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Furano Melon (富良野メロン) – Hokkaido’s Sweet Summer Treat

by Shen Chen (Mr. JOC) on May 25, 2025
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Juicy, fragrant, and bursting with flavor, Furano Melons are a seasonal highlight of Hokkaido and a must-try indulgence for summer travelers.

Yellow plastic crates filled with freshly harvested Furano Melon cantaloupes with stems attached, stacked outdoors near a forklift on a farm.

What Makes Furano Melons Special

When most people think of Furano, they picture the rolling flower fields and mountain scenery. But summer brings another local treasure: Furano Melons. Grown in the region’s volcanic soil and cool climate, these muskmelons are prized for their sweetness and smooth texture.

While not as famous—or as expensive—as the Yubari King Melon, Furano Melons hold their own with a high sugar content. The result is a fruit that tastes as sweet as candy, perfect for eating fresh or enjoying in desserts around Hokkaido.

Quick Facts

Boxes of Furano Melon cantaloupes with stems attached, each fruit wrapped in a white protective net and labeled with colorful tags, displayed for sale at a market.

Varieties: Red, orange, and green-fleshed melons
Flavor: Sweet, juicy, and highly fragrant
Price: Around ¥2,500–¥3,500 each, more affordable than Yubari melons

Buying a Furano Melon

A small, simple shop with a red roof and an open garage-style door displays banners and vending machines outside. Inside, various goods and a refrigerator are visible—perhaps even some famous Furano Melon. Trees and blue sky form the backdrop.

We stopped at Sato Farm (佐藤農園), a small roadside shop just outside central Furano. The farmer welcomed us with slices of fresh melon, and after tasting them, we couldn’t resist buying a few to take home as souvenirs.

We carefully packed the melons and carried them back to Yokohama, where they became a sweet surprise for Nami’s family.

How to Get to Sato Farm and Other Melon Shops

Sato Farm (佐藤農園) sits south of central Furano. It is about 10 minutes by car from JR Furano Station.

By Car

From JR Furano Station The drive takes about 10 minutes. Head south from the station on Route 38. After a few minutes, you will see roadside farm stands selling melons. Sato Farm is located just off this road.

Pro Tip: Go in the morning for the best selection. Weekends can sell out by early afternoon.

Is a Furano Melon Worth Buying?

Two smiling children stand close together in front of a market stall with boxes of produce, including Furano Melon. The boy wears a red t-shirt and the girl, in a green shirt with a palm tree pattern, has her arm around his shoulders.

Enjoying a Furano Melon was one of those simple pleasures that made our Hokkaido trip more memorable. The price might seem high, but the flavor is outstanding, and buying directly from a local farm adds to the experience.

Sharing the melon with family back home turned it into a lasting memory!