Furano City offers subsidies for remote workers and family workations

​Furano City in Hokkaido has launched its Workation Deployment Cost Subsidy programme for to attract remote workers, families, and entrepreneurs seeking immersive regional experiences. Running until March 2026, the subsidies offers financial support for various forms of workation, aiming to foster deeper connections between visitors and the local community, and possibly grow a relationship population.

The subsidy programme is designed to encourage diverse workation experiences, including family stays, agricultural engagements, and local business explorations. Participants are expected to engage with the community, share their experiences, and contribute to local economic activities.​

These include “Family Workation and Migration Experience Support”, where families considering relocation or dual residency can receive subsidies for stays of two weeks or more. Support covers rental housing, car rentals, childcare, and educational programmes for children.

Individuals exploring relocation without changing jobs are eligible for subsidies that cover part of their accommodation and transportation expenses during extended stays in Furano. This support is designed to make it easier for professionals to experience regional living without the need to leave their current employment.

For those interested in integrating agricultural experiences into their remote work lifestyle, Furano offers a semi-agricultural workation option. Participants can receive fixed travel subsidies based on the length and nature of their agricultural engagement, combining farming tasks with their usual job responsibilities.

Entrepreneurs and freelancers looking to establish new ventures in Furano, particularly by leveraging vacant properties or local resources, can access support through the Local Venture Exploration Subsidy. This covers travel costs for onsite visits and meetings with local stakeholders, helping facilitate meaningful connections and potential business development.

Companies planning human resource development or team-building retreats in Furano may also benefit from the subsidy programme. Fixed subsidies are available to support travel expenses, encouraging teams to bond and grow professionally in a new environment.

Lastly, general workation participants not falling into the above categories can still receive travel support. To qualify, stays must be a minimum of four nights, and subsidies are not available during peak periods such as Golden Week or the summer months.

Applicants must stay in Furano for a specified duration, track their expenditures, participate in local events, share their experiences on social media, and submit a post-visit report. Additional conditions may apply based on the specific subsidy category.​

Interested persons can find more information and the application procedures on the official Furano Workation website.