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What to do in Furano, a summer haven on Japan’s Hokkaido island flying under the radar

From beautiful lavender fields to amazing local produce, there’s plenty to see and eat in Furano during the summer holiday months

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Tourists stroll through lavender fields at Tomita Farm, one of the most colourful spots in Furano. The city in central Hokkaido comes into its own during summer, when it offers visitors the chance to enjoy its natural beauty and delicious local produce in temperate weather conditions. Photo: Kyodo News via Getty Images
Lisa Cam
The Japanese island of Hokkaido is best known to people outside Japan as a winter destination full of powdery ski slopes. But it is also the perfect getaway in the warmer months. One spot in particular, overflowing with idyllic backdrops and great food, has long flown under the radar of international travellers.

The city of Furano, near the centre of the island, is known for its amazing local produce. Visitors can enjoy local restaurants or, if they are staying in a serviced apartment with a fully equipped kitchen, buy ingredients and cook their own meals.

“Furano is where families rediscover what summer holidays should be all about: quality time,” says Patrick Ohtani, chief operating officer of Luxe Nomad Japan, “whether it be cycling through lavender fields, dining on farm-to-table fresh Hokkaido produce, or hiking outdoors and enjoying watersports, all in a much cooler climate than Tokyo.”
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Part of The Luxe Nomad, Asia-Pacific’s largest luxury holiday rental management company, Luxe Nomad Japan manages Fenix West, a serviced apartment property in Furano.

A kitchen area in one of the units at Fenix West in Furano, Hokkaido. Photo: Fenix West
A kitchen area in one of the units at Fenix West in Furano, Hokkaido. Photo: Fenix West
Ohtani says the company has seen summer bookings increase by 20 per cent in the last year because travellers are choosing more grounded experiences over checking boxes at overcrowded tourist sites.
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