Domaine Raison
Domaine Raison: A Harmonious Haven of Hokkaido
Tucked away in Nakafurano’s tranquil countryside, Domaine Raison is a delightful fusion of nature and nurture. Established in 2019, this young but ambitious winery enjoys sweeping vistas of the Tokachi Mountains to the east, with the kind of postcard-perfect scenery that would make you want to bottle it up—fortunately, they’ve already done that for you. The winery itself is a charming blend of the old and new, where traditional basket presses stand proudly alongside modern bottling lines and gleaming, temperature-controlled tanks. If you’re the type to want to sip and see, guided tours are available. And with a bit of foresight and a reservation, you can indulge in the full sensory experience—wine paired with carefully curated cuisine.
At Domaine Raison, their philosophy is simple yet profound: strike a balance between humanity’s indulgence and the natural world’s wisdom. They aren’t just making wine; they’re doing it with an eco-friendly flair. Goats, with their insatiable appetites for grass, roam the estate, happily grazing while contributing to the vineyard’s health. Their waste, along with the winery’s byproducts like grape lees and pomace, gets transformed into a nutrient-rich compost that’s returned to the soil. This natural recycling process invigorates the soil’s microbial life and keeps the vineyard humming along in a sustainable energy loop. It’s all part of their winemaking philosophy—where the natural world does the heavy lifting, and humans try to keep pace.
Domaine Raison’s commitment to ecological preservation is evident at every turn. Whether it’s weeding the fields with goats or enriching the land with their fermented goat compost, the winery seamlessly integrates sustainable practices into its operations. From the winery and boutique to the café, restaurant, and hotel, every inch of Domaine Raison is built with an eye toward the environment.
Winery Tours: A Taste of Hokkaido’s Terroir
Domaine Raison boasts a generous 40 hectares of vineyards, and every inch of it is dedicated to celebrating the unique terroir of Hokkaido. The cool-climate region is perfect for cultivating twelve different grape varieties, including some rare German ones. Their wines reflect the distinctive characteristics of Hokkaido’s climate and soil, producing flavors as crisp and refreshing as the air itself.
If you’d like a behind-the-scenes glimpse, the winery offers intimate tours designed for small groups (no more than ten people at a time). These tours take you through the vineyards, the goat pastures, and the barrel storage rooms, all while explaining the magic behind the wine-making process. Weekday tours run from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. and again from 2:00 to 2:30 p.m., while weekends and holidays offer a slightly different schedule, from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. Be sure to book ahead if you want to guarantee your spot.
For a more immersive experience, every Friday you can join the “Terroir Tour,” a deeper dive into the natural beauty of Nakafurano and the story behind the estate’s exceptional wines.
Yagi Café & Restaurant: Dairy Delights with a View
After touring the winery, you can unwind at the adjacent Grill & Farmhouse Restaurant, Yagi Café. This charming little spot serves up goat milk soft serve, parfaits, and smoothies that are every bit as delightful as the views of Mt. Tokachi from the terrace. It’s a serene place to savor a bite, watch the world go by, and marvel at the goats grazing nearby.
The café opens its doors at 11:00 a.m. each day, and the last order is taken at 4:30 p.m.—just in time to catch the late afternoon light spilling over the mountains.
Boutique Shop: Take a Taste of Domaine Raison Home
The boutique at Domaine Raison is a treasure trove for wine lovers. Alongside their own crisp, cool-climate wines, you’ll find selections from the Maruki Winery in Yamanashi and sakes from Hamada, Yonezawa. If that’s not enough to tempt you, they also stock artisanal chocolates, perfectly crafted to complement their wines. It’s the kind of shop where you’ll find yourself lingering, trying to decide just how much your suitcase can hold.
Goat Feeding: A Family Favorite
From late April to late October, Domaine Raison opens its gates to visitors eager for a more interactive experience—goat feeding. No need to reserve; just show up between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., pay a modest 200 yen (plus tax), and enjoy 15 minutes of feeding these friendly creatures.
For something a bit more hands-on, you can opt for the goat milk feeding experience. Available from late April through September for 500 yen (plus tax), it includes a chance to pet and feed the goats. However, these encounters are understandably subject to the goats’ mood and health.
Blueberry Picking: A Summertime Treat
If you happen to visit Domaine Raison between mid-July and mid-August, you can partake in a hands-on blueberry picking experience. For 1,000 yen for adults (500 yen for children), you’ll get a container and 30 minutes to gather fresh berries straight from the soil of Hokkaido. No reservation required—just show up between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Goat Pasture Tours: A Glimpse into Grazing Life
From May through late October, Domaine Raison offers exclusive, guided tours of its private goat pastures, normally off-limits to the public. For 1,100 yen (tax included), you’ll get 30 minutes of up-close goat observation on select days, with tours running at 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. These small-group tours are perfect for families, with children aged three and up welcome to join (accompanied by an adult). As always, boots are provided, and if the skies threaten rain, the route may be adjusted.
Baby Goat Care: The Ultimate Cuteness Overload
If you’re lucky enough to visit in June, you might just catch Domaine Raison’s most heart-melting offering—baby goat care. For 2,200 yen (tax included), you can spend a full hour feeding, cuddling, and fawning over newborn goats. Limited to just 10 participants per session, this event is a rare opportunity to bond with the farm’s youngest residents. Boots and raincoats are provided, but you’ll need to book ahead as spots fill up quickly.
Hotel Hitohana: The Height of Hokkaido Hospitality
Should you wish to extend your stay and fully immerse yourself in the Domaine Raison experience, look no further than the winery’s own boutique hotel, Hitohana. Located in the heart of Furano’s agricultural wonderland, Hitohana marries the simplicity of country living with a dash of luxury. Here, the bountiful produce of Hokkaido is paired with the estate’s exceptional wines, offering you a chance to savor both the land and its fruits in style.
In short, Domaine Raison is more than a winery—it’s a celebration of Hokkaido’s natural splendor, a place where goats, grapes, and guests all coexist in happy harmony.
Getting to Domaine Raison: Your Guide to Arriving in Style
Whether you’re making the journey by car, train, or bus, Domaine Raison’s idyllic location in Nakafurano, Hokkaido, is just a scenic drive or ride away. Here’s how you can reach this serene vineyard and fully immerse yourself in its offerings.
By Car
- From JR Furano Station: Simply follow National Route 237, and in about 5 minutes, you’ll find yourself arriving at Domaine Raison’s picturesque estate.
- From Asahikawa Airport: Head out on National Route 237 for a 1-hour drive, winding your way through Hokkaido’s rural beauty.
- From New Chitose Airport: Take the Do-O Expressway via the Shimukappu IC for a smooth 2.5-hour drive to Nakafurano.
- From Sapporo City: The journey is equally straightforward—take the Do-O Expressway via Mikasa IC, and you’ll arrive in 2.5 hours.
By Train
If you prefer the rhythm of the rails, Domaine Raison is conveniently accessible from Gakuden Station on the JR Furano Line. From there, it’s just a 15-minute walk or a quick taxi ride to the estate. Do note, however, that only local trains stop at Gakuden Station, so plan your timing accordingly.
By Bus
For those who enjoy taking in the scenery by bus, there are multiple routes to Domaine Raison:
From Asahikawa Station/Asahikawa Airport: Board the Furano Bus at the Furano Lavender stop, heading towards Nakafurano. Once you arrive at Nakafurano, transfer to the JR train to Gakuden Station. From there, it’s just a 15-minute walk or a short taxi ride.
Approximate bus ride times:
- From Asahikawa Station to Nakafurano: 1.5 hours
- From Asahikawa Airport to Nakafurano: 50 minutes
From Sapporo Station: Hop on the Expressway Furano Bus, which will take you to Furano Station in approximately 3 hours. From there, transfer to the JR train bound for Gakuden Station. Once you arrive, it’s just a 15-minute walk or a quick taxi ride to Domaine Raison.
Useful Information
- Business Name: Domaine Raison
- Address: East 1 Line North 4, Sorachi District, Nakafurano Town, Hokkaido 〒071-0771
- Phone: 0167-44-3035
- Email: nakafurano@domaine-raison.com
- Entry Fee: Free, though some activities come with a charge.
Opening Times
- General: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Café: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
(Please arrive at least 1 hour before closing for winery visits.)
Guided Tour Times
- Weekdays: 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. / 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Weekends & Holidays: 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.