Winter Cabbage Tour

 Digging Up Extra-Sweet Overwintered Cabbage from Under the Snow

A special winter experience in Furano: dig up cabbage that has overwintered beneath the snow.

In the harsh cold of minus 20 degrees Celsius, enjoy harvesting cabbage that has been protected by snow and developed enhanced sweetness, followed by a warm pot-au-feu lunch.

Learn about the wisdom of winter farming in Hokkaido at Endo Farm.

Tour Overview

Season: Mid-December to End of February
Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours (10:00 - 12:30)
Price: ¥14,300 per person (tax included)

Optional Add-on: Handmade Ice Cream Experience - ¥3,300 per set (serves 2-4 people, tax included)

Age Requirement: 4 years and older
Minimum Participants: 3 people
Venue: Endo Farm (Nakafurano Town)
Reservation: Advance booking required


Experience Highlights

Learn the Secrets of Snow-Stored Vegetables

"Yukimuro storage" - the wisdom of our snow country ancestors. Learn directly from farmers how vegetables change under the snow and why they become sweeter.

Actual Harvesting Experience

Push through the snow and dig up the frozen ground. A winter farming experience you absolutely cannot have in the city. Taste the harvested cabbage on the spot.

Warm Lunch on the Snow

Enjoy pot-au-feu with handmade sausage from Kamifurano pork and warm lunch using overwintered vegetables from Endo Farm. Weather permitting, enjoy a snow picnic right in the field!


Schedule

10:00 Meet at Endo Farm

  • Introduction to Endo Farm and experience preparation

10:30 Cabbage Harvesting Experience

  • Taste the harvested cabbage

11:00 Let's go for Snow Picnic Lunch!
*In case of bad weather, lunch will be held indoors (Pension & Restaurant La Collina)

12:30 Dismissal

Optional: Ice Cream Making Experience (+30 minutes) *Advance booking required


What's Included

  • Overwintered cabbage harvesting experience
  • Tools needed for the experience (shovels, etc.)
  • Tasting of overwintered vegetables
  • Pot-au-feu lunch with overwintered cabbage (includes Kamifurano pork sausage)
  • Guide fee

Available Rentals

  • Winter boots
  • Waterproof vinyl gloves

Pricing

Per Person: ¥14,300 (tax included)

  • Same price for ages 4 and up
  • Please consult with us regarding preschool-aged children

Other Options

Winter Limited! Special Experience Only Possible with Natural Snow / Popular Option for Families with Children

"Handmade Ice Cream Experience"
¥3,300 per set (tax included) / serves 2-4 people

  • Experience duration: approximately 30 minutes
  • Made with Furano milk and Hokkaido-produced fresh cream
  • 1 set serves 2 or more adults - please consult with us regarding number of participants (we can adjust quantities based on number of children, etc.)

Required Clothing

  • Ski wear (jacket and pants)
  • Cold-weather gloves (waterproof)
  • Winter boots (snow boots, etc.)
  • Beanie, neck warmer

Recommended Items to Bring

  • Hand warmers
  • Sunglasses

*Please contact us when booking if you need rentals.


Venue

Endo Farm
Address: Tanaka Nojo, Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido 071-0714

Access (may vary due to snowfall)

  • Approximately 15 minutes by car from downtown Furano / Approximately 30 minutes from Kitanomine Resort Area
  • Approximately 20 minutes by car from JR Furano Station
  • Approximately 1.5 hours by car from Asahikawa City
  • Approximately 2.5 hours by car from Sapporo

Parking: Available (free)

Meeting Location Details: After your reservation is confirmed, we will send you a detailed map and meeting location by email.
*Please consult with us if you are concerned about driving on winter roads

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are snow-stored vegetables?

Snow-stored vegetables are vegetables that have been stored and overwintered beneath the snow. The snow acts as a natural refrigerator, and to prevent freezing, the vegetables increase their sugar content, becoming remarkably sweet. This is a natural blessing created by Hokkaido's harsh winter environment.

2. Can children participate?

Children aged 4 and older can participate. If you wish for preschool-aged children to participate, please consult with us in advance. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian.

3. I'm worried about the cold. How cold is it?

Winter in Furano can reach temperatures of -10°C to -20°C. We ask that you wear proper cold-weather clothing such as ski wear. Since you'll be moving your body during the experience, it feels less cold than you might expect. During lunchtime, you'll warm up with hot pot-au-feu.

4. Will the tour be held on snowy days?

The tour will be held during normal snowfall. However, it may be cancelled in case of blizzards or dangerous weather conditions. In case of cancellation, we will contact you the day before or on the morning of the tour. No cancellation fee will be charged.

5. How many days in advance do I need to book?

We request reservations at least 3 days in advance. However, if there is availability, we may be able to accommodate last-minute requests, so please inquire.

6. Are there cancellation fees?

  • Up to 3 days before the experience date: Free
  • 2 days before: 50% of the fee
  • 1 day before or day of: 100% of the fee
  • Due to food preparation, we charge the above cancellation fees. We appreciate your understanding.

    No cancellation fee will be charged in the following cases:

    • Cancellation due to poor weather conditions
    • Unable to arrive in Furano due to flight or public transportation delays/cancellations caused by weather
    • Unable to reschedule the experience date due to the above reasons

    Please contact us as soon as you know of any changes.

7. Can I take home the harvested cabbage?

Part of the cabbage dug up during the experience is for tasting. If you wish to purchase additional cabbage, please consult with the farmer on the day.

8. Is English support available?

Basic English guidance is available. Please let us know when making your reservation.

9. Can I add the ice cream experience option on the day of the tour?

Due to ingredient preparation, advance reservation is required. Depending on the weather and number of participants on the day, we may not be able to accommodate, so please apply when making your reservation.

10. Can I participate in just the ice cream making experience?

We apologize, but the ice cream experience is an optional add-on to the main tour, so it is not available as a standalone activity.

Important Notes for Participants

  • Minimum number of participants is 3 people
  • Minors must be accompanied by a guardian
  • This experience involves digging up cabbage buried deep under the snow. Low-cut athletic shoes or sneakers may allow snow to enter. Please prepare winter snow boots. If preparation is difficult, we can lend you winter boots. Please contact us.
  • Lunch location may be changed to indoors depending on weather (Pension & Restaurant La Collina)
  • Please inform us when booking if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions

Regarding Safety

  • International visitors must purchase travel insurance before participating. (Japanese domestic travel insurance is no longer available for non-residents.)
  • If you feel unwell, please do not push yourself and notify our staff
  • If you are concerned about driving on winter roads, we recommend using a taxi


Contact & Reservation Form

After submission, we will send you a reservation confirmation by email.