Visit Lake Kayanama if you’re in Furano!

Quoted：かなやま湖 ログホテル ラーチ

Furano is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hokkaido.
Known for its lavender fields and as a filming location for nationally known TV series, Kita No Kuni Kara, Furano draws attention from all over Japan.

Once you’ve made your way around Asahikawa, Biei, and Furano, make sure to explore Lake Kayanama which is located in Minami Furano, roughly an hour drive from Furano.

Lake Kanayama was popularized as a filming location for the movie “Ito” which stars Masaki Suda and Nana Komatsu. 
Surround yourself with blue skies, primeval forests, green mountains, and vibrant purple lavender fields for a one of a kind experience.

 

Lake Kanayama not only offers picturesque scenery but also various activities throughout the year.
Summer activities include canoeing and river rafting, while wakasagi (smelt) fishing on ice and dog sledding can be enjoyed in winter. 

 

Activity Recommendations in Furano Lake Kanayama

Summer/Fall Part 1: Canadian Canoe

Quoted：かなやま湖 ログホテル ラーチ

Lake Kanayama is a popular spot for canoeing and even competitions are held there.
It is an activity recommended during summer and fall.

While there are several types of canoes, the Canadian canoe is the number one recommendation.
Unlike the wild white water river rafting, the Canadian canoe is an activity suited for everyone.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery at your own pace, sometimes make stops to fully immerse yourself in nature for the ultimate relaxation.
Make sure to capture the moment of the panoramic view from the canoe. 

Most canoeing is done during the day, but the early morning offers unique scenery.
Depart before sunrise through the morning fog and make your way into the lake to observe the sunrise.  
The gentle sunlight will reflect off the water to create scenery from a movie or a novel.
This romantic view is limited to early morning canoe, therefore, it is recommended to canoe twice (one in the morning and one during the day) if you’re staying overnight. 

Basho Trip provides necessary items for the Canadian canoe such as life jackets and paddles free of charge.
While it is a very calm and smooth activity, participating with clothes that can get wet is advised. 

 

Summer/Fall Part 2:Lakeside Camping

Quoted：かなやま湖 ログホテル ラーチ

Since Lake Kanayama has so much to offer, it is highly recommended to spend at least a night.
There are many lodging options nearby and the one we recommend is a log-built cottage Larch.
Feel the warmth and fragrant woods inside and step out to gaze at the star-filled sky for an extraordinary experience. 

All rooms are fully equipped with toilets, kitchen, bath, and even have access to a hot spring facility nearby.
Onsite restaurants for those who prefer to eat out and the hotel has a reputation for high satisfaction among guests who have stayed. 

 

Winter Part 1: Wakasagi (Smelt) Fishing in Furano

The colorful scenery in summer changes to a silver world covered in snow during the winter.
This distinctive change of scenery is unique to Hokkaido.

Place yourself in the vast nature and feel your body cleanse as the clean crisp air inhaled circulates your system. 

 

Wakasagi (smelt) fishing is a must do activity in winter Lake Kanayama especially in moths of January and February.
Enjoy fishing on ice as the lake surface completely freezes.
Wakasagi fishing can be done all season, but it is best to enjoy during winter. 
Freshly caught wakasagi can be cooked on site.
Enjoy the sizzling fried fish in the cold.

Is this your first time fishing? No problem.
Fishing rod used for wakasagi is small, light, and simple which makes it enjoyable to kids and ladies as well.
Drill a hole in the frozen lake to enjoy fishing!

Basho Trip introduces plans with pre-drilled holes or you can of course drill on yourself.

Our experienced guide will support each step of the way so all levels are welcome!

 

While you don’t have to bring anything to participate, make sure to come in warm clothes.

Remember, this will be done on ice so ski wear, glove, hat, and warm shoes are recommended.
You can always rent for a fee.
Let’s make sure we are prepared for the cold to enjoy fishing to the fullest.

 

Visiting Minami Furano

Quoted：イトウと暮らす町づくり 南富良野町

Lake Kanayama is located within the city of Minami Furano with only 2600 population.
Despite the population, it attracts over 25,000 tourists per year and is 40km from Furano which is roughly 1 hour drive. 

 

Minami Furano Recommendation Part 1: Filming Site for the movie “Poppoya”

Ikutora Station was used as the filming site for the movie “Poppo-ya,” written by Jiro Asada, starring Ken Takakura.

In the movie, Ikutora Station is referred to as “Horomai Station” and there are famous movie scenes are played on site.
The movie “Daruma Shokudo” was also filmed nearby and the sets used are still intact. 

Costumes and props are displayed as movie fans visit throughout the year.
Whether if you have seen the movie or not, it will tap into your nostalgia in the Showa era.

Minami Furano Recommendation Part 1: Roadside Station Minami Furano

To wrap up the wrap, take a break at the Roadside Station Minami Furano.
The Japanese government first implemented the roadside station in 1993 and the one in Minami Furano is among the oldest.
The station is uniquely shaped to resemble the tip of a canoe resembling a popular activity in the city.

Quoted：北の道の駅

Minami Furano is also known as the natural habitat of the “phantom fish” Itou.
It makes a habitat in the Sorachi River that flows through Minami Furano and can get as big as 1m in size. 

This rare species can be seen at the roadside station, so make sure to visit check it out.

Inside the station, there is an abundance of Furano souvenirs such as Furano melon jello, crops, wood carvings, and other Hokkaido items.

Visit Lake Kanayama and Minami Furano if you’re in Furano!

Despite their popularity, Lake Kanayama and Minami Furano are hidden gems.
An hour drive from Furano, 2 hours from Asahikawa and New Chitose Airport, making it possible to combine with other sightseeing tours. Please come to experience nature!

For Hokkaido activity experiences visit Basho Trip