fuyu hotaru — Private 4-Bedroom Home, 450m from Kitanomine Gondola

Named fuyu hotaru — "winter firefly" — this beautifully renovated three-storey private home sits just 450 metres from the Kitanomine gondola, in the heart of Furano's premier ski area. With four bedrooms sleeping eight, three full bathrooms and a powder room, it offers generous space for families and groups looking for a comfortable, unhurried base in the mountains.

The dining room's full-width bay window looks directly towards Mt. Tokachi, with sweeping views across the Furano valley — a view that makes slow breakfasts feel like an occasion. Step outside onto the balcony and the peaks of the Kitanomine mountain range come clearly into view. Around the solid oak dining table, evenings gather naturally into long dinners and easy conversation.

Four flexible bedrooms sleep eight: three twin rooms where beds can be joined to form kings, plus a modern tatami room with futons on a raised platform — a favourite with children and equally loved by adults seeking a Japanese-style sleeping experience. Three full bathrooms each have a rain shower; two include generous full-length bathtubs, with a spa-style bath in the master ensuite — an inviting way to unwind after a day on the mountain.

A dedicated ski and laundry room sits at the entrance — drop your gear, dry everything overnight, and be ready to go again by morning. Fast fibre Wi-Fi and parking for up to three cars are all taken care of. Local host support is on hand for restaurant recommendations and anything you need during your stay.

In summer, fuyu hotaru becomes a quiet retreat for Furano's lavender season: open countryside, scenic drives and long Hokkaido evenings.

In every season, it offers a different kind of beauty — and leaving already feels like a reason to return.