Furano
Furano Family Hotels: A Highland Resort for Lavender and Skiing
Lavender in summer, skiing in winter — a family highland getaway at hotels and cottages in the Kitanomine area
When choosing a hotel in Furano with kids, many families find themselves wondering which properties are the best fit for traveling with children, since they want to enjoy both summer's lavender and winter's skiing. Furano is a highland town near the geographic center of Hokkaido, offering a different kind of fun each season: fields of lavender in full bloom in summer, and high-quality powder snow skiing in winter. Most hotels cluster in the Kitanomine area, home to Furano Ski Resort.
Another feature of Furano is the wide range of hotel types. Of the 12 Furano hotels listed on this site, 6 have a large communal bath, letting you soothe legs tired from sightseeing or a day of skiing. Four hotels are standalone cottages where your family can have the place to yourselves, and some come with a kitchen for cooking your own meals, letting you settle in at your child's own pace. There are also hotels with a Japanese-style tatami room that's easy for futon co-sleeping, and hotels that offer in-room dining.
There's thoughtful support for families with babies and children too. Some hotels offer crib rentals or serve baby food, and others have an indoor playroom, so kids can spend time inside even on a rainy or snowy day. Many hotels sit right in front of or close to Furano Ski Resort, which is a nice bonus for using it as a base for your child's first ski lesson or snow play in winter.
Furano has plenty of spots the whole family can enjoy, such as Farm Tomita, famous for its lavender, Furano Cheese Studio, where you can watch cheese being made, and Furano Marche. You can also travel out to Asahiyama Zoo in nearby Asahikawa. It's a highland resort families can fully enjoy in either season — lavender fields in summer or skiing in winter.
Highlights
- checkA highland resort in central Hokkaido offering lavender fields in summer and skiing in winter
- check6 hotels with a large communal bath, 3 standalone cottages, and hotels with kitchens — choose the stay that fits your style
- checkHotels offering crib rentals, baby food, and indoor playrooms — kids can spend time inside even on a rainy or snowy day
- checkMany hotels are close to Furano Ski Resort, plus kid-friendly spots like Farm Tomita and Furano Cheese Studio
Family-friendly features in Furano
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Nearby attractions
Travel tips
Furano is about an hour by car from Asahikawa Airport, with JR Furano Station as the local base. Sightseeing spots are spread across the area, so a rental car makes getting around easier, and during lavender season (mainly July), roads and parking lots get crowded, so it's best to head out early. Winter brings snow and icy roads, so studless winter tires are a must if you're driving, and ski gear can also be rented locally. Because of the elevation, mornings and evenings are cool, so it's reassuring to bring something to layer on even in summer.
Best season
July, when the lavender is in full bloom, is Furano's most vibrant season and a popular time for family trips. Early summer's fresh greenery and autumn's fall foliage make for beautiful highland scenery too, and winter brings high-quality powder snow for skiing and snow play. Even in summer, mornings and evenings are cool, making it good for escaping the heat. Winter requires care for the cold and icy roads, but the combination of snow and hot springs is a distinctly Hokkaido experience.
Getting there
About an hour by car from Asahikawa Airport. JR Furano Station on the Nemuro Main Line serves as the local base, and it's also reached from Asahikawa by the Furano Bus or JR train. A car is convenient for sightseeing around the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
From what age can kids enjoy Furano?
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Even babies from 0 years old can enjoy it. Some hotels offer crib rentals or serve baby food, and others have an indoor playroom, and with plenty of cottages and Japanese-style rooms available, it's an area that's easy to visit even with a very young baby. There's something for every age too, from summer's lavender fields to winter's snow play.
Are there hotels in Furano where the family can have the place to themselves?
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Yes — there are 3 standalone cottages where your family can stay on your own. Some come with a kitchen for cooking your own meals, which makes it easier to prepare baby food or keep to your child's own routine during your stay.
What's the best season to visit Furano?
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July, when the lavender is in full bloom, is the most popular time, and early summer's fresh greenery or autumn's fall foliage also make for beautiful highland scenery. Winter brings high-quality powder snow for skiing and snow play. Even in summer, mornings and evenings are cool, so it's reassuring to bring something to layer on, and in winter, come prepared for the cold and icy roads.
Can kids still have fun in Furano on a rainy or snowy day?
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Yes — many hotels have an indoor playroom or a large communal bath, so you can spend time inside even when the weather turns bad. There are also indoor experience spots like Furano Cheese Studio, making it an area that's easy to plan a full day around.
How do I get to Furano? Do I need a car?
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It's about an hour by car from Asahikawa Airport, with JR Furano Station as the local base. Sightseeing spots are spread across the area, so a rental car makes it much easier to get around. Studless winter tires are a must in winter because of the snow and icy roads.