The Garden of Wind, or Kaze no Garden, is a beautifully designed English-style garden located on the expansive grounds of the New Furano Prince Hotel. It gained significant recognition as a filming location for a popular Japanese TV drama, which adds a layer of appeal for fans. The garden is known for its diverse collection of flowers and plants, with some sources mentioning over 450 varieties, creating a picturesque and tranquil environment.
Visitors consistently praise the garden's serene atmosphere and its well-maintained appearance. Many find it to be a peaceful spot for a leisurely stroll, appreciating the thoughtful planting and the sense of being immersed in nature. Reviewers often highlight the beauty of the blooming flowers, particularly during the right season, and the overall tranquility it offers. However, some visitors, especially those unfamiliar with the TV drama, found the garden to be smaller than expected or less spectacular compared to the vast flower fields elsewhere in Furano.
To make the most of your visit, consider spending about 1-2 hours here. The garden is best enjoyed during daylight hours when the flowers are in full bloom; some visitors noted that evening illuminations were not as impressive as the daytime views. It's highly recommended to bring insect repellent, as several reviewers mentioned encountering blood-sucking bugs, especially in the evening. If you are a fan of the TV drama, allow extra time to soak in the atmosphere and recognize filming spots. Those expecting vast, sprawling flower fields might be better served by other attractions in Furano.
Accessing the Garden of Wind requires a bit of planning. It's located deep within the New Furano Prince Hotel grounds. From Furano Station, you can take a local bus (such as the Lavender Bus) to the New Furano Prince Hotel, which takes approximately 20-25 minutes and costs around 250 yen. Once at the hotel, you must take a dedicated shuttle van to the garden itself, as it's too far to walk comfortably. This shuttle service typically costs around 500-700 yen, which often includes the garden entrance fee. Be aware that bus frequencies to the hotel can be hourly, and the last bus from the hotel can depart as early as 4:30 PM, so plan your return journey carefully.
A common complaint is the perceived high cost for what some consider a relatively small garden, especially for those who haven't seen the TV drama. To mitigate this, consider combining your visit with other activities at the New Furano Prince Hotel, such as the Ningle Terrace or the Ropeway, to make the journey more worthwhile. Also, manage expectations regarding size; this is an intimate garden, not a large-scale flower farm.
