Have you ever heard of Furano Melon? It’s a specialty from Furano that is widely known across Japan and getting popular outside Japan as well. It’s a sweet, fresh, and juicy summer treat! If you are visiting Hokkaido between July and September, it’s a must-try.

What makes Furano Melon special? The secret lies in Furano’s unique climate: cool winters and warm summers that bring dramatic temperature swings—and the region’s rich volcanic soil. This special environment in Furano makes the sweetest and most flavourful melons you’ll ever taste.

After living in Furano for 11 years, I’ve discovered the best spots to enjoy this local gem. Let’s dive in!

This article was written by Dimi, a local from Furano.

1. Popura Farm

Popura Farm is known for their signature menu “Santa No Hige (Santa’s Beard)” - a generous scoop of ice cream inside a half-cut Furano Melon. It’s a great dessert to share with friends or family as the size is quite big, even half cut! The shop also offers a small size with a quarter cut, perfect for one person.

Not only melons, Popura Farm sells seasonal produce like sweet corn and asparagus as well. The shop is located between Furano and Biei - so if you’re on a road trip, it’s the best place to stop for a break!

INFORMATION

🕐 Hours: 9:00-17:30 (April to October)
🚃 By public transportation: 8 minute walk from JR Nishinaka Station
📍 Google Map

2. Tomita Melon House

Just next to the famous Farm Tomita, Tomita Melon House is a go-to place for you to taste Furano melon on-site. They have a range of melons from local farmers in Furano - a good section of sliced melons and melon-flavoured ice cream and drinks.

Tomita Melon House is not just a place for foodies, but also for flower lovers. It is surrounded by their beautiful lavender field. Enjoy your melon while taking in the beautiful landscape of flowers and mountains!

INFORMATION

🕐 Hours: 9:00-17:00 (June to September)
🚃 By public transportation: 20 minute walk from JR Nakafurano Station, or 10 minute walk from Lavender-Farm Station
📍 Google Map

Furano Marche

Located in the center of Furano, Furano Marche is a shopping complex dedicated to local products and foods. This marketplace is a gateway to best experience what Furano has to offer. From fresh agricultural produce to drinks and desserts, they’ve got you covered.

I will share with you my favorite stalls at Furano Marche below. And don't miss Furano Marche 2, just next door, where you'll find even more delicious food options and specialty stores.

INFORMATION

🕐 Hours: 9:00-17:00 (May 5th to October 14th)
🚃 By public transportation: 7 minute walk from JR Furano Station
📍 Google Map

3. HOGAR: Furano's Premier Farmer's Market

This is one of the largest farmer’s markets in Furano. You can find a variety of farm produce grown in the Furano region. Here, there are different stands representing the hard work and dedication of local farmers, offering you the chance to taste Furano’s rich melons.

A personal note: my parents run one of the melon stands here, where we proudly sell our Furano melons. Our family is dedicated to creating soil that produces delicious and healthy crops, while also focusing on environmentally friendly cultivation practices. We're at the market every day during the summer, usually in the morning, and we’re happy to chat with visitors—yes, we speak English! If you fall in love with our melons, don't worry; we can ship them internationally, so you can enjoy a taste of Furano no matter where you are.

INFORMATION

💡 English blog
📲 Instagram

4. Cafe Sabor

If you visit Furano Marche, you can’t miss out on seasonal treats made with Furano melon. Several shops within the market offer delicious melon-infused sweets and drinks. Must-tries for anyone with a sweet tooth!

Cafe SABOR is a great spot for coffee and seasonal Furano melon drinks. You can get some bread and pastries from the bakery just next to the cafe and enjoy them at their shared eat-in space.

5. Domaine Raison

Domaine Raison offers Furano melon shakes during the summer. What’s unique about their shakes is that they use goat’s milk from the Furano region. The goat’s milk makes a nice, rich flavor that matches fresh Furano melon really well. Another must-try!

6. Bus Stop

At ばすすとっぷ (Bus Stop), they also offer many kinds of desserts like Japanese-style crepes, fruit parfait, and steamed buns… but their specialty is ice scream. This summer, they launched a twist of soft-served ice cream on shaved ice: fluffy ice topped with Furano Melon and a surprise layer of whipped cream inside. It’s a refreshing and sweet dessert especially for the summer—perfect to cool off on a hot day!

If you’re looking for the best whole melons in Furano, head over to the street along Yamabe Route 38. This street is home to some of the best Furano Melon farms. They directly sell you fresh melons from their farm. If you are traveling by car, this is a great street to pass by to check out these melon shops. Here is a map of the farm stands that I have personally known since I was young. All places are highly recommend!

At Nakata Farm (No.3), you can not only buy whole melons, but also purchase a quarter of a melon for just 400 yen. If you want to taste Furano melon for a quick snack on the go, this is a perfect option.

Nakata Farm also offers an all-you-can-eat melon experience for 1,700 yen. You can enjoy as many melons as you want for 20 minutes. Don’t forget to make a reservation in advance!

INFORMATION

🕐 Hours: 9:00-17:00 (May to September)
🚗 By car: 13 minute ride from JR Furano Station
📍 Google Map 

For reservations, call or email the following:

☎️ +81-167-42-3502
📩 furano@nakatanouen.com
*For more information, check the official website. 

Here are the locations of the other farms that you will pass on the Melon Road.

No.1 - Yoshida Farm
No.2 - Oshima Farm
No.4 - Shimada Farm
No.5 - Yamazaki Farm

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