Ningle Terrace is a charming craft village nestled in a forest in Furano, Hokkaido. Small log cabins are scattered among the trees, connected by wooden walkways that invite visitors to wander from one workshop and shop to the next.
Each cabin is filled with unique handmade creations inspired by nature, including woodcraft, glasswork, candles, and other artistic pieces. In some workshops, visitors can even watch the craftspeople at work, giving the village a particularly personal and authentic atmosphere.
Ningle Terrace was produced by renowned Japanese writer Sō Kuramoto. The name “Ningle” comes from Kuramoto’s stage work Ningle, in which a ningle is a small forest dweller said to live in the forests of Hokkaido. Described as a “wise person of the forest,” the character is only about 15 centimeters tall and embodies the mysterious spirit of nature.
Opened in 1995 under the direction of Sō Kuramoto, Ningle Terrace was designed to create a harmonious relationship between art, architecture, and the surrounding natural environment. Its secluded setting among the trees gives it the feeling of a small woodland settlement rather than an ordinary shopping area.
The atmosphere is also closely associated with the popularity of the television drama From the North Country, which was set in Furano. The area’s rustic architecture and natural surroundings evoke the quiet, nostalgic character of Furano and have helped make Ningle Terrace a popular destination for visitors.
The individual log cabins each have their own character and theme. Local artists create and sell a wide variety of handmade items, including wooden crafts, glasswork, candles, and nature-inspired artwork. Because many of the products are individually made, visitors can discover pieces that feel distinctly different from mass-produced souvenirs.
Some workshops also offer hands-on experiences where visitors can make their own original crafts. These activities provide an opportunity not only to purchase a souvenir, but also to take home something connected to the experience of visiting Furano.
Ningle Terrace is especially enchanting in the evening. The small log cabins are illuminated among the trees, creating a warm and almost storybook-like atmosphere. Wooden paths winding through the forest become part of the experience, with the lights of the individual shops glowing against the surrounding darkness.
Winter brings another dimension to the landscape. Snow covers the forest and wooden walkways in white, while the illuminated cabins stand out beautifully against the snowy scenery. The combination of snow, trees, warm lights, and rustic architecture makes Ningle Terrace a favorite setting for photography.
The appeal of Ningle Terrace changes throughout the year. In the warmer months, visitors can enjoy the fresh greenery and peaceful forest atmosphere while exploring the craft shops. In autumn, the surrounding trees add vivid seasonal colors, while winter transforms the village into a quiet world of snow and light.
Seasonal events are also held throughout the year. During the Christmas season, special illuminations create an even more festive atmosphere. Craft workshops and live performances by local artists may also add to the experience, making Ningle Terrace more than simply a place to shop.
Ningle Terrace is located within the New Furano Prince Hotel grounds, making it easy to combine with other Furano attractions and activities. The surrounding area includes Furano Ski Resort and other places where visitors can enjoy the region’s distinctive mountain and countryside scenery.
For international travelers, Ningle Terrace offers a gentle introduction to the creative culture of Furano. Rather than simply viewing traditional crafts in a museum, visitors can walk through a living forest setting, meet the atmosphere created by local artists, and discover handmade objects one cabin at a time.
Ningle Terrace brings together nature, craftsmanship, art, and the imaginative world created by Sō Kuramoto. Its small log cabins, handmade crafts, forest paths, and beautiful evening illuminations make it an especially memorable place to visit in Furano. Whether exploring during the green season or walking through the snow-covered village in winter, visitors can enjoy a distinctly different side of Hokkaido—quiet, creative, and deeply connected to the surrounding forest.
12:00 - 20:45
Opening hours differ for each store.
Unscheduled holidays depending on each store
Free admission