What kind of season is Furano in April?

Furano in April, when the snow melts at once.
The temperature in Furano at this time of year is finally warming up compared to the long period of sub-zero temperatures, with morning and evening temperatures sometimes falling below 5°C (41°F), but during the daytime temperatures can exceed 10°C (50°F).
This is the time of year when the harsh cold of the snowy country of Furano gives way to the verdant nature of Furano, and it is very pleasant to feel the gentle arrival of spring!

Weather in Furano in April

In Furano, where spring arrives a little later than in Honshu, there are still flakes of snow on the ground even though it is April.
Some lakes and other areas still have ice, but the weather in Furano at this time of year is characterized by temperatures that finally do not drop below freezing.
This is also the time of year when melted snow from the mountains flows into the rivers.
Although snow may flicker in Furano at the beginning of April, data from the Japan Meteorological Agency shows that more than 70% of the month is sunny or cloudy, and 80% of the days from mid to late April have maximum temperatures above 15°C (2018 data).
Many people may have the image that April in Furano is still cold, but when you hear it like this, the weather is surprisingly pleasant.

What to wear and bring in Furano in April

Furano in early April is still cold, but from mid to late April, the temperature rises to the point where down coats and long coats are no longer necessary.
However, one must be on one’s guard, so it is safe to travel with a windproof coat, if not a thick, waterproof outerwear.
In early April, it is still recommended to wear many layers of clothing, just as in winter, but in Furano in late April, you can reduce the number of top layers without any problem.
Temperatures can change dramatically from morning to night, so it is reassuring to carry warm clothing such as a scarf, hat, and gloves.
When enjoying outdoor activities, it is recommended to wear waterproof shoes as the roads may be muddy due to melting snow.

Major Events in Furano in April

Quoted：ふらのindex

If you visit Furano in April, the best way to see the cherry blossoms is to start viewing them in late April!
As you know, cherry blossoms bloom later in Hokkaido than in Honshu, and you can see them in full bloom from late April to early May.
Every year there are people who miss the best time to view the cherry blossoms in late March and early April, when they are busy with other things, and are unable to enjoy the big event of spring, cherry blossom viewing….
Asahigaoka Park is the place to go when it comes to flower viewing in Furano.
It was pruned in 1950 as one of the 100 most scenic spots in Japan, and is home to some 3,000 Ezo-yamazakura cherry trees, which are in full bloom.
You can enjoy a panoramic view of the Sorachi River, Furano city, the vast countryside of the Furano Basin, and even the Daisetsu mountain range, so you can enjoy the natural beauty of Furano in April all at once.
If you go all the way to Furano in April, you can enjoy Furano’s cherry blossoms in full bloom just in time for the cherry blossom viewing season!

Not Just Cherry Blossoms! Flowers to see in Furano in April

Quoted：4travel

In winter, Furano is a silver world covered with snow, but spring-like faces can be seen when the snow melts in April.
One such flower is the “Ezo Engosaku,” which blooms in the wilds of mountain forests, and can be seen when visiting Furano during this season.
These flowers, which herald the arrival of spring in Furano, are popular for their dainty appearance, which is quite magical.
Not only the flowers, but also the clumps of 1.5-centimeter-long stems that form in the ground are characteristic of this flower, which is said to have been collected by the Ainu people for food in the past.

Originally, this flower did not have a flower language, but in the TV drama “The Garden of the Wind” (script by So Kuramoto) broadcast in 2008, it was given the flower language of “the secret ball of fairies.”
As the name suggests, this flower blooms like dancing fairies, and can be seen at Asahigaoka Park, which I mentioned earlier, and the emerald green Torinuma Park, which is rich in nature!

Recommended Activities in Furano in April

With the overwhelming popularity of activities in Furano that can be experienced in summer and winter, many people may not have a clear idea of what kind of activities can be enjoyed during this time of year in April.
As we have already mentioned, Furano in April is unique in that you can enjoy completely different activities in the early season when there is still snow on the ground, and in the late season when the snow has completely melted!
Please try to choose the activities you would like to enjoy according to the time of year you are going.

Don’t miss out on Furano’s spectacular scenery! Fly in the sky with “Motor Paraglider”!

First of all, we would like to introduce you to the “motor paragliding” experience, which allows you to enjoy Furano’s great nature in both early and late April!
In early April, when there is still snow on the ground, you can enjoy a silver world, and in mid to late April, when the greenery begins to sprout and you can feel the first signs of spring, you can enjoy the countryside scenery that is typical of Furano.

Unlike skydiving, where you jump down from thousands of meters in the sky and enjoy the exhilaration of cutting through the wind, motor paragliding is characterized by leisurely floating through the air and enjoying the scenery.
If you want to enjoy the feeling of flying like a bird, which everyone dreams of at least once, this is the activity for you.
Of course, you will be flying tandem with an experienced instructor with over 20 years of experience in the field, so you can be sure of safety.
If you are looking for an experience you can brag to your friends about, this is the place for you.
This is a rare activity that you cannot experience anywhere else.

Still want to enjoy Furano’s snow! “Trekking in Daisetsuzan National Park”

For those who feel that they have not been able to enjoy winter-like activities in early April, we recommend snowshoe trekking in Daisetsuzan National Park, the largest national park in Furano, which boasts the largest area in Japan.
The park is unique in that you can enjoy various aspects of Furano, including pristine virgin forests lined with trees 200 to 400 years old and standing dead forests created by the eruption of Mount Tokachi about 100 years ago.
As you wade through the snow piled up in the natural park, if you are lucky, you may even encounter cute forest animals such as Martes zibellina.

At lunch time, you can enjoy a lunch prepared by professional-level guides on tables and kamakura made of snow, which is also a high point of the tour.
And at the end of the tour, you can take a dip in one of Furano’s most popular hot springs, so make sure you warm up after all that walking and chilling!

“Sorachi River Rafting” to enjoy the momentum of melting snow

“Sorachi River Rafting” is a highly popular activity in Furano at this time of year when the melting snow from the Daisetsuzan Mountain Range begins to flow.
The Sorachi River is said to be one of the clearest rivers in Japan, and since there are no towns or dams upstream, it is known for its surprisingly clean water quality.

One of the reasons why rafting on the Sorachi River is so popular in spring is because of the rising water level of the river due to melting snow.
After all, the momentum of the water is the most important aspect of rafting!
It is no exaggeration to say that the experience of rafting down the river while experiencing the unique flow of the river at this time of year and being sprayed with the best quality water is an experience that can only be found in Furano.
Of course, you will be required to wear a life jacket and receive a detailed lecture from an experienced guide on how to ride the boat and what to do in case you fall in the water, so you don’t have to worry if you are going with children or people who are not confident swimmers.
Please enjoy this unique river activity!

Summary : Things to do in Furano April (weather, clothes and activities)

April in Furano is just the beginning of spring.
The melting of the snow and the budding of buds combine to give Furano a look that can only be seen at this time of year.
You can also enjoy other activities such as horseback trekking, and experience the joy of spring with your whole body.

Furano in April is a different place from Honshu where you can feel the spring.
Since this is your trip, please do a lot of research so that you can make the best of it.

For Hokkaido activity experiences visit Basho Trip