1
Leisure Guide Playhouse Furano

An exciting Experience of drifting through the sky on a hot air balloon ride

A must-do experience in Furano in winter is the "hot air balloon free flight. This popular winter-only activity allows you to enjoy a walk in the air at a maximum altitude of 1,000 meters. As the powerful sound of burners echoes through the quiet land in the early morning, you will gradually leave the ground and float into the sky. The unique floating sensation of being lifted up by the power of the fire is a sensation that can only be experienced in a hot air balloon.
The panoramic view from the sky over the silvery white mountains of the Tokachi Mountain range is truly breathtaking. On a cool, clear day, you can even see diamond dust, and every view you see is a sight to behold.

Enjoy a different kind of winter in Furano with a local guide

The Leisure Guide Playhouse also offers a variety of other winter activities. In the "Private Photo Point Tour," a local guide will take you to popular sightseeing spots and photogenic spots with spectacular views. The "Night Watching" tour is a chance to discover Furano at night, with its sparkling night views and quiet forests. On a clear day, the sky is full of stars, and if you are lucky, you may see Ezo sika deer or foxes.
Furano's inland location makes it even colder. Warm clothing such as ski wear is essential.

Leisure Guide Playhouse Furano

• 4746 Gakuda San-gu, Furano-shi, Hokkaido MAP
• Approximately 8 minutes from JR Furano Station by car
• Approx. 7 min. walk from Kitanomine Iriguchi bus stop after taking the bus from JR Furano Station
• Sun, Dec. 1 - Mar. 31 (subject to change depending on snow conditions)
  Hot air balloon free flight 7:00-10:30
  Night watching 19:00-21:00
  Private photo point tour within 6 hours from 9:00 to 16:30
• No holidays
• Hot air balloon free flight (20 min.) 24,000 yen for adults (junior high school students and older), 17,600 yen for children (5 years old to elementary school students)
  Night watching Adults (junior high school students and older): 3,850 yen, children (3 years old to elementary school students): 3,300 yen, children under 3 years old participate free of charge
  Photo Point Private Tour Group (Max. 6 people)66,000 yen
• 0167-22-0534
• Free of charge
• Hot air balloon free flight 5 years old and up
  Night Watching 3 years old and up
  Photo point & Furano guide 3 years old and up

2
Farm Tomita

The expressive landscape of lavender fields covered with snow

The atmosphere of this popular tourist spot, which turns purple with lavender from late June to mid-August, changes drastically when winter arrives. From early to mid-December, when the snow begins to accumulate, fresh snow softly covers the lavender plants, creating bumps that look like waves, but from January onward, the snow will be firmly covered and the bumps will no longer be visible.
The view of the Tokachi Mountain Range standing majestically behind the pure white land is beautiful only in winter, with the trees covered with rime shimmering in the sunlight. Snowmen and snow-covered marshes in the park make it possible to take pictures that are uniquely Hokkaido.

Gaze at the flowers in the warmth of a room and enjoy cool sweets

The Green House, a greenhouse in the park, is the only spot in Furano where lavender can be viewed even in winter. Once you step into the greenhouse, you will be enveloped by the gorgeous colors and fresh fragrance of lavender. There are also a variety of attractions such as Gallery Fleur, a photo gallery that introduces the four seasons of Farm Tomita, and the "House of Dried Flowers," one of the largest dried flower exhibition spaces in Japan.
After selecting souvenirs at the welcome house "Hanabito no Yasha," visitors can take a break while enjoying lavender soft serve ice cream. This cold treat served in a heated room is a delicious treat that can only be enjoyed in Hokkaido's winter season.

3
Seven Star Tree

The monotone beauty of the harsh northern nature

In Biei-cho, you can see the scenery of single trees and groves of trees on the vast hills here and there. While the season of fresh greenery and autumn leaves is always nice, the monotone world of trees that have completely lost their leaves and the snow-covered ground is also very special. One of the most beautiful tree spots in Biei in winter is the "Seven Star Tree," which became a popular tourist spot in 1976 when it was used as the packaging for the cigarette "Seven Star. The sight of an oak tree with its leaves fallen, standing alone on the pure white earth, reminds us of the harsh yet beautiful nature of northern Japan.

4
Ken and Mary Tree

Flowers sometimes bloom under a cold blue sky.

The "Ken and Mary Tree" appeared in a Nissan Motor Co. commercial in 1972. This poplar tree has been watching over the land of Biei for a long time. The best time to take pictures is in the morning when there is not a cloud in the sky. When the temperature is below freezing and the conditions are favorable, you can see the beautiful appearance of white flowers blooming on the branches covered with ice fog.
There are many other popular tree spots in Biei-cho, and it is fun to find your favorite view. However, there are also places where crops are sleeping under the snow. Never enter the fields and enjoy the view from the road.

5
Shirogane Blue Pond

Seasonal changes reflected on the surface of the water, from blue to white

The Ptarmigan Blue Pond is now a world-famous tourist attraction. The contrast between the bright blue of the water, which contains aluminum and reflects sunlight, and the dead larch and birch trees creates a mysterious atmosphere.
Winter arrives at the Blue Pond when the surrounding trees are completely leafed out. The mirror-like surface of the water freezes in the bitter cold, and the snow falling silently on top of it seems to announce the change of seasons. Eventually, the snow covers everything and the blue pond is transformed into a field of pure white snow.

The art of light breathing life into a frozen pond

The Shirogane Blue Pond is illuminated at night during the winter season only. A story is told in a 10-minute program that incorporates a variety of lighting patterns, and the sight of the shadows of trees floating in the blue light is simply beautiful and fantastic.
To enjoy this dreamlike experience, be sure to bring warm clothing and non-slip winter shoes. The area is dark, so be careful not to drop your cell phone or camera cap. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holiday evenings, bus tours are available to visit this pond and the "Shirohige Falls" light-up.

▼ Pt. Shirogane Blue Pond Light-up
Period: Fri, October 24, 2025 - Wed, April 22, 2026
Time: Evening - 21:00 *Lighting hours vary depending on the season, so please check the website.
Remarks: May be cancelled in case of bad weather. Please check the town website for details.

Biei Winter Light-up Course (bus tour)
URL: https: //www.biei-hokkaido.jp/ja/bus_ticket/
Period: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 14, 2025 (Fri) - February 14, 2026 (Sat) and December 21, 2026 (Mon)
Time: 16:35-19:30
Price: Adults 4,000 yen, Children (4-11 years old) 2,000 yen *Children under 3 years old free of charge (if seat is not used)
TEL：0166-92-4378（Biei-cho Tourist Association)

6
Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway

Take the ropeway over the main peak of Daisetsuzan to the heights of breathtaking scenery.

Asahidake, the highest peak in Hokkaido at 2,291 meters above sea level. The ropeway, which operates even in winter, is very popular as it takes you up to the 1,600-meter point and offers a spectacular view of the Tokachidake mountain range. The elevation difference between the foot station and the summit "Sugatami Station" is about 500 m. During the coldest season, the temperature near the Sugatami Station can drop below -20℃, creating a silver world. Depending on weather conditions, diamond dust, sun pillars, and wind ripples can be seen, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from Japan and abroad.

Local gourmet specialties only available at Sanroku Station

The area near the summit is treeless because it is beyond the forest limit, which is the boundary where forests cannot grow, and white smoke can be seen billowing out from the fumaroles. While riding the ropeway, visitors can enjoy the beautiful view of Lake Chubetsu below and the Dake Kamba forest at the foot of the mountain.
At the store at Sanroku Station, you will find original handmade croquettes made with local potatoes from Higashikawa Town and Daisetsu Sanroku Sasabuta pork from Asahikawa, organic coffee brewed with mineral-rich Asahidake source water, and other local delicacies. Original products are also available for sale, and are recommended as souvenirs.

Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway

• Asahidake hot spring, Higashikawa-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido MAP
• Approx. 70 min. from JR Asahikawa Station by car.
  
• Take a bus from JR Asahikawa Station and get off at "Asahidake" bus stop.
• 9:00-16:00 (uphill ends at 15:40) *Times subject to change depending on the season and weather on the day of the tour; check the website or the signboard at the foot of the mountain.
• No holidays
  (Mon) November 11, 2025 - (Wed) December 10, 2025: closed for maintenance and inspection (Restaurant and store are also closed).
• November 1-May 31 season: Adults 2,800 yen, children 1,750 yen (both are round-trip fares)
  *Depends on the season, so please check the website.
• 0166-68-9111
• Free in winter
• Oyama Croquettes" are sold at "Sugatami Station" during the summer season.
  Free shuttle bus from "OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts" to Asahidake (winter-spring) for hotel guests only.
  For details, please visit https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/omo7asahikawa/sp/ski/ Confirmation required at

7
NRA North River Adventures

Ice fishing for wakasagi (smelt), a winter tradition in Hokkaido

Wakasagi fishing is done by making a hole in the ice on the lake, dropping a fishing line, and catching wakasagi under the ice. Many people may want to try it at least once. NRA North River Adventures, which offers a wide variety of activities throughout the four seasons, offers a plan that allows you to enjoy wakasagi fishing with nothing more than your own hands.
The location is Lake Kanayama, which is known as a lake inhabited by the phantom fish Itou. The lake is surrounded by thick virgin forest, which creates a fantastic atmosphere when it snows. Sometimes Ezo sika deer and foxes can be seen here.

Enjoy the excitement of competing to see how many fish you can catch, and enjoy the taste of freshly fried tempura!

Fishing equipment is provided and fishing holes are drilled in the ice inside the tents, so you can start fishing as soon as you arrive. Warming measures such as a stove and thermal shoes with warmer are also generously provided for those who do not like the cold. The key is to concentrate on your fingertips to probe for the delicate bite of the wakasagi and catch them quickly. It is also very exciting to compete with the number of fish you catch.
The caught wakasagi are deep fried on the spot and served as tempura. The plump meat has a light and elegant flavor. The taste is so good that it lingers in the mouth. Get tips from the guides and aim for a big catch.

NRA North River Adventures

• 155 Ochiai, Minamifurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido (office) MAP
• About 7 min. walk from JR Ochiai Station
• Mid-December to mid-March 9:30-11:30, 13:00-15:00
  *May be cancelled due to freezing conditions of the lake, bad weather on the day, or natural conditions.
• Closed on weekends and holidays
• Wakasagi fishing: 5,000 yen for junior high school students and older, 4,500 yen for elementary school students, and free for infants.
  *Pick-up from Tomamu area: Adults 6,500 yen, children 5,000 yen
  https://www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/en/winter/activity/75
• 0167-38-4150
• Free of charge
• Wakasagi fishing from 3 years old
• Local meeting for Wakasagi fishing
  Higashikagoshi (Lake Kanayama), Minamifurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido MAP
  9 min. walk from JR Higashikagoshi Station.
  *Transportation available from Tomamu area (Hoshino Resorts Tomamu GAO Outdoor Center).

8
Ice Village

The fantastic world of ice that decorates Tomamu's winter in a pure and clear way

In the winter of Tomamu, when the temperature drops to -30 degrees Celsius, "Ice Village," a town of ice, will appear at "Hoshino Resorts Tomamu.
Eleven domes made of ice and snow stand side by side, offering a variety of experiences to enjoy the cold. The "Ice Church" is made of a single piece of seamless ice, and the "Ice Hotel" has an outdoor hot spring made of ice.

Lots of Gourmet Foods and Experiences to Enjoy in the Cold

The Ice Restaurant offers "Ice Ramen" with cold soup, cold noodles and frozen toppings, and hot "Cheese Fondue" to warm up your chilled body. Visitors can enjoy the unique dining experience that only an ice restaurant can provide.

In addition, there are many other spots where children and adults alike can get involved, such as the Ice Bar, Ice Sweets Shop, Ice Kids Dome, and Ice Rink.

Ice Village

• Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, Nakatomamu, Shimukappu Village, Yufutsu-gun, Hokkaido MAP
• 5 minutes drive from JR Tomamu Station
• Free shuttle bus available from JR Tomamu Station.
• December 10, 2025 (Wed) - March 14, 2026 (Sat)
  17:00-22:00 (last admission at 21:30)
• None *Subject to weather conditions, may be closed without prior notice
• Admission: 600 yen for elementary school students and older (free for guests staying at Tomamu the Tower by Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Tomamu)
  *Hours, fees, etc. vary with each Experience.
• 0167-58-1111 (Representative)
• Free of charge
• Duration and content may be subject to change depending on weather and other conditions.
  *Please note that the period and contents may be subject to change due to weather and other conditions.

9
Fog and Ice Terrace

Enjoy the winter flower of nature, "fog and ice

Muhyo" refers to the phenomenon in which water vapor and fog in the air adhere to trees and other objects at temperatures between 2 and 10 degrees below zero. The well-known "juhyō," or tree ice, is also a type of muhyō. At Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, the "UNKAI Terrace," where a dynamic sea of clouds spreads out below from May to October, is open as the winter-only "Rime Ice Terrace.
Beyond the observation terrace are a series of silvery white mountains, and the rime on the trees covering the mountain surface looks like white flowers blooming in winter. The scenery of sparkling fog and ice and sometimes diamond dust dancing in the silence is unforgettable.

Sweets and drinks inspired by Tomamu's winter

At the "Cloud Bar," an observation spot with a 13-meter-long counter set up on the mountainside, visitors can sit on chairs 3 meters above the ground and enjoy a panoramic view of the snow-covered mountains. With no obstacles in front of you, you will feel as if you are floating on the foggy ice that spreads out before your feet.
In addition, the "Cloud Cafe" offers sweets inspired by the rime and drinks that depict the snowy landscape of Tomamu. The drinks are not only tasty but also visually pleasing, and can be enjoyed while admiring the spectacular view.

Fog and Ice Terrace

• Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, Nakatomamu, Shimukappu Village, Yufutsu-gun, Hokkaido MAP
• 5 min. by car from JR Tomamu Station, 13 min. one way by gondola from "Resort Center".
• Free shuttle bus available from JR Tomamu Station.
• December 1, 2025 - April 5, 2026
  Dec. 1-10, 6:00-12:30 (last gondola down at 13:00)
  Dec. 11-25: 9:00-15:00 (last down at 15:30)
  Dec. 26 - Mar. 31 9:00 - 15:30 (last down at 16:00)
  April 1 - 5: 9:00 - 15:00 (last down at 15:30)
• None
  *Subject to weather conditions, the tour may be closed without prior notice.
  Even during the open period, depending on weather conditions, fog and ice may not appear or operations may be cancelled.
• Gondola round-trip Adults (12 years and older) 2,500 yen, 7-11 years 1,600 yen, Pets 500 yen (Free for lift ticket holders)
  Free for guests staying at Tomamu the Tower by Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Tomamu.
• 0167-58-1111 (Representative)
• Free of charge