Furano, Japan
Airing Date: Sep 22nd, 2007
Hokkaido is best known to Australians as a skiing destination. At the island's centre is Furano, nicknamed Heso no Machi (Belly Button Town) due to its location. Furano is a relatively untapped holiday destination and is therefore a great alternative to the more touristy and crowded hotspots of Niseko and Sapporo.
Throughout the winter, Furano is host to a number of fascinating and fun festivals. The Snow Dome Festival is held from December until the end of March at the base of the Kitanomine Ski Area. Volunteers and ski area workers build huge Snow Domes where you can join in a number of activities and try delicious local delicacies. At the Snow Dome site you can get local drinks like hot local wine and cool beer served in freshly carved ice glasses.
The Ski Festival is held on the first weekend of February, and is one of the biggest events in Furano's winter season. The festival has many events, including a fireworks display, outdoor bazaar, and the unique "Banba-jin" World Championships. The "Banba-jin" event is a one-of-a kind sleigh race, where a team of 6 people pull a sleigh containing a fully-grown horse.
While skiers will be kept busy on the slopes, there are plenty of other activities for people of all ages. Go hot air ballooning and rise up to 1000m as you float over Furano and close to the Taisetsusan Mountain Range. At this altitude you'll often see diamond dust, which makes it appear as though thousands of diamonds are flying around you. On a clear day the views stretch over the fields and over many of the snow covered peaks. Other winter activities include: ice hole fishing, snow mobiling, snow rafting, banana rides, tubing, dog sledding, snow cart rides and even tree climbing!
Activities are not just restricted to the winter-time, and there is plenty of action in Furano year-round including some unusual festivals. Furano's central location provided the inspiration for a local to come up with the idea of a Belly Button festival (Heso Matsuri) around 35 years ago. There were only about 11 participants in the first festival, however, over the years, Heso Matsuri has become one of the most famous summer festivals in Hokkaido, drawing people from around Japan and the world. It's now held every summer, with participants drawing funny faces on their bellies and dance around in the main street. In 2007 the festival is held on July 28th and 29th.
FURTHER INFORMATION-
Fly JAL to Asahikawa- From: $1784.00 east coast (Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne & Cairns). Prices include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. For More information, call JAL on
9272 1111 or visit
www.jal.com.au"GREAT OUTDOORS - FURANO" SPECIAL- January & February 2008 in Furano - $1135 per person
Includes:
- Airport Transfers from Asahikawa
- 7 Nights Accommodation at the New Prince Hotel in a Twin Room - First Class Hotel. Show Special Limited Offer: Stay 7 Pay for 6 nights.
- 7 Buffet Breakfasts
- 7 Day Furano / Kamui Ski Links Interchangeable Lift Pass
- Travelplan Resort Services incl Local Mountain Guiding - All taxes and service charges
Prices are valid from January 4 - Mar 1. For more information call Travelplan for details:
1300 130 754New Furano Prince Hotel, Furano- Prices from $183 pp per night based (twin room) Includes taxes, breakfast and service charges. For more information, call
+81-167-22-1111, fax:
+81-167-22-1189 or visit:
www2.princehotels.co.jp/app_room/epiq0010.asp?hotel=024 Japan National Tourist Organization (JNTO)- Address: Level 18, Australia Square Tower
264 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000. Office Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (Monday - Friday). For more information, phone:
02 9251 3024, email:
jnto@tokyonet.com.au or visit:
www.jnto.go.jp/syd/ Furano Tourism Association- Furano, Japan. For more help planning your Furano holiday phone:
+81 167 23 3388, Fax:
+81 167 39 1222 or email:
info.kankou@furano.ne.jp Or you can visit:
www.furano-kankou.com/english/home.htm Phenix Co.,Ltd- Ski Gear Company: Head Office - Tokyo, Japan. For more information phone:
+81 3 5746 6530 Fax:
+81 3 5746 6602 or visit
www.vphenix.com/index.php
