So far, this resort has remained under most travellers’ radar… but that’s about to change.
Furano is an idyllic ski town located in the centre of Hokkaido, the northernmost main island in Japan. During winter, this Japanese town is coated in the finest, driest powder snow you’ve ever experienced.
Furano is located about a 2-3 hour drive from New Chitose Airport, the largest airport in Hokkaido. It’s good to note that it’s almost the exact same distance from the airport as Niseko so you don’t have to settle on one resort over the other based on convenience alone. Safe, high-speed highways connect New Chitose Airport to Furano so travelling there is quite smooth.
Welcome to Furano
While Furano and Niseko both offer amazing powder snow, one of the biggest differences between the two resorts are the trees. Where Niseko is characterised by its silver birch trees, Furano is dominated by heavier and denser pine foliage. This gives the resort an almost alpine-like feel.
Furano has two main gondolas servicing two ski zones: Kitanomine and Furano, with Kitanomine being the livelier of the two.
We made Shochikubai our home for a few nights. Framed by those beautiful pine trees, this bold concrete chalet is located just a two-minute drive from the Kitanomine Gondola. The chalet has a spacious garage so parking our rental was a breeze.
Japanese Fusion
We would describe Shochikubai decor as Japanese-Western fusion. Made up of sturdy concrete blocks, this chalet feels very modern and new, with several Japanese elements added to the mix.
The chalet’s TV room is not your average lounge but a traditional tatami room, complete with straw mat floors and plush zaisu chairs. It was a really comfy space for watching movies.
The dining room also comes with a Japanese twist. The horigotatsu table has a recessed cavity beneath it – it’s really fun to climb in when it’s time for dinner!
The chalet also has all the mod cons and plush extras you need amid the snow, including a small but capable kitchen, ski and laundry rooms, and an electric fireplace for those cosy nights spent indoors.
The Three Friends of Winter
We were all taken aback by how comfortable this chalet was! We loved hanging out in the tatami room and the three bedrooms gave us a great night’s sleep. In the morning, we enjoyed magical views of the snow-covered pine trees.
After spending the night, we could see just how aptly the property is named. Shochikubai means “pine, bamboo and plum” in Japanese, but the term actually has a deeper meaning behind it.
Known as the Three Friends of Winter, pine, bamboo and plum are known to endure even during the cold winter months. The trio has thus become an important symbol of perseverance and resilience. The chalet certainly felt like a steady port in the snow – and a wonderful place to share with friends.
Feasting in Furano
While the region offers world-class skiing, Furano itself is a very traditional Japanese town. This means it hasn’t been saturated by Western influences or brands. There’s not even a Starbucks in sight! Overall, the area offers a very authentic Japanese experience – a real treat for anyone with an adventurous spirit.
We had a great time simply wondering through town, discovering hidden izakaya restaurants where we could pop in to have a snack or settle down for a dinner. This being Japan, you can also stumble upon some great karaoke bars.
Watch This Space
We have a sneaky feeling that a lot is about to happen in Furano. During the past few years, dozens of chalets and apartment blocks have been built in the area. This all suggests that Furano is about to take off in a big way. Contact our team to plan your trip to this powder paradise before the word gets out.
