Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Discover a unique filming location in Furano where creativity, sustainability, and storytelling come together. These remarkable houses transform discarded objects into spaces filled with warmth and meaning.

In the heart of Furano, amid crisp air and quiet landscapes, stands a collection of extraordinary houses unlike anywhere else in Japan. Built from recycled materials, they reflect the spirit of Goro, the protagonist of “Kita no Kuni kara” (From the Northern Country), one of Japan’s most beloved television dramas portraying life in Hokkaido.

This site gives new life to objects once meant for other purposes. Truck beds and ski-resort gondolas are seamlessly integrated into walls and living spaces, while soft light filters through whiskey bottles, gently illuminating the interiors. Even the entrance, made from a repurposed telephone booth, leaves a lasting impression.

Inside, paper egg cartons form an unexpected ceiling, used as insulation. In another house, created by cutting a bus in half for the characters Jun and Yui, the rear seats have been transformed into a cozy sofa, suggesting the comfort of simple daily life. Each detail showcases inventive reuse and thoughtful craftsmanship.

Though the site conveys a quiet message about mass consumption, it feels warm rather than heavy. Filled with Goro’s kindness and playfulness, the space invites visitors to slow down, reflect, and reconnect. More than a filming location, the Recycled Houses offer a glimpse into a mindful way of life—one that may change how you see the future.