Shin-Furano Prince Hotel (located in Nakagoryo, Furano, Hokkaido; General Manager: Yuji Iga) is undergoing a renovation project starting in May 2026, with completion targeted for late November 2026. The work covers three main areas: a renovation of the Main Banquet Hall (buffet venue), the creation of a new outdoor terrace, and construction of a new corridor connecting the accommodation building to Furano Onsen Shisai no Yu.
Located in Furano in central Hokkaido and surrounded by lush forests and sweeping mountain scenery, the hotel forms the core of the Prince Grand Resort Furano. The resort encompasses the Furano Ski Resort, Furano Golf Course, Ningle Terrace, Soh's BAR, Le Gaulois Furano, and other facilities, offering year-round experiences unique to the region.
Main Renovation Highlights
1. Main Banquet Hall Renovation: A Brighter, More Open Space
The Main Banquet Hall is the largest event venue at Shin-Furano Prince Hotel. Currently located in the basement, it serves as a buffet dining space offering over 50 dishes at breakfast and dinner. New wall openings will be added to let natural light flow in, transforming the space into a brighter and more open environment. The layout will also be refreshed, with new sofa seating overlooking the terrace and table seating that accommodates up to 16 guests.
The renovated hall is intended to broaden the range of uses, from MICE events and large international conferences to weddings and banquets, as Furano gains growing attention as an international destination.
2. New Outdoor Terrace: A Year-Round Gathering Space
A new outdoor terrace measuring 30 by 14 meters will be built adjacent to the Main Banquet Hall, connected to the front lobby by a grand staircase. The terrace will be open not only to hotel guests but also to visitors from the local community. Fire pits and table seating will be installed, catering to après-ski gatherings after a day on the slopes and nighttime social activities. Seasonal events such as stargazing evenings, BBQ nights, and beer garden events are also planned throughout the year.
3. New Pathway to Furano Onsen Shisai no Yu: Shorter and More Accessible
Furano Onsen Shisai no Yu is a hot spring facility popular with guests after skiing, golfing, or other outdoor activities. It features outdoor baths with views of the Tokachi mountain range and spacious indoor baths. However, the existing route from the accommodation building required passing through the front lobby and a shop and involved multiple sets of stairs, making the journey less convenient for some guests.
A new dedicated corridor will cut the distance in half and significantly reduce the number of stairs, improving accessibility for guests of all ages and mobility levels. The new passage will also feature glass walls on one side, allowing guests to enjoy views of the Furano landscape while walking to the hot spring.
| Route | Distance | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Existing route | 240 m | 3 min 30 sec |
| New route | 120 m | 1 min 40 sec |
Resort History and Upcoming Developments
The Prince Grand Resort Furano has expanded steadily since the ski resort first opened in 1972. Looking ahead, a whisky distillery (Furanoshi Distillery, operated by Karuizawa Distillery) is scheduled to open approximately a 7-minute walk from the hotel in fiscal year 2028.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1972 | Furano Ski Resort opens |
| 1974 | Furano Prince Hotel opens |
| 1988 | Shin-Furano Prince Hotel opens |
| 1995 | Ningle Terrace opens |
| 2001 | Furano Golf Course opens |
| 2003 | Soh's BAR opens |
| 2005 | Kohii Mori no Tokei (Coffee Forest Clock) opens |
| 2009 | Kaze no Garden opens |
| 2012 | Furano Drama Hall opens |
| 2018 | Le Gaulois Furano opens |
| Late November 2026 | Main Banquet Hall renovated, new terrace added, new onsen pathway opens |
| FY2028 | Furanoshi Distillery scheduled to open |
Official Website: Shin-Furano Prince Hotel
Details are as of May 2026 and subject to change.
