you’re in for a comfortable stay, even if the rooms aren’t sprawling palatial affairs. The true luxury lies in the details—air purifiers hum gently in the background, humidifiers fend off the dry air, and, of course, there’s the essential lifeline of the 21st century: free Wi-Fi.
Noteworthy Perks of the Stay
But what really sets Naturwald Furano apart are the thoughtful extras, each one crafted to enhance your stay. Let’s start with the big-ticket items:
- The Hot Springs & Bathhouse: Is there anything more quintessentially Japanese than a hot soak in mineral-rich water? At the Komyoishi hot spring, you can indulge in a meditative soak that promises more than just warmth—it’s known for its ionizing therapeutic properties. Whether it’s the jacuzzi’s soothing bubbles or the creamy decadence of a milk bath, you’ll feel refreshed. And with the bathhouse open from 3 PM until 9 the next morning, you can bathe at your leisure, whether you’re a night owl or an early riser.
- Kid-Friendly Kingdom: Traveling with tiny humans? Fear not. Naturwald Furano is practically a paradise for parents. Free diapers? Check. Baby cot and stroller rentals? Double check. There’s even a play area, ASOBIBA, designed to let kids burn off energy while you catch your breath.
- Complimentary Snacks & Beverages: For adults, there’s a delightful perk that begins after 8 PM: free beer! Yes, free beer, plus a variety of other beverages available throughout the day. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, their complimentary sweets buffet is bound to hit the spot, right after you check in.
The Family-Friendly Focus
If you’re a family with young children, you’ll feel right at home here. Naturwald Furano takes its family-friendly approach seriously, as evidenced by its certification from the Miki House Child Rearing Research Institute. This means reduced rates for children and a veritable cornucopia of child-specific amenities. Think toys, baby cots, bed guards, and even customizable menus for picky eaters or kids with allergies. You won’t need to bring your kitchen sink when traveling here—they’ve thought of it all for you.
Experiences You’ll Remember
Location, as the saying goes, is everything—and Naturwald Furano has it in spades. Ski enthusiasts can rejoice, as the hotel is mere steps away from the slopes, making it an ideal base for your winter sports adventures. In the warmer months, the hotel offers free bicycle rentals so you can leisurely pedal around the picturesque surroundings. And when the sun sets, the observation terrace beckons, providing jaw-dropping views of the Tokachi mountain range beneath a canopy of stars.
Dining: A Love Letter to Hokkaido
Food lovers, you’re in for a treat. The hotel’s dining experience is nothing short of a culinary love letter to the bounty of Hokkaido. From crisp vegetables grown on nearby farms to mouth-watering Furano Wagyu beef and seafood so fresh it practically flops onto your plate, the meals here are a celebration of local ingredients. Breakfast is a buffet of delights, with signature dishes like the eggy, savory Dashimaki Tamago and the delicately flavored Namarameshi. Dinner is equally sumptuous, with seasonal salads and sashimi to satisfy any seafood lover’s cravings. And don’t skip the themed sweets buffets—there’s always room for dessert, right?
Women’s-Only Touches
Naturwald Furano has gone the extra mile to cater to its female guests with some exclusive pampering. In the public bath, there’s a “Shampoo Bar” offering a delightful selection of hair care products, alongside an array of beauty items—face washes, sheet masks, and more. And, if you feel like refreshing yourself post-soak, the dedicated powder room offers a private space to freshen up.
Celebrating Special Moments
Planning to mark a special occasion while you’re there? Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a moment worth celebrating, the hotel staff can arrange cakes, bouquets, and celebratory drinks to make the event extra memorable. And if you just want to indulge in a little everyday luxury, enjoy the hotel’s welcome food corner, a selection of pillows to ensure the perfect night’s sleep, or the aforementioned free bike rentals for sunny days.
What Guests Are Saying
The feedback from guests paints a glowing picture of the hotel’s warmth and service, though with the occasional quirky detail. Visitors praise the convenient location—practically on top of the ski slopes—and the abundance of family-friendly features. Yes, the décor is a bit on the retro side, and there’s only one elevator, which might mean a wait if you’re there during peak season. Some guests also note a rather large step leading into the bathroom, a minor inconvenience if you’ve had one too many complimentary beers! But these are trifling matters, often overlooked in light of the hotel’s overall charm and thoughtful touches.
The Final Word: A Home Away From Home
Whether you’re a ski aficionado, a family seeking adventure, or someone in need of a serene retreat with jaw-dropping mountain views, Hotel Naturwald Furano fits the bill. This is a place that balances the beauty of nature with the comforts of modern hospitality, offering a warm welcome to guests of all ages.