The essential dishes to try in Hokkaido

If you’ve already conquered the slopes of Niseko, the lesser-skied corner of Furano in Hokkaido’s Powder Belt offers a more laid-back alternative, with plenty of delicious reasons to keep you going back. Why not make time for the best dishes to try in Furano while you’re there? Here are Hokkaido’s regional specialities to know: 

1. Soup curry 

Hearty and packed with vegetables, the island’s famous soup curry is the perfect remedy for its frigid climate. For an extra dash of umami, choose prawn as your soup base. Furanoya is widely considered the best in Furano. 

Furanoya, 1-46 Yayoi-cho, Furano-shi, Hokkaido 

2. Dairy

Hokkaido cows produce the country’s richest milk. It’s second to none – and it truly shines when used to make desserts, including soft serve, cheesecake and other sweet treats at Furano Délice . Also, don’t miss Happa Gelato ’s line-up of seasonal flavours. 

3.  Jingisukan

This lamb and mutton barbecue is curiously named after the Mongolian warrior-ruler Genghis Khan even though he had no hand in creating this dish. At Furano Tanijin , diners can enjoy a fun tableside grill experience. 

4.  Wine 

Sub-zero temperatures make vine management a tricky business, but that hasn’t stopped Hokkaido from emerging as one of Japan’s leading wine regions. In Kamifurano, the tiny Tada Winery makes European-style wines such as pinot noir, chardonnay and merlot using wild yeast.