At a glance
Explore the iconic Goro's Stone House in Furano, a faithful reproduction of the stone dwelling featured in the beloved TV drama "From the Northern Country." This cultural landmark offers visitors an authentic glimpse into rural Hokkaido life, complete with a traditional windmill and dramatic hillside setting.
Photographs
Goros Stone House
Goro's Stone House, a cherished filming location from the beloved TV drama "From the Northern Country," stands as a testament to traditional Hokkaido architecture. The ecological house, constructed from locally sourced stones from Furano's volcanic fields, represents the first home of the Kurosaka family in the series and features authentic period details including the iconic windmill.
The house is celebrated for its distinctive stone architecture, blending seamlessly with Furano's natural landscape. Its significance extends beyond architectural beauty, representing rural Japanese life as depicted in the drama, making it a historical and cultural landmark. As a symbol of the show's spirit, the house showcases the rustic beauty and tranquility of Japan’s northern landscapes. Visitors are drawn to its picturesque setting and nostalgic atmosphere, providing a tangible link to the beloved series.
Visitors can explore both the exterior and interior of this meticulously preserved structure, which sits atop a scenic hill requiring a short 200-300 meter climb. While the house maintains its dramatic authenticity, including gaps in the walls and minimal insulation, it offers an immersive glimpse into the world of the famous series. Inside, various exhibits showcase memorabilia from the show, including Goro's signature jacket with blackboard embroidery.
One notable structure, the Recycled House, was awarded as one of the top 100 ecological architectural structures in the world in 2010, supervised by the Public Style Institute (RIPS) at Ritsumeikan University. This ingeniously designed house embodies the concept of "mottainai," a Japanese term promoting ecological ideas that breathe new life into old items through recycling.
The site also includes Goro's grave, where fans can pay their respects and leave flowers. Located near the Furano Jam Garden, the stone house is part of a trio of drama-related sites that visitors can explore. Note that the facility closes during winter months from late November to mid-April due to harsh weather conditions.
Before you go
Note that the facility is closed during the winter months, typically from late November to mid-April, due to harsh weather conditions. As the exact closure dates may vary each year, it's best to avoid planning your visit close to these periods to prevent any inconvenience.
Open hours change depending on season. From April to September, the facility is open daily from 9:00 to 18:00. From October to November, it operated daily from 9:30 to 17:00. The facility is closed during the winter season.
When to go
The stone house is most picturesque during Hokkaido's vibrant autumn when the surrounding trees burst into red and gold hues. The location is open from mid-April through late November, with summer bringing enchanting firefly displays near the property. Early morning visits offer the best photography opportunities with soft light illuminating the rustic stone walls. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter, allowing for a more contemplative experience exploring this iconic drama location.
Public review summary
Fans of the TV drama From the Northern Country feel deep emotional connections during their visits, often describing it as a sacred place that brings back cherished memories. The stone houses authentic atmosphere and well-maintained windmill create powerful nostalgic experiences. Some visitors note the seasonal bug issues and relatively high admission fees for multiple buildings. The remote hillside location requires a short uphill walk that may challenge some visitors.
What you'll find here
Location & access
- DirectionsAddress
Higashirokugo, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0162, Japan
- How to get there
By Public Transport: From JR Furano Station, it's approximately a 45-minute ride to Rokugo. From there, it's about a 40-minute walk.
By Car: About 60 minutes from Shimukappu IC on the Doto Expressway.
Common questions
What makes Goro's Stone House special in Furano?
This is a reproduction building from the popular TV drama 'From the Northern Country'. It's an ecological house made from stones excavated from Furano's volcanic fields. The site includes the iconic stone house, a windmill, and various exhibits from the drama series.
Is there parking available at Goro's Stone House?
Yes, there is a dedicated parking lot that can accommodate 100 passenger cars. Note that the stone house itself is located about 200-300 meters up a hill from the parking area.
What's the admission fee to visit Goro's Stone House?
The admission fee is 500 yen for Goro's Stone House alone. Visitors can also purchase a combined ticket for 1,200 yen which includes access to all three related facilities including the Recycled House and Goro Log Cabin.
When is Goro's Stone House closed?
The site closes annually for winter from late November to mid-April. For the 2024-2025 season, it will be closed from November 25, 2024, to approximately April 13, 2025.
What can visitors see inside the stone house?
Inside the house, visitors can view various drama-related exhibits and authentic set pieces, including Goro's jacket with blackboard embroidery. The house structure itself shows its rustic construction with visible gaps in the walls and minimal insulation.
Bring this spot to life with a local photographer
Book a vetted local photographer who knows the best light, angles, and timing for this location.