Highland Furano Onsen
Highland Furano Onsen: A Tranquil Escape into Hokkaido’s Natural Splendor
Imagine a place where you can slip into a steaming outdoor bath, surrounded by aromatic lavender fields or, depending on the season, the crisp stillness of snow-draped mountains. Welcome to Highland Furano Onsen, a little pocket of heaven in Hokkaido, where natural hot springs bubble up in the shadow of the Tokachi mountain range. It’s the kind of place where relaxation and scenic wonder blend seamlessly, offering an irresistible retreat for anyone looking to soak in both warm waters and spectacular views.
A Quick Peek at the Wonders of Highland Furano Onsen
- Open-Air Bath: There are two types of people in this world: those who love to lounge in a hot bath surrounded by endless fields of purple lavender and those who would prefer their soak framed by snow-covered peaks. Here, at Highland Furano, you don’t have to choose. In the summer, the outdoor baths offer a front-row seat to the vibrant blooms that Furano is famous for. In winter, the steam from the baths mingles with the frosty air, creating an ethereal atmosphere against the backdrop of snow-dusted mountains. It’s relaxation, with a view.
- Large Communal Baths: Now, communal bathing might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Highland Furano has a knack for making it an experience to remember. The baths alternate daily between Japanese and Western-style designs, meaning whether you’re soaking under traditional wooden beams or sleek, modern tiles, you’ll find peace. Add to that a Jacuzzi and a sauna, and you’re well on your way to a thoroughly satisfying bathe. Oh, and don’t worry about toiletries—everything from shampoo to body soap is provided.
- Rehabilitation Bath: If accessibility is a concern, Highland Furano has thought of that too. Their rehabilitation bath, with its handy handrails and easy-to-access steps, is perfect for anyone needing extra assistance or families with small children. It can also be reserved for private use—because, let’s face it, sometimes it’s nice to keep the serenity all to yourself.
- Additional Facilities: Once you’ve soaked yourself into a state of bliss, there’s more to enjoy:
- Snack Corner: Because, let’s be honest, all that bathing can work up an appetite.
- Vending Machines: Stocked with an array of drinks and snacks to keep you going.
- Garden: A serene space surrounding the hotel, perfect for a peaceful post-bath stroll.
- BBQ Facilities: From April to October, you can take your relaxation outdoors and fire up the grill for a proper feast.
The Secret Ingredient: The Hot Spring Water
Highland Furano Onsen boasts the only natural hot spring in Furano, which alone makes it worth the trip. The weakly alkaline water here is a soothing tonic, colorless and gentle, known for its skin-softening qualities and ability to melt away the stresses of modern life.
Why You Should Care About This Water
- Relaxation: It’s practically a liquid vacation for your muscles.
- Skin Health: Your skin will thank you after a soak, as it feels softer and rejuvenated.
- Better Circulation: The warm mineral-rich waters can give your blood flow a gentle boost.
Accommodation at Highland Furano
Now, let’s talk about where you’ll lay your head after all that soaking. The rooms here are designed for comfort without unnecessary frills—because who needs distractions when nature is the main event? Each room comes with:
- Flat-screen TV: In case you tire of nature (unlikely, but it’s there).
- Air conditioning: A must-have for those summer days.
- Attached toilet: Bathing, however, is a communal affair unless you’re lucky enough to snag a private booking.
There’s also free luggage storage and ski storage for those planning to hit the slopes, and an ample parking lot that can fit up to 250 vehicles—buses included, so bring your entire extended family if you like.
Dining: A Feast for the Senses
Hungry? You’ll find more than just a snack corner here. The on-site restaurant serves up a hearty Japanese-style breakfast, with all the comforting miso, rice, and fish you could ask for. For lunch and dinner, the menu broadens its horizons to include international dishes, all prepared with seasonal, local ingredients. Dining here not only satisfies your hunger, but also immerses you further into the region’s flavors, making your stay in Furano all the richer.
Visitor Information: What You’ll Need to Know
For those looking to pop in for a day trip, here’s the cost breakdown:
- Adults: 640 yen
- Junior High Students: 410 yen
- Elementary Students: 260 yen
- Children under elementary age: Free (start them early, I say)
- Early Morning Rate (6:00 AM – 8:00 AM): 540 yen for adults
- Private Family Bath: 2,700 yen per hour (and worth every yen, I might add)
The baths are open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with reservations accepted until 10:00 PM.
Getting There: A Quick Travel Guide
Whether you’re arriving by train, car, or magic carpet (okay, maybe not that last one), access to Highland Furano is easy:
- By Car: A breezy 14-minute drive from JR Furano Station. No need to worry about parking—there’s space for 250 cars, and buses are welcome too.
- From Sapporo: Around 2 hours by train, with a few transfers.
- From Asahikawa: A mere 1-hour train ride.
Final Thoughts: The Perfect Year-Round Retreat
Whether you’re bathing among lavender blooms in the summer or watching snowflakes drift lazily past in winter, Highland Furano Onsen offers the perfect balance of natural beauty and restorative hot springs. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, worries melt away, and you leave feeling like a brand-new person—or at the very least, a very relaxed one.