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The Furano Cheese Factory offers a hands-on look at local cheesemaking, tastings of unique Hokkaido dairy products, and family-friendly workshops in the Furano countryside.

A group of people stands outside a modern building with large windows and a triangular roof. The sign above the entrance reads Nara Cheese Factory in Japanese, reminiscent of the iconic Furano Cheese Factory. Trees are reflected in the glass.

A Taste of Hokkaido Dairy

Hokkaido is known across Japan for its high-quality dairy, and the Furano Cheese Factory is one of the best places to sample it. Nestled in rolling farmland just outside Furano town, the factory welcomes visitors with a mix of learning, tasting, and casual dining.

We stopped here toward the end of our Furano trip, and it turned out to be the perfect way to savor the region’s flavors one last time.

What to Expect at Furano Cheese Factory

Two smiling children kneel beside a life-sized black and white cow statue indoors at the Furano Cheese Factory, pretending to milk it. Various milk cans and buckets are displayed nearby on wooden platforms.

Watch Cheesemaking in Action

Inside the factory, large windows let you see cheesemakers at work. Displays explain each step of the process, from fresh local milk to finished cheese. It’s both informative and fun, especially for kids.

Sample Local Cheese and Dairy Products

Three pizza crusts are displayed on a counter, each topped with different cut ingredients for sampling. The setup, featuring Japanese and English labels, showcases offerings from the Furano Cheese Factory in an inviting food display.

The shop offers tastings of Furano cheese varieties, each made with locally sourced milk. One of the most memorable was the squid ink cheese, smooth in texture with a distinctive flavor we had never tried before. You can also purchase cheese, butter, and other dairy treats to take home.

Join a Workshop (Reservations Required)

The factory hosts beginner-friendly workshops that let you try making your own cheese, butter, ice cream, or bread. These sessions require an advance booking but are suitable for all ages and add an interactive element to the visit.

Enjoy Pizza and Soft Serve

Next to the factory, a small pizzeria serves wood-fired pizzas topped with mozzarella made on-site. There’s also a soft-serve stand offering rich, creamy ice cream.

How to Get to Furano Cheese Factory (富良野チーズ工房)

By Train and Taxi

From JR Furano Station, it takes about 10 minutes by taxi or car.

By Bicycle

In summer, rental bikes are available near Furano Station. The ride takes about 20 to 30 minutes on mostly flat roads.

Pro Tip: Time your visit around lunch to enjoy the on-site pizza and soft serve after the factory viewing.

Is Furano Cheese Factory Worth Visiting?

A metal rack holds multiple trays stacked with blocks of cheese at the Furano Cheese Factory, inside a clean, stainless steel processing room with equipment and plastic bins visible in the background.

The Furano Cheese Factory is a relaxed and family-friendly stop that showcases Hokkaido’s dairy culture. Between the factory viewing, hands-on workshops, tastings, and casual dining, it offers something for everyone. For us, it was an easygoing way to wrap up our time in Furano and enjoy one more local flavor before heading out.

More to Explore Nearby

Once you’ve finished your cheese and ice cream, you’re just a short drive from other Furano highlights:

  • Ningle Terrace – A charming forest walkway lined with artisan shops in fairy-tale log cabins.
  • New Furano Prince Hotel – A family-friendly resort with seasonal activities and easy access to Ningle Terrace.
  • Farm Tomita – Hokkaido’s most famous lavender farm, known for its colorful flower fields and lavender soft serve.
  • Shikisai no Oka – A vast hillside garden in nearby Biei, where multicolored flower rows stretch across the slopes.

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