7 Filming Locations in Furano, Hokkaido You Must Visit at Least Once from ‘Kita no Kuni Kara

Many of you may be familiar with the national drama 'Kita no Kuni Kara,' which aired during the 1980s and 90s. It's a long-running drama set in the great nature of Hokkaido. Many people likely associate the actors' characters with the landscapes of Furano. When you have a strong emotional connection to a work, it's natural to want to visit the filming locations and reflect on it. You can really feel like, 'So this is where they filmed!' and it deepens your connection to the work. This time, we'll introduce some recommended filming locations in Furano City that you should know about when planning a visit to the filming sites of 'Kita no Kuni Kara.

1. Nakano-sawa Elementary School Branch

In the drama "Kita no Kuni Kara," this is the school that Jun and Hotaru attended. The elementary school that served as the model is now closed and is used as a village meeting hall. At both ends of the building's entrance, you can see a sign with the current community center's name and "Nakano-sawa Elementary School Branch," making it clear that it was used in the drama.

2. Goro’s Stone House

This photo shows the Goro’s Stone House. Being made of stone, it gives off a sturdy image, and the red roof and nearby windmill are very memorable. In the background, trees are thickly grown, and a large field stretches out in front. It's a house where one could live a relaxing life amidst such a peaceful landscape. The house was said to be made using stones from a field after volcanic activity. The relatively simple interior and handmade feel are the highlights.

Inside, there is a low table (chabudai), which helps to evoke the atmosphere of the time when the show aired. The entry fee is a reasonable 200 yen. Inside, you can get closer to the mindset of Goro-san during his time living there.

3. Nunobe Station

Located on JR Hokkaido's Nemuro Main Line, "Nunobe Station" appeared in the first episode of the drama. A sign written by the original author stands here, allowing visitors to feel the authenticity of the location.

As in the story, the station is adorned with photos from "Kita no Kuni Kara" and is seen as the starting point of the story. The station, which opened in 1927, has a long history, but it is currently an unmanned station.

4. Furano Shrine

Furano Shrine is a very old shrine with a history of 100 years. It was used as a filming location for two series: "Kita no Kuni Kara '98 Jidai" and "Kita no Kuni Kara 2002 Yuihon." The scenes of weddings and reunions were filmed here, both related to the theme of "connections being made." The shrine itself is beautiful, surrounded by trees that give it a cool, refreshing feel.

5. The Picked-Up House

This is the house featured in "Kita no Kuni Kara 2002 Yuihon." A total of four houses were built here. The "Jun and Yuki’s House" used a completely abandoned bus, making it a highly intricate structure. There is also a house made from a gondola, adding to the variety of unique buildings.

The house itself was actually built using discarded materials. It’s a creative design, and the sign in front of the entrance carries a message warning about waste in modern society. With various ideas and messages embedded in it, this location is definitely a must-see.

6. Furogō Forest

A log cabin opened in 1984, it was also used in the drama. There are other locations, such as the "third house," a photo studio, and a restaurant. At the restaurant, you can enjoy dishes like soup curry, and at the photo studio, you can view photos representing different seasons. Additionally, there’s a place to buy souvenirs, so it’s a great spot to enjoy while also checking out filming locations.

By the way, the log cabin in the drama was burned down, but this one is different and remains intact.

7. Nakabata Woodworks

There’s a shop that served as the model for "Nakabata Woodworks" in the drama. This shop is also a lumber company. The building itself is almost unchanged from the one in the drama, and there’s even a sign with words from Kuraoka Sou, which makes it a thrilling spot for fans.

Chairs are provided for taking commemorative photos, making it a thoughtful place to visit. However, since it is still used as a business, you can only view it from the outside.

◎ Summary

We’ve introduced some recommended filming spots from "Kita no Kuni Kara." While the scenery of these locations may change over time, places like these, which remain unchanged and evoke a sense of nostalgia, are rare to find. The emotional experience of seeing the buildings and sets used in the drama is one of the unique joys of visiting filming locations. Many of these places have a rich history, and you can also feel the history of the land itself. If you’re traveling to Furano, be sure to visit these filming locations.

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7 Filming Locations in Furano, Hokkaido You Must Visit at Least Once from ‘Kita no Kuni Kara