Furano, Made Famous by Japanese Dramas, Gets Even More Vibrant in Winter with Ice Sculptures, Skiing, and Onsens

By Li Xinyi, reporting

 

Hokkaido becomes Japan’s top skiing destination in winter thanks to its low temperatures, long snow season, and high-quality powder snow — which is light and fluffy, unlike the wetter, faster-melting snow on Honshu. This year marks the 100th anniversary of skiing activities in Hokkaido. To attract Taiwanese travelers, local operators have introduced shuttle buses from the airport to ski resorts that align with Taiwan flight schedules, catering to independent travelers. For those wanting to visit Furano, made famous by the Japanese drama “From the Northern Country,” direct flights to Asahikawa will begin on February 5, cutting the travel time by about an hour and a half compared to New Chitose Airport. In addition, starting now, the Furano Tourism Bureau has set up a “Winter Village” (Furano Kan Kan Mura) at the ski area, featuring ice bars, dragon-shaped ice sculptures, snow banana boat rides, and hot air balloons. The event will run until March 11.

Skiing is a relatively unfamiliar sport for many Taiwanese, but this unique winter activity can be quite addictive once you try it. Hokkaido is famed for its powder snow and long ski season, which typically runs from late November to April, with some colder areas like Daisetsuzan extending the season into May. To welcome the snow season, businesses across Hokkaido are offering various promotions and events to attract visitors. For example, Seven Resort offers all-you-can-eat king crab and snow crab, the Furano Tourism Bureau has launched Kan Kan Mura, and the White-Liner shuttle bus connects the airport, Sapporo, and various ski areas. This year, it has been specially coordinated with flight schedules from Taipei to New Chitose Airport by EVA Air, China Airlines, and Cathay Pacific, providing direct shuttle services to Niseko for the convenience of independent travelers. There are also shuttles from New Chitose Airport and Asahikawa Airport to Furano. For more shuttle schedules, please check online — all require advance booking.

Located in a central basin of Hokkaido, Furano has lighter snow quality than nearby seaside ski resorts. The ski area recently held a 50th-anniversary fireworks celebration in February, but this lovely town is best known as the filming location for the classic drama “From the Northern Country,” written by renowned playwright Kon Ichikawa. The entire series was shot in Furano, attracting fans from all over Japan, as well as from Taiwan and Hong Kong. Kon Ichikawa later filmed “A Scene at the Sea” in Furano as well. The coffee shop “Morino Tokei,” built for the drama, is located in the forest of the New Furano Prince Hotel. Not far from the café is the stone-built bar “Soh’s Bar.” Coupled with the seasonal Kan Kan Mura, a winter trip to Furano for skiing offers a rich variety of experiences.

During the day, you can go skiing, then in the afternoon head to “Morino Tokei” to enjoy freshly ground, hand-brewed coffee. Next, visit the art village to see handmade silver jewelry and wooden crafts by local artists. In the evening, enjoy drinks at the ice bar in Kan Kan Mura or unwind in the tranquil forest atmosphere of Soh’s Bar. End the day soaking in the hotel’s open-air hot spring. The nightlife at a ski resort can be even livelier than in the city.

 

White-Liner schedule inquiry website: www.goodsports.co.jp

 

Watch the live fireworks celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Furano ski resort: