1Leisure Guide Play Shop Furano

An exciting Experience of floating in the sky on a hot air balloon

A must Experience in Furano in winter is the "hot air balloon free flight." This popular winter-only Activity allows you to enjoy an aerial stroll at a maximum altitude of 1,000m. As the powerful sound of the burners reverberates over the quiet earth in the early morning, you gradually leave the ground and float into the sky. The unique feeling of floating, lifted only by the power of the flame, is a sensation that can only be experienced in a hot air balloon.
The silvery white panorama seen from the sky and the majestic view of the Tokachi mountain range are truly spectacular. On cool, clear days, you can even see diamond dust, and every view you see is moving.

Enjoy a different winter experience in Furano with a local guide

Leisure Guide Asobiya also offers a variety of other winter Activity. In the Photo Point Private Tour, a local guide will take you to popular sightseeing spots and photogenic scenic spots in Furano. Night Watching is a chance to experience the charms of Furano at night, including the sparkling night view and quiet forests. On a clear day, you can enjoy a starry sky, and if you're lucky, you might even encounter a Hokkaido deer or an Ezo fox.
Furano is located inland and is particularly cold, so you'll need to bring ski wear and other cold weather gear.

Leisure Guide Play Shop Furano

• http://asobiya.jp/winter/
• 4746 Gakuden Sanku, Furano City, Hokkaido MAP
• Approximately 8 minutes by car from JR Furano Station
• Take the bus from JR Furano Station, get off at "Kitanomine Iriguchi" and walk for about 7 minutes
• December 1st to March 31st (subject to change depending on snow conditions)
  Hot air balloon free flight 7:00-10:30
  Night Watching 19:00-21:00
  Photo Point Private Tour 9:00-16:30 (6 hours)
• Open daily
• Hot air balloon free flight (20 minutes) Adults (junior high school students and above) 22,000 yen, Children (ages 5 to elementary school students) 16,500 yen
  Night Watching: Adults (junior high school students and above) 3,850 yen, Children (ages 3 to elementary school) 3,300 yen, Free for children under 3
  Photo Point Private Tour Group (Maximum 6 people) 66,600 yen
• 0167-22-0534
• free
• Hot Air Balloon Free Flight Ages 5 and up
  Night Watching Ages 3 and up
  Photo Point & Furano Guide Ages 3 and up

2Farm Tomita

Snow-covered lavender fields create a colorful landscape

This popular tourist spot is bathed in the purple color of lavender from late June to mid-August, but its atmosphere changes completely when winter arrives. When snow starts to pile up from early to mid-December, the lavender plants are softly covered with fresh snow, creating wave-like unevenness. From January onwards, the snow piles up solidly and the unevenness can no longer be seen.
The trees covered in frost sparkle in the sunlight, and the Tokachi mountain range stands majestically behind the pure white ground, creating a beautiful scene that can only be seen in winter. There are also snowmen and igloos in the park, so you can take some photos that are typical of Hokkaido.

Admire the flowers in a warm room and savor cool sweets

The greenhouse "Green House" in the garden is the only spot in Furano where you can enjoy lavender even in winter. As soon as you step inside, you will be surrounded by gorgeous colors and refreshing scents. There are many other things to see, such as "Gallery Fleur", a photo studio showcasing the four seasons of "Farm Tomita", and "Dried Flower House", one of the largest dried flower exhibition spaces in Japan.
After choosing souvenirs at the welcome house "Hanabito no Ya," take a break and enjoy some lavender soft serve ice cream. This cold dessert, eaten indoors in the warmth, is a taste unique to Hokkaido's winters.

3Seven Star Tree

Monochrome beauty depicted in the harsh northern landscape

In Biei, you can see landscapes here and there where single trees and groves stand out against the vast hills. The seasons of fresh greenery and autumn leaves are wonderful, but the monochrome world of bare trees and snow-covered earth is also exceptional. One of the spectacular tree spots you can encounter in winter Biei is the "Seven Star Tree," which was featured on the packaging of the cigarette "Seven Star" in 1976 (Showa 51) and became a popular tourist spot. The sight of the leafless oak tree standing alone on the pure white earth gives you a real sense of the harsh yet beautiful nature of the northern country.

4Ken and Mary's Tree

Under the bitterly cold blue sky, frost flowers sometimes bloom.

The "Ken and Mary Tree" appeared in a Nissan commercial in 1972. It is a poplar tree that has been watching over the land of Biei for a long time. A cloudless, clear morning is the best time to take photos. When the temperature drops below freezing and favorable conditions are met, you can see the beautiful sight of frost on the branches, which look like white flowers in bloom.
There are many other popular tree spots in Biei, so it's fun to search for your favorite view. However, there are also places where crops are sleeping under the snow even though it is piled up. Never enter the fields, but enjoy the view from the road.

5Shirokane Blue Pond

From blue to white, the changing seasons reflected on the water's surface

The Shirogane Blue Pond is a world-famous tourist spot. The contrast between the bright blue color of the aluminum-containing water reflecting the sunlight and the withered larch and birch trees creates a mystical atmosphere.
When the surrounding trees lose all their leaves, winter arrives at the Blue Pond. The mirror-like surface of the water freezes in the bitter cold, and the snow that falls quietly on top of it seems to herald the change of seasons. Eventually the snow covers everything, and the Blue Pond is transformed into a pure white snow field.

Light art brings a frozen pond to life

The Shirogane Blue Pond is lit up at night only during the winter season. A story is told through a 10-minute program that incorporates a variety of lighting patterns, and the sight of the shadows of the trees engulfed in blue light is incredibly beautiful and fantastical.
To enjoy this dreamlike moment, be sure to prepare warm clothes and non-slip winter shoes. The surrounding area is dark, so be careful not to drop your cell phone or camera cap. On Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday nights, there are bus tours that take you around the pond and the illuminated "Shirohige Falls."

Shirogane Blue Pond Illumination
Period: (Fri) October 25, 2024 -(Wed) April 23, 2025
Time: evening to 9:00 p.m. *Light-up times vary depending on the season, so check the website
Note: The event may be canceled in the event of bad weather. Please check the town's website for details.

▼美瑛 冬のライトアップコース(バスツアー)
URL：https://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/ja/bus_ticket/
期間：2024年11月15(金)～2025年2月15日(土)の特定日
時間：16:15〜18:30他
料金：大人3,600円、子供（6～12才の小学生）1,800円※5歳以下無料（座席未使用の場合）
TEL：0166-92-4378（美瑛町観光協会）

6Asahidake Ropeway in Daisetsuzan

Ride the ropeway across the main peak of Mount Daisetsu to the heights of breathtaking views

Asahidake is the highest peak in Hokkaido, with an elevation of 2,291m. As the main peak of the Daisetsuzan mountain range, it is also counted among Japan's 100 famous mountains. The ropeway, which operates even in winter, is popular for its spectacular views of the Tokachi mountain range, which can be seen from the 1,600m point. The difference in elevation from the base station to the summit, Sugatami Station, is about 500m. In the harsh winter, the temperature around Sugatami Station can drop below -20°C on some days, turning the place into a snowy world. Depending on the weather conditions, you can see diamond dust, sun pillars (a natural phenomenon also known as sun pillars), and wind ripples, and outdoor enthusiasts from Japan and abroad visit the area to enjoy the scenery.

At "Yamanoku Station" you can buy local specialty gourmet foods that can only be tasted here

Near the summit, there are no trees because it is above the tree line, the boundary where forests cannot grow, and you can see white smoke spewing from the fumarole. While riding the ropeway, you can enjoy beautiful views of Lake Chubetsu below and the Erman's birch forest at the foot of the mountain.
At the shop at the base of the mountain, you can find local delicacies such as original handmade croquettes made with potatoes from Higashikawa Town and Asahikawa's "Daisetsu Sanroku Sasa Pork," as well as organic coffee brewed with the mineral-rich source water of Mt. Asahidake. Original products are also available for purchase, making them perfect souvenirs.

Asahidake Ropeway in Daisetsuzan

• http://asahidake.hokkaido.jp/ja/
• Asahidake Onsen, Higashikawa-cho, hot spring MAP
• Approximately 70 minutes by car from JR Asahikawa Station
  
• Take the bus from JR Asahikawa Station and get off at "Asahidake"
• 9:00-16:00 (ascent ends at 15:40) *Operating times may change depending on the season and weather on the day. Please check the website or the sign at the base of the mountain.
• Open daily
  *The service will be suspended from (Mon) November 18th to (Tue) December 10th, 2024 due to maintenance inspections (Restaurant and shops will also be closed).
• November 1st to May 31st season: 2,400 yen for adults, 1,600 yen for children (both round trip prices)
  *Please check the website as this may change depending on the season.
• 0166-68-9111
• Free in winter
• "Oyama Croquettes" are sold at "Sugatami Station" during the summer
  There is a free shuttle bus from "Hoshino Resorts OMO7 Asahikawa" to Mt. Asahidake exclusively for guests staying at the hotel (winter to spring).
  For more details https://omo-hotels.com/asahikawa/skifeature/ Please check at

7NRA North River Adventures

A seasonal winter tradition in Hokkaido: ice fishing for smelt

Smelt fishing involves drilling a hole in the ice on a lake, dropping a fishing line, and catching smelt underneath the ice. Many people would like to try it at least once. NRA North River Adventures offers a variety of Activity throughout the year, and they have a plan where you can enjoy smelt fishing without having to bring anything with you.
The location is Lake Kanayama, known as the lake where the mythical fish, the huchen, lives. Primeval forests grow around the lake, and when it snows, it takes on a fantastical atmosphere. Occasionally, you may see Ezo deer or Ezo red foxes.

They competed to see who could catch the most fish, then savored the freshly fried tempura.

Not only are fishing equipment provided, but there are also fishing holes drilled into the ice inside the tents, so you can start fishing as soon as you arrive. There are also plenty of cold weather precautions, such as stoves and warm shoes with hand warmers, so even those who don't like the cold can rest assured. The key is to concentrate on your fingertips, feel the delicate bite of the smelt, and quickly reel it in. It's also fun to compete with each other to see who can catch the most fish.
The smelt you catch will be fried on the spot and made into tempura. The plump flesh has a light and elegant taste. It's so delicious you'll want more. Get the hang of it with the advice of your guide and aim for a big catch.

NRA North River Adventures

• http://www.web-nra.com/
• 155 Ochiai, Minamifurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido (Office) MAP
• Approximately 7 minutes walk from JR Ochiai Station
• Mid-December to mid-March 9:30-11:30, 13:00-15:00
  *The tour may be canceled depending on the frozen state of the lake, bad weather on the day, or natural conditions.
• Irregular holidays
• Smelt fishing: 4,400 yen, free for small children
  *Pick-up from Tomamu area: 6,500 yen for adults, 5,500 yen for children (500 yen discount per person if booking online)
  https://www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/activity/1291.php
• 0167-38-4150
• free
• Smelt fishing for ages 3 and up
• Smelt fishing will be held at the venue.
  Higashi-Kagoshi (Lake Kanayama) in Minamifurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido MAP
  About 9 minutes walk from JR Higashi-Kagoshi Station
  *Pick-up available from Tomamu area (Hoshino Resorts Tomamu GAO Outdoor Center)

8Ice Village

A fantastical world of ice that brightens Tomamu's winters

In the winter in Tomamu, when temperatures drop to -30°C, the ice town "Ice Village" appears at "Hoshino Resorts Tomamu." Since its creation in 1998, it has become a popular winter feature of Tomamu.
You can relax on ice tables and chairs while gazing at the Ice Village made of ice and snow. There are also other attractions, such as the "Ice Church" made from a single seamless piece of ice, and the "Ice Hotel" with an open-air ice Outdoor hot spring. The transparent spaces are so beautiful that you will forget the cold.

There are plenty of gourmet foods and Experience to enjoy in the cold

There are many ways to enjoy Ice Village.The shop offers frozen cakes and ice cream sodas that evoke a fantastical atmosphere. You can enjoy the icy world while savoring desserts and hot drinks in the shop.

There are also plenty of other spots that will entertain people of all ages, including an "ice bar," an "ice ramen shop," general stores and boutiques with ice and snow themes, an ice slide, and an ice rink.

Ice Village

• https://www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/icevillage/
• Hokkaido Yufutsu District Shimukappu Village Nakatomamu "Hoshino Resorts Tomamu" MAP
• Approximately 5 minutes by car from JR Tomamu Station
• Free shuttle bus available from JR Tomamu Station
• Scheduled for (Tue), December 10, 2024 to (Fri), March 14, 2025
  17:00-22:00 (last entry at 21:30)
• None *May be closed without prior notice depending on weather conditions
• Admission fee: 600 yen for elementary school students and above (free for guests staying Tomamu the Tower by Hoshino Resorts and Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Tomamu)
  *Times and fees vary depending on the Experience
• 0167-58-1111（代表）
• free
• Experience Program: Ages 6 and up (preschool children must be accompanied by a guardian)
• *Dates and contents may change depending on weather and weather conditions.
  *Each dome and Experience will begin in sequence.

9Frost Terrace

Enjoy the winter flower "frost" created by Mother Nature

"Muhyo" is a phenomenon in which water vapor and fog in the air adhere to trees and other objects when temperatures are between -2 and -10 degrees Celsius. The well-known "frost-covered trees" are also a type of frost. At "Hoshino Resorts Tomamu," the "Sea UNKAI Terrace," where a dynamic sea of clouds spreads out below, opens as the winter-only "Frost Terrace" from May to October.
Beyond the observation terrace, a series of silvery white mountains stretch out, and the frost on the trees covering the mountainside resembles white flowers blooming in winter. The frost sparkles in the silence, and the occasional diamond dust fluttering about will be an unforgettable sight.

Tomamu's winter-inspired sweets and cocktails

At the observation spot "Cloud Bar," a 13-meter-long counter set up on the slope of the mountain, you can sit on a chair 3 meters above the ground and enjoy a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains. With nothing blocking your view, you'll feel as if you're floating on the frost spreading out at your feet.
Additionally, the Cloud Cafe serves sweets inspired by frost and drinks that represent the snowy scenery of Tomamu. They are not only delicious but also visually appealing, and can be enjoyed while taking in the spectacular views.

Frost Terrace

• https://www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/ski/muhyo/
• Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, Nakatomamu, Shimukappu Village, Yufutsu District, Hokkaido MAP
• Approximately 5 minutes by car from JR Tomamu Station, approximately 13 minutes one way by gondola from the Resort Center
• Free shuttle bus available from JR Tomamu Station
• December 1, 2024 (Sun)- March 31, 2025 (Mon)
  9:00-15:30 (last downbound flight at 16:00)
  * From December 1st to 25th, the service closes at 15:00 (last downbound flight at 15:30)
• none
  *Depending on the weather, the facility may be closed without prior notice.
  *Even during the operating period, frost may not occur or operations may be closed depending on weather conditions.
• Gondola round trip: Adults 2,200 yen, elementary school students 1,300 yen, pets 500 yen (free for those with lift tickets)
  *Free for guests staying at Tomamu the Tower by Hoshino Resorts and Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Tomamu
• 0167-58-1111（代表）
• free