Local Guide
Indoor Experiences & Activities in Furano, Biei and Tomamu that can be enjoyed even on rainy days

Indoor Experiences and Activities that are not affected by the weather make it easier to plan your trip. Experiences that are unique to the area, such as making a music box that will remain with you as a memento, or curling, which is an active and enjoyable activity, are definitely worth including. In this article, we introduce six carefully selected spots in Furano, Biei, and Tomamu area.

Your own music box filled with memories of your trip

Original music boxes are completed in about an hour!
Original music boxes are completed in about an hour!

A retro building quietly nestled in the forest in Furano's Rokugo district. This place is a music box specialty store that opened in 2014, where visitors can create their own original music boxes. The main body of the music box is selected from several shapes and tunes, and parts are bonded to the top of the music box for decoration. The motifs of the parts vary from animals, dolls, flowers, fruits, etc. You can make a music box that is unique in the world. It is a simple process, so even small children can experience it together. Completed music boxes can also be mailed at a later date (for an additional fee).

Encounter the beautiful sound of a hand-cranked music box

Unique music boxes are lined up in the museum.
Unique music boxes are lined up in the museum.

The museum sells a wide variety of music boxes, including 8,500 items in 1,000 types. The Furano's Furukugo area is also the location of the TV drama "Kita no Kuni Kara" (From the North), and the theme music boxes are very popular. 108 small music boxes move in unison to produce a multilayered sound, and the rare hand-cranked music box, pipe organ, kaleidoscope music box, etc. are on display, making the museum look like a museum. It is like a museum. Visitors are soothed by the pleasant melody of the music box and the countryside scenery outside the window. It is such a peaceful space.

Local Guide Comment
Once inside, it is a dreamlike world. There are various melodies to choose from, so you can find your favorite one.
Furano Music Box Hall
  • Address 3 Higashifukugo, Furano-shi, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction Approx. 20 min. by car from JR Furano Station
  • Hours of Operation 9:15-17:45, shortened days available
  • Regular holidays Open irregularly (check the website)
  • Admission fee Music box making Experience 2,000yen-
  • TEL 0167-29-2288
  • Parking Free of charge

Making jam with "Aunt Jam's" secret recipe

Jam-making Experience takes about 1 hour
Jam-making Experience takes about 1 hour

Furano Jam" has many fans both locally and nationwide. At the Furano Jam Orchard, a directly managed store, visitors can experience making jam without water, additives, or coloring. The recipe is a secret of the president, who is also known as "Aunt Jam," the creator of Furano Jam. Choose strawberry or kiwi, and ask the workshop's Staff/staff member for tips on how to adjust the heat and simmer the jam. The freshly made jam is tasted on crackers. The sweetness of the fruit spreads in the mouth. Finally, the jam is bottled and labeled with a personalized label.

A wide variety of jams filled with love

The jams are made from a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc.
The jams are made from a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc.

Furano Jam" began in 1982 when the company began making jam from unevenly shaped carrots that could not be distributed. The entire process is done by hand, and we spend a lot of time and effort to carefully cook the carrots. Currently, there are 38 kinds of jams made with Hokkaido fruits and vegetables that are delicious enough as they are. All of the jams are available for tasting in the store.
The most popular jam is the Haskap Jam grown on their own farm. A specialty of Hokkaido, it is characterized by its gentle sweetness and sourness. It goes great with dairy products, and you can also enjoy soft-serve ice cream topped with plenty of haskap jam in the park.

Local Guide Comment
You will be impressed by the many types and flavors of jams! You can sample a variety of jams. It is a wonderful place surrounded by trees.
Furano Jam Garden
  • Address 3 Higashirukugo, Furano-shi, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction Approximately 25 min. from JR Furano Station by car
  • Hours of Operation 9:00-17:00 Experience making jam by hand 10:00～, 14:00～
  • Regular holidays Open all year round, year-end and New Year holidays
  • Admission fee 1,200 yen (children under elementary school age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)
  • TEL 0167-29-2233
  • Parking Free of charge

Trick art that you can take pictures of and play with

New art space
New art space "Ames Room

The Trick Art Museum is the main Property located at the top of the Fukayama Pass. Numerous works of art utilizing optical illusions are on display. In 2019, the newly established "Ames Room," a mysterious space where visitors can become giants and dwarfs, is also well received. There is also an art experience corner in the adjacent product center, where visitors can make glass etchings (glass sculptures) and more.

Barbecue without worrying about the weather

Barbecue terrace with a large roof
Barbecue terrace with a large roof

A covered barbecue terrace is open from May through September. Visitors can enjoy Hokkaido-style barbecue and jingisukan using pork sagari and pork belly produced in Kamifurano without worrying about the weather. For dessert, visit the Fukayama Ice Cream Factory, which has a reputation for gelato made from Furano milk, located in the museum. In addition to the standard "milk" flavor, there are also other flavors such as Furano-produced Haskap and buckwheat seeds, all of which are delicious. The "Touge no Cheese Tart" available at the souvenir store is also recommended.

Local Guide Comment
It is a great place to get creative and take interesting pictures! Souvenirs include a wide variety of lavender products.
Miyama Pass Art Park
  • Address Fukayama Pass, North 33, West 8 line, Kamifurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction 10 min. drive from JR Kamifurano Station
  • Direction Approx. 12 min. by "Furano Bus Lavender" from JR Biei Stn. and a short walk from "Fukayama-Toge" bus stop.
  • Hours of Operation Trick Art Museum: April - November 9:00 - 17:00 (last admission 15:30), June - August 9:00 - 18:00 (last admission 17:30)
    Experience Corner April-September: 9:00-17:00
    BBQ CornerMay-September 9:00-17:00 (L.O.16:00)
  • Regular holidays Trick Art Museum December - March (closed in winter)
    Experience Corner: October - March (Closed during winter)
    Barbecue Corner: October - April (closed during winter)
  • Admission fee Admission: Trick Art Museum: 1,300 yen for adults, 1,000 yen for junior high and high school students, 700 yen for 5th and 6th graders, free for 4th graders and younger
    Experience: Experience corner: 500 yen and up (30-60 minutes), BBQ corner: bring your own (extra charge applies), check website for menu and other details.
  • TEL 0167-45-6667
  • Parking Free of charge

Experience pottery making at a kiln surrounded by larch and white birch

Takuro mug course: from 9,000 yen
Takuro mug course: from 9,000 yen

The studio and gallery, established in 1983 by a local ceramic artist, offers hands-on experiences in ceramic production. There are several Experience courses, the most popular of which is the original course where you can make your own bowls, cups, etc. from 1 kg of clay. The processes and finishing touches after molding are left to the kiln. In 2005, Furano and Biei was the location for the TV drama "Gentle Time," which was set in Furano and Biei, and there is a course where you can make the mug "Takuro Mug Cup," which the main character made as an apprentice potter in the drama.

Works of art created by facing the nature in Biei

Gallery like a museum
Gallery like a museum

The gallery adjacent to the studio exhibits and sells the owner's works. A variety of tableware inspired by Biei are on display. In particular, the "Ice Crack Series" was awarded a special prize at the Nitten, a comprehensive art exhibition. By applying glaze on a day when the temperature is below -10℃, the trails of freezing water in the glaze are engraved as a pattern, expressing the harshness and beauty of a northern winter.
During the green season, visitors are encouraged to take a walk through the woods where the gallery is located, looking for the small pieces scattered throughout the forest.

Local Guide Comment
The "ice crack series" were all fascinating. The mugs and other items made in the Experience course will be a fun memory of your trip.
Kaiku Kiln
  • Address Shirogane, Biei-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction 22 minutes drive from JR Biei Station
  • Hours of Operation Ceramic Experience 10:00 - 11:30, 13:00 - 14:30 (reservation required by the day before from March to November, reservation required by 2 weeks in advance from December to February), Gallery 8:30 - 17:00
  • Regular holidays Tuesdays (open if Tuesday is a national holiday, open year-round in July and August), year-end and New Year's holidays
  • Admission fee Original course: from 5,000 yen (from 2 persons), Takuro Mug Cup Making Course: from 9,000 yen (from 2 persons)
  • TEL 0166-94-3354
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Experience is available from 2 people or more.

Experience curling casually

Form instruction with special shoes
Form instruction with special shoes

Various programs are offered in Ochiai, Minamifurano, where there are forests, mountains, rivers, and lakes in the neighborhood, and where there are many public Properties. A popular program is the "Curling Experience. During the event period, many people come to experience curling, the "chess on ice" that became a hot topic at the Olympics.
The Sorachigawa Sports Links, the venue of the event, is a full-fledged Property used by Japan's national team players. Expert instructors, including former Olympic athletes, will carefully guide you from basic movements to mini-games in about two hours. All equipment is provided, so you can participate with nothing.

Heated mini games in a team competition

Once the game starts, you'll be sweating even on the ice
Once the game starts, you'll be sweating even on the ice

First, participants learn to walk on the ice with special shoes that allow only one foot to slide, then practice swiveling (rubbing on the ice with a brush) and throwing stones. In the second half, the participants are divided into teams to play mini-games. In curling, where teamwork between those who throw stones and those who sweep while reading the other team's strategy is crucial, the more the game progresses, the more a sense of unity develops among the participants. Dramatic developments and miracle shots create unforgettable memories. The appeal of curling is that it can be enjoyed regardless of age difference or athletic ability.

Local Guide Comment
It may be difficult at first, but you will gradually learn to balance it. It can be enjoyed by a variety of groups!
Dongkoro Outdoor School
  • Address Ochiai, Minamifurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido (Sorachigawa Sports Links) MAP
  • Direction 13 min. walk from JR Ochiai Station
  • Bus Direction Pick-up service available from JR Ochiai Station and JR Tomamu Station.
  • Hours of Operation Curling Experience November - March: 9:00 - 11:00, 13:00 - 15:00
  • Closed Closed on weekends and holidays
  • Admission fee Curling Experience 4,500 yen, elementary school students 3,500 yen *Includes rink fee and equipment rental
  • TEL 0167-53-2171
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Memo Elementary school students and older, 2 or more people may participate. Bring warm, comfortable clothing, knit hat and gloves.

One of the largest wave pools in Japan

Mina means
Mina means "laugh" in Ainu language

Indoor beach located in "Hoshino Resorts Tomamu". Pools and water activities can be enjoyed all year round. The "Wave Pool," one of the largest in Japan, is 30 meters wide, 80 meters deep, and gets deeper toward the back. The wavefront and 30cm children's pool are also recommended for those making their pool debut. When you want to take a break, go to the "Beachside Cafe. You can fill your stomach with pancakes and other snacks and spend a relaxing time.

A full range of programs to enjoy on the water

SUP Enjoy Park, where two people can ride together
SUP Enjoy Park, where two people can ride together

There are also a variety of activities to be done in the pool. We recommend stand-up paddle (SUP), which can be enjoyed freely in a special area with floating buoys. This is a remarkable activity that utilizes a board slightly larger than a surfboard and oars. It has a unique floating sensation and is popular as a core training activity. SUP Enjoy Park," in which participants clear obstacles on the water while using the board and oars, and "SUP Yoga," in which they do yoga on the board, are held. The 30-meter slackline (water line) stretched across the pool is a rarity in Japan, and anyone is welcome to try it.

Local Guide Comment
Even on a rainy or snowy day, you can experience the summer sea. The illuminated fantastic night beach is also recommended.
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Minamina Beach
  • Address Naka Tomamu, Shimukappu Village, Yufutsu-gun, Hokkaido MAP
  • Direction 10 minutes drive from Tomamu IC of East Hokkaido Expressway, 5 minutes drive from JR Tomamu Station
  • Bus Direction Shuttle bus pick-up from JR Tomamu Station
  • Hours of Operation 11:00 - 20:00 (last admission at 19:00)
  • Regular holidays Open all year round (with a maintenance closure in November)
  • Admission fee Admission: Adults 2,500 yen, Elementary school students 1,000 yen *Free for hotel guests
    Experience fees: SUP Enjoy Park 1 boat 1,000 yen (30 min.), SUP yoga 3,500 yen (60 min.) *Offered every weekend, reservations required, waterline free
  • TEL 0167-58-1111
  • Parking Free of charge

After enjoying sightseeing, spend a relaxing time at a unique hotel.

All Guest rooms are spacious and relaxing.

Guest rooms are suites of more than 100 square meters
Guest rooms are suites of more than 100 square meters

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, about 90 minutes by train from New Chitose Airport, is surrounded by a vast 1,000 hectares of nature and is a resort that can be visited any time of the year. In summer, "UNKAI Terrace" offers spectacular views, and the "Farm Area" lets you experience the magnificent nature of Hokkaido. In winter, you can enjoy not only the ski slopes but also the "Ice Village," a town of ice, where you can fully enjoy your stay even if you don't ski. Within the area, there are two accommodations, "Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Tomamu" and "The Tower," that can be selected according to the purpose of your trip, allowing you to enjoy a stay that is perfect for you.

Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Tomamu" is a hotel nestled on a mountainside surrounded by the resort's forest. The 32-story high-rise hotel has only four Guest rooms per floor. The 32-story high-rise hotel has only four guest rooms per floor, providing a spacious and luxurious atmosphere.
All Guest rooms are suites. All rooms are equipped with a jet bath with magnificent views and a private sauna. Traveling with children can be made even safer and more comfortable.
We also offer the "Mamanakudama Suite" and the "Pet Room" where you and your dog can spend time together. The Tower" is the resort's first and only building with a private sauna.

Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Tomamu

Casual and active living

Diverse Guest room types from twin to four-suite (Photo: Family Four-suite)
Diverse Guest room types from twin to four-suite (Photo: Family Four-suite)

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, about 90 minutes by train from New Chitose Airport, is surrounded by a vast 1,000 hectares of nature and is a resort that can be visited any time of the year. In summer, "UNKAI Terrace" offers spectacular views, and the "Farm Area" lets you experience the magnificent nature of Hokkaido. In winter, you can enjoy not only the ski slopes but also the "Ice Village," a town of ice, where you can fully enjoy your stay even if you don't ski. Within the area, there are two accommodations, "Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Tomamu" and "The Tower," that can be selected according to the purpose of your trip, allowing you to enjoy a stay that is perfect for you.

The Tower by Hoshino Resorts is a landmark of Tomamu, located in the center of the resort. The twin towers of the high-rise hotel are designed to resemble a forest in summer and winter, respectively. The Tower is close to a variety of Restaurants and Property, and is recommended for those who wish to spend their time actively. A total of 535 Guest rooms are available in various types, including standard rooms and family rooms. They can accommodate a wide range of needs, including couples and families. In particular, the Family Twin and Family Force rooms have low beds and are safe for small children.

Hoshino Resorts Tomamu the Tower by Hoshino Resorts

A hotel where you don't stop at just sleeping, but rather, where your trip will be more exciting

Superior Rooms
Superior Rooms" have storage space under the bed and can be used spaciously by two or three persons.

Asahikawa, a base city with good Direction to Furano and Biei, is a town that fascinates you with its individuality every time you visit, from the Asahiyama Zoo with its many attractions to the seasonal delicacies you will encounter in the local gourmet ladder. Located in the center of Asahikawa, OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts is also the departure point for airport buses, providing convenient Direction. Public spaces that are also part of the city and Guest rooms that emphasize ease of use for tourists, the Property offers a new way to enjoy Asahikawa, not only as a place to stay overnight, but also as a place to keep the excitement of your trip alive for a long time.

Hoshino Resorts OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts
The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.