Discover Stunning Silver Landscapes and Enchanting Light Pillars! Winter Events & Tours in Kamifurano
Kamifurano, a town blanketed in dazzling silver landscapes, offers breathtaking mountains and premium powder snow during winter.
One of the most magical sights to experience here is the sun pillar phenomenon.
If you want to fully enjoy Kamifurano’s charm and highlights, consider joining the events and tours introduced in this article.
What is Kamifurano Like?
Located in the heart of Hokkaido, Kamifurano is famous for its expansive lavender fields that stretch across rolling hills, set against the majestic Tokachidake Mountain Range. In autumn, the mountains are painted with vibrant fall colors, creating spectacular scenery.
Nestled on the slopes of the Tokachidake Mountain Range is the Tokachidake Onsen Village, home to several hot spring facilities. Here, you can enjoy the unique experience of soaking in an open-air bath while gazing at the vivid autumn foliage.
From late October to early November, snow begins to blanket the landscape, transforming it into a winter wonderland.
Kamifurano offers a variety of snow activities, including snowshoe trekking and snow cycling.
Visitors can enjoy the globally renowned powder snow and admire the pristine white scenery.
Kamifurano is also known as a prime location to witness the enchanting sun pillar phenomenon.
What is the Sun Pillar Phenomenon?
The sun pillar phenomenon is a rare natural occurrence that can only be observed on extremely cold mornings.
When the temperature is around -15°C, with clear skies and no wind, tiny ice crystals known as diamond dust reflect sunlight, creating a vertical beam of light extending from the sun.
The scene is reminiscent of an aurora floating in the winter sky, captivating all who see it.
Access to Kamifurano
Here’s how to get to Kamifurano from two major transportation hubs in Hokkaido: New Chitose Airport and Sapporo Station.
Both routes are accessible via public transportation.
From New Chitose Airport
- Route
-
1. Take the JR Chitose Line rapid train Airport from JR New Chitose Airport Station to JR Sapporo Station.
2. From JR Sapporo Station, transfer to the JR Hakodate Line express train and travel to JR Asahikawa Station.
3. Change to the JR Furano Line and get off at JR Kamifurano Station. - Travel Time
- Approximately 3 hours 30 minutes
From Sapporo
- Route
-
1. Take the JR Hakodate Line express train from JR Sapporo Station to JR Asahikawa Station.
2. Transfer to the JR Furano Line and get off at JR Kamifurano Station. - Travel Time
- Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Guided Snowshoe Trekking & Snow Mountain Biking in Kamifurano
For those who want to revel in Kamifurano’s snowy landscapes and powder snow, here’s a highly recommended event.
You can experience snowshoe trekking and snow mountain biking at Hinode Park, a picturesque hill that becomes a silver paradise during winter.
In winter, Hinode Park transforms into a magical snow-covered world. The trees and meadows blanketed in snow create a scene straight out of a painting.
From the hilltop, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-covered Tokachidake Mountain Range, with its white peaks standing out in the clear, crisp air.
Guided Snowshoe Trekking
Snowshoe trekking allows participants to explore nature while wearing special snowshoes that increase surface area and make it easier to walk on snow.
As you wander along tranquil snowy trails, you’ll be able to admire soft rays of sunlight filtering through snow-laden trees, snow arching over branches, and flakes swaying gently in the wind.
The course is beginner-friendly, and guides provide insightful commentary to enhance the experience.
Snow Mountain Biking
This activity involves riding bicycles equipped with extra-wide tires over snowy fields. The bikes offer excellent stability, making it easy for beginners to enjoy safely.
Feel the exhilaration of gliding over powder snow and immerse yourself in the white wonderland.
Experience the crunching sound of tires on snow, the chill of the wind, and a sense of thrill and freedom all at once.
Event Schedule
Refer to the table below for the event schedule. As the end times may vary slightly, we recommend allowing some flexibility in your plans after the event.
- 9:30
- Explanation of how to use snowshoes, walking techniques, and warm-up exercises
- 9:50
- Snowshoe footpath experience
- 11:00
- Remove snowshoes and take a break
- 11:10
- Snow mountain bike experience
- 12:20
- Event ends
Access to Hinode Park
Since this is a self-assembly event, participants need to make their way to Hinode Park on their own.
From JR Kamifurano Station, it’s about a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride.
Hinode Park is accessible with one transfer from JR Sapporo Station in under 3 hours or in about 1 hour 20 minutes from JR Asahikawa Station.
However, there are no trains or buses from Sapporo Station that will get you to the event on time, so we recommend staying overnight in Kamifurano the day before.
Here’s a quick guide to getting to the event from Asahikawa Station:
- Route
-
1. Take the JR Furano Line from JR Asahikawa Station to JR Kamifurano Station.
2. Walk approximately 15 minutes to reach Hinode Park. - Travel Time
- About 1 hour 20 minutes
Event Details
- Date
- January 31, 2025
- Location
- Central Plaza, Hinode Park, Kamifurano Town
- Price
- 30,000yen per person (lunch not included)
- Notes
- May be canceled due to weather conditions
- Contact
- Yomiuri Travel Sapporo Office (Email: sapporo@yomiuri-ryokou.co.jp)
Special Winter Day Trip Tour from Sapporo/Asahikawa
If you’re planning to visit Sapporo or Asahikawa and want to try guided snowshoe trekking and snow mountain biking, we recommend the "Kamifurano Winter Special Experience Day Trip Tour."
This bus tour departs from the south exit of Sapporo Station or the north exit of Asahikawa Station, allowing you to enjoy the same experiences introduced earlier without worrying about navigating public transportation.
The Asahikawa departure is scheduled for February 1, 2025, and the Sapporo departure for February 3, 2025.
Here are the itineraries for each tour:
February 1, 2025 – Asahikawa Departure: Kamifurano Winter Special Experience Day Trip Tour
| 8:00 | Assemble at Asahikawa Station North Exit (Group Bus Stop #1) |
| 9:20 | Arrive at Hinode Park |
| 9:30–10:00 | Preparation for snowshoeing and warm-up exercises |
| 10:00–11:30 | Snowshoe experience |
| 11:30–12:30 | Snow mountain bike experience (rotational use due to limited bikes) |
| 12:30–13:30 | Lunch at Hinode Park Observatory Restaurant |
| 14:30 | Arrive back at Asahikawa Station |
February 3, 2025 – Sapporo Departure: Kamifurano Winter Special Experience Day Trip Tour
| 6:30 | Assemble at Asahikawa Station North Exit (Group Bus Stop #1) |
| 9:20 | Arrive at Hinode Park |
| 9:30–10:00 | Preparation for snowshoeing and warm-up exercises |
| 10:00–11:30 | Snowshoe experience |
| 11:30–12:30 | Snow mountain bike experience (rotational use due to limited bikes) |
| 12:30–13:30 | Lunch at Hinode Park Observatory Restaurant |
| 16:30 | Arrive back at Sapporo Station South Exit, west side of Yomiuri Hokkaido Building. |
Enjoy Kamifurano with the Mystical and Beautiful Sun Pillar Phenomenon
In addition to the previously introduced events, we recommend the "2-Day Kamifurano Tour: Sun Pillar Observation, Snowshoe Trekking & Snow Mountain Biking."
This tour includes the rare and mesmerizing sun pillar phenomenon, as well as a photo exhibition and lecture by a sun pillar photographer.
Lunch is served at the "Hinode Park Observatory Restaurant," where you can enjoy dishes made from local ingredients while taking in panoramic views of Kamifurano.
FAQs About Kamifurano Events and Tours
Q
Will I definitely see the sun pillar phenomenon if I join the tour?
Visibility depends on weather conditions. If the sun pillar observation is not possible, a lavender aroma crafting experience may be offered as an alternative.
Q
Where do you recommend staying in Kamifurano?
We recommend Tokachidake Onsen Village, where you can enjoy hot springs and the majestic views of the Tokachidake Mountain Range.
Summary
This article has introduced various events and tours that allow you to fully enjoy the charm of Kamifurano in winter.
Whether you choose an event or a tour, immerse yourself in the pristine powder snow, admire the stunning silver landscapes, and witness the mystical beauty of the sun pillar phenomenon.