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July 18, 2023
Two-Day Exclusive: Chef Seraravard Hashimoto's Furano Special Dining at "THE OUTDOOR LIVING IN FURANO" | TRAVEL
TRAVEL | THE OUTDOOR LIVING IN FURANO
Breathe in the scent of the earth, feel the wind on your skin, and gaze upon magnificent views while savoring local ingredients and entertainment. This autumn, in September, "THE OUTDOOR LIVING IN FURANO" offers such a luxurious experience in Furano, Hokkaido. The venue is the summit of the Furano Ski Resort. The normally closed ski resort summit in September will be specially opened for this event, offering a panoramic vista of the Furano Basin and the Daisetsuzan mountain range, including Mount Tokachi.
Text by IJICHI Yasutake
The organizer of this event is Furano Bus Co., Ltd. The planning and production are handled by EXE International Inc., a Tokyo-based event planning company that has orchestrated numerous exclusive parties for luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Baccarat, and Hermès since 1990. Why would a company that has achieved success in client businesses plan a special dining event in Furano?
The key to a successful party lies in meticulous attention to detail and providing surprises and hospitality from the guest's perspective. Our profession is to bring smiles and dreams to our guests. By leveraging the knowledge, experience, and relationships cultivated over more than 30 years in client businesses, we aim to connect products, experiences, and people to create "memorable scenery." Expressing this concept in a form different from client work allows us to foster enriched lifestyles and create new smiles.
This is actually the second time for this event. The first was held in Furano last year, 2022, under the title "THE CONNECT TABLE." Mr. Yuzuru Hayashi, the representative of EXE International, comes from a political family. His great-uncle, Michitoshi Iwamura, served as the first Governor of Hokkaido Prefecture, indicating a connection to Hokkaido. Upon his first visit to Asahikawa, he was inspired by the vast natural scenery, the sound of the wind, the calls of birds and insects, and the warmth of the local people. This, combined with coincidental timing and connections, such as meeting the Mayor of Furano and the 50th anniversary of Furano Wine, led to the decision to hold the event in Furano. Following the success of the first event, this year's event is supported by the Japan Tourism Agency's "Transportation Collaboration Project (Revitalization and High Value-Added Enhancement of Tourism Destinations and Industries through Regional Collaboration)" and aims to foster regional revitalization by promoting collaboration between the tourism and agricultural industries, enhancing Furano's appeal and image, and expanding its recognition.
At the summit, surrounded by Mount Tokachi, Mount Furano, and Mount Biei, guests will enjoy a special dining experience themed around Furano's nature. Chef Koichi Hashimoto of "Seraravard," a modern gastronomy restaurant in Yoyogi-Uehara, Tokyo, has been invited. After training at "EL BULLI," renowned as the world's most difficult restaurant to book, and serving as head chef at the "Mandarin Oriental Hotel's" Tapas Molecular Bar, Chef Hashimoto opened "Seraravard" in January 2015 as the culmination of his career. With a concept of "a restaurant where you can casually enjoy delicious food," he focuses on ingredients meticulously crafted by producers, creating modern and creative cuisine. Furthermore, Chef Hashimoto will collaborate with Chef Takayuki Nagayasu of "Furano French" and Executive Chef Moriya Ogawa of "New Furano Prince Hotel." This will undoubtedly be an epoch-making special course that maximizes the potential of Furano's finest seasonal ingredients.
Chef Hashimoto's dishes, with their delicate and original presentations, are visually striking. However, they are underpinned by his deep appreciation for Japan's nature and seasons. Each plate's presentation is designed to evoke nature, and he makes an effort to visit producers across Japan to select ingredients. He observes their environment, understands their passion, and carefully selects them. It will be exciting to see how Chef Hashimoto draws out the potential of the ingredients he has personally selected from Furano's farms, ranches, and workshops.
The special dining experience includes not only exquisite cuisine but also entertainment such as piano performances and contemporary dance to enhance the festive atmosphere amidst the stunning scenery, as well as taiko drumming by the Furano Yae Daiko Preservation Society. It is said that the founder of this taiko group was the late father of the owner of "Okano Farm," which Chef Hashimoto visited, highlighting another connection. Before the meal, guests can also enjoy experiences such as grape harvesting at Furano City's vineyards and creating original wine bottles. Indeed, "THE OUTDOOR LIVING IN FURANO" is a culmination that connects Furano's products, experiences, and people, maximizing and concentrating its charm.
Mr. Hayashi of EXE International states, "We hope to expand these initiatives beyond Furano to various regions across Japan in the future. The form could be not just events, but also products or services created from inspiration drawn from the local nature, specialties, products, experiences, and people."
This is not about ostentatious luxury, but true luxury. It's about experiencing the land's nature and specialties with all your senses, something that can only be felt in fleeting moments. Why not experience this extraordinary yet heartwarming hospitality, created in Tokyo and Furano, with your cherished friends and family this autumn in Furano?
THE OUTDOOR LIVING IN FURANO
Dates | September 4 (Mon) & September 5 (Tue)
Content |
■ BRUNCH Course: ¥165,000 (incl. tax)
08:00 Depart from New Furano Prince Hotel
08:05 Drive through pastoral areas
08:30 Furano Wine Harvest Experience
09:00 Original Wine Bottle Creation
10:15 Ride Furano Ropeway
10:30 Cocktail Party
11:00 Party Begins (until 13:00)
13:30 Disperse at Furano Station
■ EARLY DINNER Course: ¥220,000 (incl. tax)
12:00 Depart from Furano Station
12:05 Drive through pastoral areas
12:30 Furano Wine Harvest Experience
13:00 Original Wine Bottle Creation
14:15 Ride Furano Ropeway
14:30 Cocktail Party
15:00 Party Begins (until 17:00)
17:30 Disperse at New Furano Prince Hotel
*Content may change in case of rain.
Dates | September 4 (Mon) & September 5 (Tue)
Content |
■ BRUNCH Course: ¥165,000 (incl. tax)
08:00 Depart from New Furano Prince Hotel
08:05 Drive through pastoral areas
08:30 Furano Wine Harvest Experience
09:00 Original Wine Bottle Creation
10:15 Ride Furano Ropeway
10:30 Cocktail Party
11:00 Party Begins (until 13:00)
13:30 Disperse at Furano Station
■ EARLY DINNER Course: ¥220,000 (incl. tax)
12:00 Depart from Furano Station
12:05 Drive through pastoral areas
12:30 Furano Wine Harvest Experience
13:00 Original Wine Bottle Creation
14:15 Ride Furano Ropeway
14:30 Cocktail Party
15:00 Party Begins (until 17:00)
17:30 Disperse at New Furano Prince Hotel
*Content may change in case of rain.
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