Furano sits almost dead center in Hokkaido — known as the “belly button of Hokkaido” — famous for its lavender fields and ski slopes. And tucked into this beloved destination is a hotel that makes families say, without hesitation: we’re coming back.
That hotel is Hotel Naturwald Furano. The name means “natural forest” in German, and true to it, the hotel is nestled in the rich nature of Kitanomine, with a philosophy of being “a home away from home for travelers.” Staying here, it’s clear they really mean it — especially for families with young children.
Certified “Welcome Baby” — the reassurance that matters most
Naturwald Furano holds the “Welcome Baby” certification from the Miki House Child Research Institute — a recognition given to accommodations that genuinely support families with babies and toddlers.
Diapers as a welcome gift, baby bath products available to borrow, kids’ amenities, shampoo bar — all the things parents tend to forget or struggle to pack are quietly covered here. You can travel a little lighter, and that’s no small thing. Whether you arrive with a stroller or a carrier, the feeling is the same: we’re going to be okay here.
Kids’ park “ASOBIBA” + afternoon sweets buffet — an unbeatable combo
I want to shout this one from the rooftops. The indoor kids’ park “ASOBIBA” is a shoes-off space, which means crawling babies, wobbly toddlers, and energetic kids of all ages can roam freely. Falls happen, mess happens — and none of it matters.
In the late afternoon, this same space hosts a sweets buffet. And the genius of it is this: kids snack and play, parents snack and watch. “Being present with your kids while actually getting to relax yourself” is the hardest thing to pull off on a family trip — and this hotel just makes it happen, quietly and naturally. Welcome roasted marshmallows and a free snack buffet are part of the deal too.
Dinner that’s genuinely impressive — and still works with kids in tow
Dinner is a fully all-inclusive buffet with unlimited drinks, including alcohol. The spread features vegetables from local contract farms in Furano, Kamifurano pork, and fresh seafood from fishing ports across Hokkaido.
And here’s the standout: there’s yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) in the buffet. For parents who’ve thought “we’re in Hokkaido and we can’t really take the kids to a proper yakiniku restaurant…” — this solves that. Buffet style also means you can keep an eye on the kids while filling your plate, which makes all the difference.
Breakfast is just as good — unlimited ikura (salmon roe), omu-curry, Furano burgers, and more. Endless “seconds please!” is not a problem here.
Adults get real downtime too — and that matters
The “Furano Share Lounge” is a library-style space filled with books, where you can settle in with a coffee and just breathe. After the kids are asleep, or whenever you need five minutes to yourself, this room is there.
Family travel has a way of becoming all about the kids — and rightfully so. But the best hotels remember that adults need to feel human too. Naturwald Furano has built that space in, and it’s one of the reasons you find yourself thinking about coming back.
Hot springs and location — no complaints whatsoever
The baths use Komyoseki hot spring water, known for its strong ionizing properties, with an open-air bath included. The tatami bath area is non-slip and gentle for small children, and kids’ amenities are fully stocked. And the location — right at the foot of the Kitanomine zone of Furano Ski Resort — means you’re perfectly placed for activities in every season.
Wrapping up
This is a hotel where the services for children and the spaces for adults are both genuinely excellent — not one at the expense of the other. A trip where every member of the family, in their own way, comes away satisfied. That’s what Naturwald Furano delivers, and it’s why I’d recommend it without hesitation to any family heading to Furano.
Hotel Information
Hotel Naturwald Furano
📍 14-46 Kitanomine-cho, Furano-shi, Hokkaido
📞 0167-22-1211
🌐 naturwald-furano.com
Check-in 15:00 / Check-out 10:00