Furano Jam Garden

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Furano Jam Garden: A Sweet Slice of Hokkaido Life

Imagine this: you’re 20 kilometers from Furano’s city center, winding through the pastoral charm of Rokugo Village in Hokkaido. Suddenly, you stumble upon a place that smells like a bakery’s dream and a fruit orchard’s fantasy had a wonderful lovechild. Welcome to Furano Jam Garden, part of Kyohsai Farm—a humble spot dedicated to crafting handmade jams so pure, they make most supermarket spreads look like chemistry experiments. Since its inception in 1974, Furano Jam Garden has been devoted to producing jams free of preservatives, artificial additives, or, frankly, anything that doesn’t need to be there. Everything they do highlights the natural bounty of Hokkaido’s rich, rolling farmlands. And the result? A peaceful, palate-pleasing escape for families, food lovers, or really anyone who likes their food honest and their jam top-notch.

The Time-Honored Tradition of Jam Making

Now, if you’re like most people, you’ve probably thought about jam the same way you think about wallpaper—important, but not something you spend too much time mulling over. At Furano Jam Garden, however, they take the art of jam-making to levels that would make the craftiest of grandmothers beam with pride. The garden boasts an impressive lineup of 38 (yes, 38!) varieties of jam, each meticulously crafted using a technique that can only be described as obsessive. No water is added to dilute the natural juices. Instead, they gently coax out the fruits’ inherent moisture, slowly cooking it down into a concentrated delight. They use local sugar and hand-squeezed lemons for acidity, and the result is as close to fruit perfection as you can get in a jar.

Here’s what makes their jam extra special:

  • No additives or preservatives: It’s just fruit, sugar, and the magic of slow, deliberate cooking.
  • No added water: All the moisture comes naturally from the fruits and vegetables themselves, making each bite intensely flavorful.
  • Locally sourced ingredients: Everything from the lemons to the sugar is as Hokkaido as the hills surrounding it, and it turns out that local climate produces ingredients with a flavor you’d swear was nature’s own cheat code.

Become a Jam-Making Pro

Now, for those of you who might want to try your hand at this delicate craft, Furano Jam Garden offers something beyond just eating jam—they let you make it. The Jam Making Class is like an invitation to a secret society. You’ll be armed with Auntie Jam’s legendary recipe (a treasure that you won’t find in any cookbook), and guided through the process by local experts. When you’re done, you’ll bottle your creation, slap on your own personalized label, and even walk away with a “Handmade Jam Graduation Certificate”—which, to be fair, might be the most niche qualification you’ve ever earned.

Class details

  • Participation Fee: 1,500 yen (tax included)
  • Open to: Junior high students and older (younger kids can join in with parental help).
  • Duration: A tidy 60 minutes.
  • Times: Daily sessions at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
  • Capacity: 40 aspiring jam artisans per class.
  • Reservations: Call it in by 5:30 PM the day before, and you’re set.

Shop & Café Corner: A Sweet Oasis

After all that jam-making, you’ll likely be in the mood to taste even more. Thankfully, Furano Jam Garden’s Auntie Jam Gift Shop is packed with enough varieties to keep even the most discerning spread-lover busy. The selection of 38 jam flavors is rivaled only by the shop’s array of other goodies—walnut honey, miso, and more. It’s the kind of place where the air smells so good you half expect to gain weight just by walking in. Better still, sampling is encouraged.

And then there’s Cafe RITA, the perfect spot for indulging in sweet treats with a view. Here, the must-try options include:

  • Jam-topped ice cream: Soft serve draped in their signature jams, making every bite a mix of creamy and fruity heaven.
  • Croissant Catalana: A pastry so revered by the locals, it practically has a fan club. It’s best enjoyed with a cup of coffee, perhaps while reflecting on the majesty of the nearby countryside.

For the Young (and Young at Heart): Yanase World

Adding an unexpected dash of nostalgia to the mix is Yanase World, a shop dedicated to the iconic Japanese cartoon, Anpanman, created by Takashi Yanase. If you’ve never heard of Anpanman, just know he’s to Japanese kids what Mickey Mouse is to everyone else. Even better, Auntie Jam and her family—characters designed by Yanase—infuse the whole garden with a playful energy. There’s even a coloring corner, so your kids (or the kid inside you) can spend time with these beloved characters.

Scenic Views from Rokugo Viewing Platform

Just outside the jam-filled wonderland, another treat awaits: the Rokugo Viewing Platform. Step up for a panoramic view that’s nothing short of breathtaking. The countryside rolls out beneath you in a symphony of green fields and, in springtime, blossoming flower gardens. It’s such a striking scene that people come here for wedding photos—and it’s easy to see why. Even if your biggest commitment today is to jam, you’ll want to stop and soak it all in.

Visitor Info at a Glance

  • Location: Higashirokugo, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0162
  • Nearest Station: Furano Station (Nemuro Main Line), about a 40-minute drive
  • Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily
  • Admission: Free
  • Parking: Complimentary, making life that much easier for road-trippers.

Getting There

While Furano Jam Garden is a bit of a trek, roughly 20 kilometers from Furano city center, getting there by car is the best bet. The drive takes about 40 minutes, and along the way, you’ll be treated to scenic rural views that make the journey part of the experience. Once you arrive, you’ll find it well worth the trip—especially if you’re the sort who appreciates both the fruits of nature and the artistry behind making the best of them.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Sweet Escape

Furano Jam Garden is not just about jam (though you’ll definitely want to stock up). It’s about savoring life’s simple, sweet pleasures—whether it’s the delicate balance of flavors in their handmade preserves, the joy of crafting your own jam, or just kicking back with a croissant in the countryside. It’s a family-friendly spot that hits all the right notes for foodies, travelers, and anyone looking for an authentic taste of Hokkaido. Don’t forget to drop by the Anpanman shop, take in the stunning views from the platform, and most importantly—spread the jam!