Furano Japan offers skiers no shortage of fluffy Japow without the big price tag.
(Photo: Courtesy of Shin Furano Prince Hotel)
Published August 26, 2025 09:50AM
Plenty has been said about the incredible value of skiing in Japan, compared to some of North America’s and Europe’s most sought-after resorts. But with Niseko’s growing cache as a jetsetter destination and the rising popularity of ski areas in Nagano and Hakuba, it’s becoming increasingly clear that when it comes to budget-friendly skiing, not every resort in Japan is created equal. But if you are looking for a bargain, direct your attention to Furando.
This conveniently located central Hokkaido city might be best known among tourists for its picture-perfect lavender fields, but for mountain enthusiasts eager to experience a bit of Japow, Furano can be a fantastic (and more laidback) alternative to Niseko.
Approximately two hours away by car from Hokkaido’s New Chitose Airport, Furano’s ski area comprises two zones: Furano and Kitanomine. Combined, the area covers about 28 trails spread across 470 acres. And with a vertical drop of 3,163 feet, you’re getting a good variety of terrain here, even if it doesn’t exactly compare to the expanse you know and love in some of North America’s larger resorts (or even Niseko). Experienced skiers and riders can take advantage of excellent backcountry terrain, some of the best in Hokkaido, thanks to super long fall-line runs.
Central Hokkaido skiing is also known for light, dry, fluffy snow. Who doesn’t love that? And while the Kitanomine Zone closes in March, the Furano Zone regularly stays open until early May, which means you can easily pair Furano with a cherry blossom trip in the Spring.
What does skiing in Furano actually cost?
Furano, unlike other resorts in Hokkaido, isn’t part of a larger company’s season pass system. So you’ll have to purchase lift tickets at the window. Prices are mercifully reasonable, though. A day pass is ¥7,500 (or just a hair over $50). It’s ¥5,900 ($40) for three hours. And as low as ¥2,700 ($18) for night skiing. Children under 12 ride for free.
Enjoy the legendary JaPow for about $50 a day in Furano. (Photo: Courtesy of Chadner Navarro )
Rental prices range from about $50 to $100, depending on the package and type of ski you want. Rhythm, a chainlet of shops in Japan which will open a larger flagship store in Furano for the 2025-’26 season, will loan you a full set of skis/snowboard, boots, and poles starting at ¥8,000 ($55) a day; a rate that decreases the longer you keep them. If you need a helmet, that’s another ¥ 2,800 ($19). But what’s great about renting from Rhythm is that you can pick up your stuff in one location and drop it off later at another. So, for instance, if you’re skiing both Furano and Niseko, you won’t need to go through the fitting process again when you relocate; just remember to bring the gear with you.
Where to eat in Furano
Unlike Niseko or even Rusutsuu, Furano is a fully functioning city of about 23,000 residents, so finding somewhere to eat is much easier and often more affordable. While there may be high-end restaurants around town, they are easy to avoid in favor of more modest izakayas and ramen joints that offer an authentic vibe.
Curry is a beloved dish in the city, and there is no shortage of options for the spiced soup. Most will throw their vote for Furanoya, a teeny-tiny eatery just behind Furano Shrine. Everything from rice portion to spice level is customizable here. The vegetarian option (loaded with lots of Hokkaido produce) is fortifying enough, but another popular order comes with a giant chicken-and-duck meatball.
Not far from Furanoya is a simple ramen spot known for its crab-stock broth: Teuchi Ramen Iyomaru Suisan is somewhat impossible to find if you try to search for it on the internet. On Google Maps, it’s called “Furano hand-made ramen directly managed by Iyomaru Fisheries Fisherman.” But the very budget-friendly bowl of ramen with its spicy, slightly sweet crab-based broth is worth tracking down. Much more accessible and therefore more popular is Shinatora, which serves seafood-broth ramen, too, but is also quite known for a bowl flavored with a potent burnt-black-garlic soup.
Off the soup trail, you can pop into Mt Onigiri, which seems to have very random service hours. But a savory rice ball will come in handy if you’re feeling peckish on the lift. For a chunky serving of okonomiyaki (kind of a cabbage pancake), check out Masaya, which also serves beautiful steaks and a twist on the sobameshi, which, in very simple terms, is stir-fried noodles, rice, vegetables, and meat.
Masaya’s bar opens up to the kitchen. (Photo: Courtesy of Chadner Navarro )
If you want restaurants with much broader menus, check out Robata in central Furano (not far from the train station). This izakaya is small (if you’re staying in a hotel, ask them to make a reservation) and serves simply prepared dishes: grilled fish, baked Hokkaido potato, and pork belly on a stick. There’s also a nice selection of sake from all over Japan. More traditional still is the selection at Kumagera, where the kitchen focuses on regional cooking, though you will find general Japanese food, too. One of the trademark dishes here is the Sanzoku Nabe, a miso-based hot pot filled with veggies and the meat of your choice. Speaking of meat, you can order horse dishes here, too.
Where to stay in Furano
Lodging is often the priciest part of a ski vacation, especially if you’re hitting up trendier destinations. But that’s not the case in Furano. A great option, especially if you’re looking for more space, is the apartment-style hotel rooms at Fenix (from $115 per night) and Fenix West (from $112 per night). Both feature modern interiors and quite a lot of space. Across both properties, the smallest room comes in at almost 250 square feet. Fenix is across the street from the Kitanomine Gondola, so while not exactly ski-in/ski-out, it’s pretty close. Fenix West is a couple of blocks away. Both have ski lockers and on-site dining. Fenix also houses a location of Rhythm, while Fenix West has Summit Ski School offering rentals, lessons, and backcountry guides. What’s especially great about booking into one of these properties, however, is the shuttle service. The ski area is still about a 10-minute drive from downtown Furano, so having access to a drop-off and pick-up service (within a five-kilometer radius) will make your stay a lot easier.
(Photo: Courtesy of Fenix West)
At the base of Furano Zone lies Shin Furano Hotel, a ski-in/ski-out property with its own hot spring onsen plus numerous restaurants and a top-floor bar with fantastic views of the surrounding forests.
AloJapan.com