Furano Cheese Factory (Furano City, Hokkaido)
Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Furano Cheese Factory is a tourist facility that makes use of the rich nature and high-quality raw milk of Furano, Hokkaido, to produce and sell cheese, as well as provide tours and experiences. It is characterized by its collaboration with local dairy farmers, providing freshly made cheese and dairy products. Inside the factory, visitors can see the manufacturing process, which combines traditional methods with relatively new technologies, and products that make use of the sweetness and aroma of milk (fresh cheese, natural cheese, butter, soft serve ice cream, etc.) are popular. The shop offers packaged gift items and processed goods made with locally produced ingredients, making it attractive for tourists as they can "taste the product on the spot" and "make a convenient souvenir."
Highlights
- Cheese-making tours: Many facilities allow you to observe the cheese-making process and aging rooms through glass, allowing you to see the artisans' handiwork and processes up close (tour times vary by facility).
- Tasting: The best part is being able to sample multiple types of cheese and dairy products and compare the different flavors.
– Cheese and dairy products sales: You can purchase and sample freshly made cheese, butter, yogurt, soft serve ice cream, and more on the spot. Many of the products are exclusive to the local area and make great souvenirs.
- Experience programs: They sometimes offer butter-making and simple cheese-making experiences, which are popular with families and groups (advance reservations may be required).
- Cafe/Eat-in: Enjoy cheese dishes, gelato, coffee, and more at the cafe and snack space attached to the workshop.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: JR Furano Station (Furano city center). Depending on the facility, you may be told to access by car or bus from Furano Station.
- Estimated travel time: Approximately 10-20 minutes by car from Furano Station, or approximately 10 minutes by taxi. Approximately 2-2.5 hours by car and highway from Sapporo, and approximately 1 hour by car from Asahikawa (this may vary depending on traffic conditions).
– Buses: Seasonal tourist buses and local buses may be available, but please check the timetable in advance as they are limited in number.
- By car: Many locations have on-site parking, making it convenient to access by car. Please check the directions on your navigation system or the official website.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
– Shopping and tasting at the shops: Approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
– Production tour + tasting: Approximately 45 to 90 minutes.
- If participating in a hands-on program: 1-2 hours (approximately 1 hour to several hours depending on the program).
The length of stay will vary depending on the season, how busy it is, and whether or not you participate in any activities.
Nearby spots
– Farm Tomita (lavender fields / Nakafurano, Furano area): Particularly famous during the summer lavender season. There are photo spots and shops.
– Furano Wine (Winery): Enjoy tasting local wines and tours.
– Around the New Furano Prince Hotel (Ningle Terrace, etc.): A great spot for strolling and souvenir hunting.
– Furano Ski Resort (winter): An area where you can enjoy winter sports.
– Biei Patchwork Road, Blue Pond (accessible by car): A popular tourist spot that you can stop by on a drive.
*Travel times vary depending on your destination, so please allow plenty of time in your schedule.
Things to be aware of (crowding, etiquette, seasonal precautions, etc.)
– Crowds: Visitors increase during the summer tourist season (especially during the lavender season from July to August), holidays, and weekends, and shops and parking lots become crowded. Experiences may fill up, so we recommend making a reservation in advance.
- Check the experience in advance: Experience programs such as butter making and cheese making often have set dates, times, and capacity limits, so be sure to inquire and make reservations in advance via the official website or facility.
- Food allergies: As this facility mainly uses dairy products, those with dairy allergies should refrain from purchasing or tasting the food, or check the ingredient label beforehand.
– Winter Note: Road conditions (icy/snowy) and opening hours may change during the winter. If you are visiting by car, please prepare winter tires and chains and allow extra time for travel.
- Manners: There may be hygiene rules in the production areas and tasting corners within the workshop. Please follow the instructions and any areas where photography or entry is prohibited. Please dispose of trash in designated areas, and some facilities may have restrictions on the entry of pets.
- Check the latest information: Business hours, closing days, experience content, admission fees (if any), etc. may change, so please check the latest information on the official website or the facility's social media before visiting.
Supplement (recommended)
If you're visiting for the first time, we recommend trying the freshly made products at the shop first, and if you have time, participating in the experience program. The soft serve ice cream that makes the most of the fresh, locally produced milk and seasonal limited edition products are very popular, so be sure to try them if you come across them.
