5 Must-Visit Indoor Attractions in Furano: Perfect for Rainy Days

Furano, made famous by the beloved drama 'Kita no Kuni kara,' boasts breathtaking natural landscapes. From vast plains to endless lavender fields, Furano offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in nature. While sunny days are ideal for outdoor adventures, sudden rain showers can sometimes disrupt your plans. Furano has plenty of indoor attractions that can keep you entertained even on rainy days. Join us as we explore some of the most popular tourist spots in Furano that are perfect for rainy-day visits.

1. Furano Wine Factory

Furano Winery is located on the hillside of Budougakke. Inside the charming brick building, you can tour the wine aging cellar and enjoy wine tasting. Even on rainy days, you can safely tour the factory indoors without getting wet.

First, descending from the entrance on the first floor to the basement, you can see bottled products and the barrel and tank aging processes. After viewing the panel explanations of the manufacturing process and the exhibition of wine goods, you can finally observe the bottling process. Since the bottling process is not carried out every day, it is recommended to inquire before visiting.

After touring the manufacturing process and aging cellar, you can enjoy tasting Furano wine while overlooking the Furano Basin and Tokachi Mountain Range below. On rainy days, why not take your time finding your favorite taste?

Of course, wine is sold in the shop. You can purchase your favorite wine found through tasting on the spot, making it recommended for yourself or as a souvenir. In addition to wine, the shop also has plenty of cheese, jam, and sweets made with wine and grape juice. Even if you are having trouble finding souvenirs on a rainy day, you can buy unique souvenirs of Furano at the Furano Winery.

2. Furano Cheese Factory

Enjoying the local specialties of Furano indoors on a rainy day is a luxurious way to spend your time. Furano Cheese Factory is located just a 10-minute drive from Furano Station. In fact, you can enjoy more than just cheese at the "Furano Cheese Factory." In addition to the main cheese factory, there are three other facilities: an ice milk factory, a pizza factory, and a DIY workshop.

If you're feeling a bit lazy on a rainy day, why not spend the day leisurely visiting these various workshops? Learning about the manufacturing process and the passion of the artisans will make the food taste even better. On a rainy day, be sure to savor the delicious dairy products of Furano entirely indoors!

◆ Cheese Factory

Surrounded by white birch trees, this cheese factory offers a chance to observe the cheesemaking process and aging rooms through glass windows. After the tour, you can enjoy a cheese tasting at the tasting corner. The direct sales corner is filled with sweets made using products from the cheese factory.

Among these, we highly recommend "Furano Nairao." "Nairao" is an ancient Chinese dairy product used in desserts of the imperial court. You can enjoy the rich flavor of Furano milk and the elegant taste of imperial cuisine in this sweet treat. This is a unique flavor that you won't easily find elsewhere, so please try it!

◆ Ice Cream Factory

Here, you can enjoy handmade ice cream made with cheese from the cheese factory, such as cheese-flavored gelato and pumpkin-flavored gelato made with locally grown pumpkins in Furano. There are various flavors including seasonal limited menus, so you might have a hard time choosing. However, the most popular flavor is milk! For those who are a little tired of the rich taste, we recommend the sorbet made with locally grown fruits in Furano, which is refreshing.

◆ Pizza Factory

Authentic Neapolitan pizza is very popular! It is baked by a craftsman who trained in pizza making in Naples. The oven is an authentic "wood-fired oven" brought from Naples. Using locally grown wheat flour, tomatoes, onions, and original mozzarella cheese, this pizza allows you to taste the deliciousness of Furano all at once. First, try the classic Margherita!

◆ Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Experience Factory

The DIY experience factory holds workshops every day where you can make your own butter, ice cream, and cheese. Except for bread-making experiences, same-day registration is possible. It's easy to participate and perfect for creating memories with friends.

3. Furano Music Box Museum

Feeling tired and drenched after getting caught in the rain? This spot is perfect for a little soul-nourishment! There's something about the sound of a music box that brings back nostalgic childhood memories. At the Furano Music Box Museum, you can immerse yourself in the world of music boxes. Listening to their melodies seems to melt away all your rainy day fatigue.

When people think of music box museums in Hokkaido, Otaru and Hakodate often come to mind. However, the Furano Music Box Museum has a completely different charm. Housed in a quaint log cabin, the music boxes are lined up side by side. The delicate sounds in the midst of nature create a truly special experience. The soothing melodies and the sound of rain unexpectedly blend together, creating a magical atmosphere. This is a Furano tourist spot that you should definitely visit, especially on a rainy day.

4. Glass Forest in FURANO

Glass Forest in Furano is a comprehensive facility that showcases a variety of glass products, offers workshops, and provides a space for retail. It's like a glass museum where you can escape the everyday and find inspiration.

In GlassVillage Building 1, you'll find a collection of handmade works, including the workshop's original "Shibare Glass™". Building 2 is a magical world filled with colorful ornaments, interior goods, and other charming items.
Workshop reservations are accepted on a limited-time basis. Please check the official website for the schedule. Since it's an indoor facility, you can leisurely browse and find glass souvenirs without worrying about the rain. If you're feeling a bit down on a rainy morning, "Glass Forest in Furano" is the perfect place to soothe your soul.

*Please note that Buildings 5, 6, and 7 are currently closed as of October 2024.

5. Hirottekitai (A House that was Found)

The 'Hirottekitai (A House that was Found)' is located in Furano Rokugō, Hokkaido, it is a replica of the house that is built in the series 'Kitaguni kara'.

Even though it's made from old materials, the houses give a very warm and bright feeling. There are three houses you can see: Yukiko's house with white walls that look brand new, Sumie and Masahico's house with a round design that looks like an amusement park, and the modern Jun and Yui's house with a bus passing through the middle.

Not only fans of 'Kitaguni kara' will enjoy this, but also architecture enthusiasts will surely appreciate the unique design of these houses made from various things like buses and gondolas. Even though it might be a bit difficult to walk when it rains, the ambiance of the place becomes even more beautiful. So even if it rains, don't worry because you'll still enjoy the feeling of being in a story.

So when you go to Furano, don't miss the chance to visit the 'Hirottekitai (A House that was Found)'. I'm sure you won't regret it.

◎ A Summary of Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Furano that can be Enjoyed Even in the Rain

There are countless beautiful sights to enjoy in Furano, even when it rains. The lush greenery, the rich flavors of local produce, the soothing sound of raindrops, and the slow pace of time all contribute to a unique and unforgettable experience.

Furano, a popular filming location for numerous dramas, offers a special kind of charm on rainy days. Instead of staying indoors at your accommodation, why not venture out and explore the filming locations? As you walk through the rain, listening to the gentle pitter-patter, you can reminisce about your favorite scenes and create new memories.

In addition to filming locations, Furano is also renowned for its exquisite music boxes and glassware. Use this article as a guide to discover the unique pleasures that Furano has to offer on a rainy day.