Furano, Agricultural city in Kamikawa Subprefecture, Japan
Furano is an agricultural city in Kamikawa Subprefecture in central Hokkaido, spread along the Sorachi River valley. The city sits between rolling hills, forested mountain slopes, and open fields that stretch across several valleys.
The first settlers arrived in 1897 after the region was opened for agricultural development. Following the construction of a railway connection to Asahikawa in 1900, the settlement grew and received official city status in 1966.
The name comes from the Ainu word Fura-nui and refers to sulfur vapors from volcanic activity near Tokachi Peak. This linguistic connection recalls how the earliest inhabitants perceived the landscape around them.
The cheese factory in town offers free demonstrations of cheesemaking throughout the year and allows visitors to sample fresh dairy products. The city is best reached by train from Asahikawa or by car along well-maintained roads.
The region produces more carrots than any other area in Japan and ships them to many parts of the country during harvest season. Large lavender fields turn purple in summer and draw visitors from across the country.
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