Furano in Hokkaido, Japan is fast growing in popularity as a must-visit destination in Japan. There are many accommodation options, such as Fenix Furano, to choose from. This review of Fenix Furano offers insight into the various aspects of the accommodation that we believe travellers consider important when making decisions on where to stay.
We hope this review provides travellers with the necessary information they need to make informed accommodation choices. The opinions expressed are our own.
Fenix Furano
Fenix Furano is a newly built hotel/apartment condominium accommodation in Furano. It is perched on the hill with views of Furano city and the Tokachi mountain range, and located directly opposite the Kitanome Gondola of the Furano ski resort. The property comprises both hotel-style rooms and apartments ranging from 1 bedroom to 3 bedroom penthouses. There are 62 rooms in total, a restaurant and a snowsports equipment shop.
Our Review
- Number of Travellers: 2 adults
- Number of Days: 3 days, 2 nights
- Period of Stay: Late August (Late Summer)
- Room Type: 1 Bedroom Premier Apartment
- Travel Style: By Car
- Travel Duration: 4 hours from Niseko, Hokkaido
The Vibe
Modern and Homely
Who does it suit
This is a great option for couples, solo travellers, families and groups of friends on a holiday who want a modern yet comfortable “home away from home” type accommodation. The apartments are designed in a western style and allow for bigger groups or families to gather together, which is usually not possible in standard Japanese style accommodations. It will particularly suit those who travel to Furano without their own vehicle due to its central location. The close proximity to convenience stores, restaurants and the ski resort makes it very convenient.
Who it doesn’t suit
This accommodation will be less suitable for those who are looking for a long-stay or workacation place. Whilst the apartments are well-equipped with amenities, there is not much of an open area nor any wardrobe space. This will make it hard to feel settled and over a long period of time, the apartment may feel confined and cramped. A solution is to book a bigger room type, of course. However, our review is based on the number of people advertised for the room.
The Room
The one bedroom apartment features a kitchen, sitting area, bedroom and bathroom. It has light coloured wood-design finishings, which brighten up the apartment and create a warm and cosy feeling. The room was kept at a pleasant temperature with air conditioning circulating the air.
You will find a long and comfortable couch in the sitting area where you can enjoy the modern TV from. For the kitchen, it is a decent size for 2 people and there is a long counter-style bench with 6 seats for your meals. The couch and bench area, however, do take up a lot of space. We presume this is because the apartment was intended to allow for groups to gather. So take note as you move around to avoid bumping into the furniture.
The bedroom is Japanese styled with its sliding shoji doors – a traditional Japanese architectural design where translucent paper is fitted onto a wooden lattice frame. This elegant touch creates a calm “zen” feeling for a good night’s sleep. The beds and bedding were extremely cosy and soft, which made sleeping a dream. However, we did have to sleep individually as the double bed had a defined split down the middle from the combination of the single beds.
A real highlight of the apartment is the balcony. It is rare to find accommodation with a private balcony, table and chairs in Furano, or Japan actually. So be sure to use it and enjoy the fresh air and some Furano wine and cheese.
The View
The rooms will have either a ski resort view or city view. Unless you are on the top floor, a ski resort view will have you facing the ski lift building. If you get the chance, request for a city view room. This way you will be able to see Furano city as well as the Tokachi mountain range.
Amenities
All the expected standard amenities of a stay such as bathroom amenities, slippers, coffee and tea are provided. Deserving particular mention are the high quality slippers as well as the offering of Nespresso coffee.
The kitchen is well-equipped with all the utensils and kitchenware that you need for cooking during a short stay. There is also an IH stovetop, oven, large fridge/freezer, washing machine and other appliances. Cleaning products are also provided which is useful. The bathroom has a great rain shower head with the water coming down strongly. Take care not to get water everywhere as the shower screen is on the short side.
The Welcome
As you enter the building, there is a mystical sensation created by the high ceilings, artwork and artistic light features. You will be greeted by one of the polite staff when approaching the check-in desk. They will take your temperature and ask you to complete a COVID-related form. You will receive information about your stay and your room keys. The check-in process is smooth and efficient.
If you drive a car, there is a small car park next to the building and an overflow car park 100m away.
Food and Drink
Complimentary breakfast is provided for all guests in the restaurant on the ground floor. Due to Covid-19, the meal is served in a bento box style.
The restaurant is privately owned and run by a local couple so check with them directly for opening hours. It also has a small bar if you fancy a drink in the evening.
Activities
There are no in-house activities provided by Fenix Furano. They do however recommend activities provided by third parties and there is a snowsports rental shop on the ground floor that is open during the winter.
Staff
The staff are friendly and happy to assist with any questions that you have, including recommendations for local restaurants to try in the city area.
Fenix Furano is a great accommodation for holiday makers who are looking for a comfortable place to come back to after a day out exploring Furano and the surrounding areas. It has everything you need and the peaceful ambience of the room sets up the perfect environment for you to throw off your shoes, sit back and completely relax. We could very easily have extended our 2 night, 3 day stay for an extra day or two. The 2 night stay seemed too short!
Overall, the stay was very relaxing and enjoyable, and is an accommodation we would definitely recommend to travellers visiting Furano any time of the year.
Our Rating
Photos of Fenix Furano
If you would like more information about Fenix Furano or wish to make a booking, please get in touch with the Hokkaido Ski Club team via our Contact Us page or at [email protected].
