Furano City Visitor Etiquette Guide
Welcome to Furano!
To help you better understand Japanese customs, culture, and national character—and to ensure a comfortable, worry-free trip in Hokkaido and Furano—we would like to introduce an etiquette guide for international visitors produced by the Hokkaido Tourism Organization.
Most travelers research Japanese culture before their trip and think about how to communicate with local residents, allowing them to enjoy their journey without trouble. However, there are occasional cases in Furano where visitors engage in behavior that inconveniences locals, such as “walking in the middle of the roadway” or “rolling suitcases and speaking loudly late at night or early in the morning.”
To prevent such actions—often harmless at home—from causing friction with residents and spoiling your trip, and to ensure that locals can continue to feel genuinely welcoming toward visitors, the Hokkaido Tourism Organization has compiled key etiquette points into a booklet. Please take a moment to read it and enjoy an even more pleasant stay in Furano.
You can download the booklet here.
For a Pleasant Stay for Everyone
Introduction
Furano is renowned for its stunning natural scenery, four distinct seasons, and warm-hearted residents. To ensure overseas guests enjoy a comfortable and worry-free visit, we have compiled essential etiquette and rules for your time in Furano. We hope this guide helps you understand Japanese customs better and create wonderful memories.
1. General Mindset
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
o Keep voices down in public: Be mindful of your volume.
o Queue politely: Whether for buses, shops, or restrooms, respect the line.
o Show appreciation: A small bow or a simple “Arigatō” (“Thank you”) is highly valued.
2. Public Transport Etiquette
o No phone calls on board: Switch your phone to silent/vibrate mode.
o Offer seats: Give up your seat to the elderly, pregnant, or disabled passengers.
o Place luggage properly: Use overhead racks or keep it at your feet, not on seats.
3. Eating & Drinking
o Avoid eating while walking: Even in tourist areas, it is generally frowned upon.
o Take your trash with you: Bins are scarce; please carry your litter.
o Keep voices low in restaurants: Enjoy conversation quietly.
4. Accommodation Etiquette
o Remove shoes indoors: At inns or B&Bs, change to slippers at the entrance.
o Bathhouse manners: Wash thoroughly before entering the communal bath.
o Stay quiet at night: Especially after 10 p.m., keep noise to a minimum.
5. Furano-Specific Etiquette
o Do not enter lavender fields: Take photos from designated paths only.
o No trespassing on farmland: Respect farmers’ property.
o Walk carefully on snowy roads: Winter surfaces are slippery.
6. Consideration for Residents
o Don’t walk in the middle of the road: It is dangerous and blocks traffic. Use sidewalks when available.
o Mind suitcase noise: Early-morning or late-night rolling suitcases echo in residential areas—move quietly.
o Keep late-night conversations low: Loud voices disturb neighbors.
7. Disasters & Emergencies
o Know the evacuation area: Check with your accommodation upon arrival.
o Emergency contacts
Fire/Ambulance: 119
Police: 110
Furano Tourist Information: +81-167-23-3388
8. FAQ
Q: Can I use English or Chinese?
A: Some major facilities can assist, but simple Japanese phrases or a translation app are recommended.
Q: Do I need to tip?
A: Tipping is not customary in Japan; pay the listed price.
https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/lsc/upfile/document/0000/0019/19_2_file.pdf