Furano

Furano, located somewhat debatably in the precise geographical center of Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, is an amalgamation of several quaint farming towns around a minor municipal center. Furano is famous for its remarkably light and dry powder snow, beautiful fields of lavender, entirely domestic vineyards, and its unique Hokkai-Heso Matsuri — the Hokkaido Belly Button Festival.

Furano is known as Heso no Machi (the Belly Button Town) due to its central location. Furano's inland location and high elevation result in a continental climate, the reason behind Furano's successful ski hill and wine industries. There is a very large temperature variation, so a light jacket is recommended even in the summer. Summer midday temperatures may exceed 30 degrees C, and midwinters will drop below -30. Furano has very heavy snowfall in the winter.

The population is approximately 26,000, including the incorporated communities in the outskirts. The population of the main municipal area is said to be about 16,000. Don't expect to meet a large number of English speakers outside of the major hotel and tourist areas. There has been a substantial increase in foreign skiers and snowboarders, particularly from Australia, in recent seasons. At least 2,000 Australians are visited Furano in the 06/07 winter. Furano seems set to enjoy the same skiing success that Niseko has.

Furano has indirect train service from Sapporo and New Chitose Airport. All trains require a transfer at Takikawa station. The last trains leave at 20:19 (New Chitose Airport) and 21:00 (Sapporo). In the winter, there is also a direct Ski Express Train from Sapporo which leaves at 8:04, and can also be accessed from the local Airport train which leaves New Chitose at 6:53. There are 12 direct trains from Asahikawa, with the last train leaving JR Asahikawa station at 22:37.

Skiing, Snowboarding. Furano has some of the driest and deepest powder snow in the world. If you go in peak season you can expect up to at least a metre of snow to fall in a week this makes for fantasic fun! There are 2 areas for skiing/snowboarding in Furano: Furano zone (near the New Furano Prince Hotel) and the Kitanomine area. Both areas can be accessed by the same lift pass with a lift linking the Kitanomine zone to Furano zone, while a (mostly) downhill run from the top of the Furano zone will get you back to Kitanomine zone.

Both areas have multiple lifts, with Kitanomine have an enclosed gondola that goes to the top of the area, whilst the Furano zone has the Ropeway, what is said to be the fastest lift in Japan. It will get you from the bottom of the mountain to the top in approximately 4m 41s travelling at a speed of about 10 metres/second. As it also holds up to 101 persons with gear, this allows to you being able to complete multiple runs per hour depending on skill and route.