Goro’s Stone House
Goro’s Stone House: A Stone and Story-Filled Slice of TV History
Perched in the picturesque fields of Furano, Hokkaido, Goro’s Stone House stands as a quirky, rustic monument to both Japan’s love for nature and its deep fondness for the long-running TV dramas, “From a Northern Country” and its nostalgic sequel, “89 Homecoming.” This modest yet iconic house, lovingly cobbled together by the character Goro Kuroita from stones unearthed from Furano’s volcanic soil, is a lasting symbol of self-sufficiency and creativity. Nowadays, it’s a preserved relic for fans and curious tourists alike, offering a chance to soak in a little history and bask in the rural charm of a very fictional family.
The Curious Origins of Goro’s Stone House
For those unacquainted with “From a Northern Country,” Goro’s Stone House wasn’t just a place to hang your hat after a long day’s toil – it was the Kuroita family’s home and a symbol of a simpler, more connected way of life. The house was built using stones churned up by the area’s volcanic past (Mt. Furano did all the hard work millennia ago). The drama aired for years, captivating audiences with its portrayal of life in the wilds of Hokkaido. Goro’s house soon became a beloved icon, representing not just a TV set but a lifestyle – one that many people, sitting in their modern, tech-infused homes, found oddly appealing.
By 2007, the house had reached such legendary status that, in a bid to protect it from wear and weather, it was relocated to its current spot. The two-story structure is most memorable for its upstairs bedroom, where the characters Jun and Hotaru spent their fictional nights.
Today, visitors can walk through the house, marvel at the craftsmanship (how many people do you know who’ve built a home out of volcanic stones?), and imagine the Kuroitas going about their fictional lives. All while breathing in the crisp Furano air.
How to Visit Goro’s Stone House: Practical Advice
Opening Hours
Planning a visit? You’ll need to time it right because, much like any rural retreat worth its salt, the house is seasonal. It opens its creaky doors to the public starting April 14th and keeps the welcome mat out until September 30th, running from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (with the final entry at 5:30 PM). As autumn cools things down, the hours shrink – from October 1st to November 24th, you can only visit between 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM (last entry at 3:30 PM). After that, the house hunkers down for the winter, closing from November 25th until mid-April when, presumably, it takes a well-deserved rest from curious tourists.
Ticket Prices
And how much for the pleasure of traipsing through Goro’s memory-laden home? The answer is surprisingly reasonable. For adults, it’s just 500 yen (about the price of a cup of coffee, albeit a really good one), while elementary school kids and visitors with a disability certificate can get in for 300 yen. If you’re planning a broader exploration of Furano’s famous sites, consider the 3-Facility Common Ticket for 1,200 yen (600 yen for kids), which also grants you access to The House I Found and the verdant Rokugo Forest. The tickets aren’t available online – you’ll need to buy them in person at any of these sites.
Getting There
If you’ve decided that Goro’s Stone House is a must-see, you’ll need to know how to get there. Fortunately, there’s free parking, which is a rare and precious thing these days – enough space for 100 cars or even the odd oversized tour bus.
From Furano’s JR Station, the house is about 21 km away – a fair distance, but a scenic one. You can hop on the Rokugo Line bus, ride it to the final stop, and then enjoy a leisurely 40-minute stroll to the house itself. Alternatively, if you’re more inclined to drive, pop the following map code into your GPS: 550 833 425.
What You’ll Find at Goro’s Stone House
What’s the draw? Well, for starters, there’s the novelty of walking through the set of one of Japan’s most cherished TV shows. But more than that, Goro’s Stone House exudes a kind of earthy magic, combining a deep connection to nature with a sense of human ingenuity – after all, it’s not every day you come across a house built entirely from stones dredged out of a volcanic landscape.
The atmosphere is calm, the landscape wild, and the experience wonderfully nostalgic for fans of the series. Even if you’ve never seen a single episode, there’s something captivating about the house’s simplicity. The sight of those thick stone walls, and the sheer rusticity of the setting, is enough to make you wish you could abandon modern life and move into a stone house of your own (at least for a weekend).
Need to Know Before You Go
- Contact: For any queries, feel free to call the Furano Tourism Association at 0167-23-3388. They’re lovely people.
- Website: Check out the Furano Tourism official website for the latest updates on hours, events, and closures.
In short, if you’re in Furano, Goro’s Stone House is a must-see – whether you’re a die-hard fan of the show or just someone with a love for unique architecture and tranquil landscapes. Just be sure to plan ahead, as the winter snows will make the house inaccessible from late November to mid-April. And don’t forget to check the schedule – it’s subject to change, and no one likes surprises on vacation.