#3- Minamifurano 南ふらの

The first Michi no Eki I visited, and the one I visit most often is Minamifurano, because it's close to my house. This is the Michi no Eki in my town!

The design is intended to resemble an overturned canoe.

Contact Info:
Address: 空知郡南富良野町字幾寅687番地  Sorachi-gun, Minamifurano-cho, Aza Ikutora 687 banchi 
Telephone: (0167)52-2100
Closings: December 31- January 2. There is a possibility of extra closings in the fall.
Hours:
             June~September: 9:00 am ~ 7:00 pm
             October~May: 9:00 am ~ 5:00 pm

Minamifurano's country sign

Minamifurano's stamp

Michi no Eki official site facility guide:
Parking: Space for 74 cars and 10 buses
Restaurant: Yes. The Mori no Panya bakery is also across the parking lot.
Crib/place to put your baby: Yes
Campsite: No
Interactive facilities: No
Toilet: 6 stalls and 14 urinals in the men's, 10 stalls in the women's. Some restrooms are located outside, so there is access even when the building is closed.
Coffee: No
Observation Deck: No
Gas Station: No
Electric Car Charging Station: No
Handicapped Parking/Toilets: 2 spaces and 1 toilet stall
Rest Area: Yes
Museum/Art Gallery: No
Place to Shower: No
Credit Card: No
Bidet Toilets: Yes
Information: Yes
Hot Spring Bath: No
Fax: No
Dog Run: Yes
Telephone: Yes
AED: Yes
Sports Facilities: No
Internet: No
Shop: Yes
Park: Yes
Hotel: No
Post Office: Yes

Stuff to do:
1. Shop

There is a shop area to the left as you enter the building. They focus on products made by locals, such as cookies and desserts from the nearby Ningle Cafe, handmade pottery, and tomato juice. There is also a large selection of boxed souvenir foods, with a focus on lavender, potatoes, cheese, and wine. Lavender-scented products, pressed dried flowers, wood carvings, and pictures of famous scenery in the area are also available.

2. Restaurant

The restaurant was closed when I went last. They have set lunches, curry, and noodle dishes if I remember correctly, and the prices are not very steep. The restaurant is to the right as you enter.

3. Itou

Itou is a famous species of fish related to salmon. They are apparently rare, but can be found in the waters of Lake Kanayama. As you enter, you will notice a large fish tank on one wall. Live itou are kept there, and there is information about them posted nearby.

4. Bears

A species of brown bear called higuma lives in Hokkaido, and they are occasionally seen in Minamifurano. There are several taxidermied bears in the entry hall of the Michi no Eki, which makes for a nice photo opportunity.

5. Outdoors

In the summer, several local businesses set up outdoor stalls at the Michi no Eki. Prepared food, with a focus on local soba, deer meat, and various berries is served. You can also buy fresh produce, and of course lavender soft-serve ice cream. 

Lavender also blooms from June to July outside the Michi no Eki, so you can walk in the small park to see the purple flowers.