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Breathe in Furano: Your Lavender Fields Guide

Best places to view lavender in Furano

· 6 min read

Japan is a country rich in culture, tradition, and scenic beauty. It offers a unique blend of bustling urban landscapes, ancient temples, and serene rural vistas. Among its many picturesque sights, there's one in particular that strikes a chord with nature enthusiasts and romantic souls alike: the stunning lavender fields of Hokkaido.

Source: Farm Tomita
Source: Farm Tomita

When is Lavender Season

Located in the middle of Hokkaido, the lavender fields in Furano draw thousands of visitors every year, especially during the summer months. Between late June and early August, the fields transform into an expanse of radiant purple, offering a sight that's as enchanting as it is unforgettable. If you want to catch the lavender fields, the best time to visit would be towards the second half of July, where the flowers are blooming at their peak.

Source: Flower Land
Source: Flower Land

Discovering Furano's Lavender Fields

There are several farms and open areas in Furano where you can see the lavender in bloom, with the majority of the farms being around the towns of Nakafurano and Kamifurano, located mid-way between Furano and Biei.

Check out the following list for some of the best places to see the lavenders:

**Farm Tomita **

Farm Tomita is unarguably the most famous farm for viewing of Lavenders. Established over a century ago, Farm Tomita has grown from a simple family farm to one of the most visited lavender fields in Japan. The farm features numerous fields, each filled with different varieties of lavender, and each providing a distinct perspective of the surrounding landscape.

Source: Farm Tomita
Source: Farm Tomita

Aside from lavenders, Farm Tomita also grows many other varieties of flowers. Be sure to check out the Irodori Field and Hanabito Field for some of the brightest and most colourful sights you will see this summer.

There are also 3 cafes in the farm, where you will have the opportunity to try local delicacies and lavender-flavoured food items. There are also shops selling local produces, so be sure to check those out!

Farm Tomita is open all year round and access to the farm is free. The easiest way to get to the farm is to take the train to the Lavender Farm Station and walk 7 minutes. Or you can take the train or bus to the Nakafurano station and walk 25 minutes.

🗺️ **Address: **15号 Kisenkita, Nakafurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido 071-0704, Japan

Farm Tomita - Lavender East

Farm Tomita - Lavender East is a sister farm opened by Farm Tomita. It is located just 4km to the east of Farm Tomita. Located in the heart of the rural Furano valley, Lavender East commands views of the Tokachi Mountains to the east and the diverse Mt. Furanonishi, Mt. Ashibetsu and other moutains in the Yubari range to the South.

Source: Farm Tomita
Source: Farm Tomita

As compared to the main Farm Tomita that has a variety of flowers, the Farm Tomita - Lavender East cultivates only lavenders. It also does not have as many amenities and shops. But at Lavender East, you can hop onto the Lavender Bus (which is actually more like a tractor) for a 15 minute tour of the lavender fields. Sit back and enjoy the panoramic view that stretches in front of you as you travel through the sea of purple.

Farm Tomita - Lavender East is only open during the lavender season. This year, it will be opened from **1 July 2023 **to 31 July 2023.

🗺️ **Address: **Higashi 6 Senkita, Kamifurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido 071-0526, Japan

Flower Land Kamifurano

Located in Kamifurano, this flower farm cultivates a variety of flowers ranging from lavenders to kikarashi flowers and sunflowers. Backed against the Tokachi mountain range, the bloom of the flowers paint a magnificent view that changes from month to month as the different flowers bloom.

Source: Flower Land Kamifurano
Source: Flower Land Kamifurano

Aside from the beautiful flower fields, Flower Land also has a barn where you can find souvenirs and local produce. There is also a small eatery if you would like to have a meal in the farm.

You can get into the middle of the fields by joining the tour on the tractor bus. There are also a number of hands-on activities available, making the visit enjoyable for both adults and young children.

The farm is opened from March to November, and entrance to the farm is free.

🗺️ **Address: **27 Go Nishi 5 Senkita, Kamifurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido 071-0505, Japan

Shikisai-no-Oka

Source: Shikisai-no-Oka
Source: Shikisai-no-Oka

Rather than Furano, Shikisai-no-Oka is located at Biei. The panoramic flower gardens of Shikisai-no-oka provide spectacular views across fifteen hectares of land, featuring several several dozen different species of flowers.

Get into the middle of the fields by joining the tractor bus tour. Or if you prefer to self-drive and explore the fields, you can opt to rent a buggy or cart instead. But Shikisai-no-Oka is not only about flowers, they even have an Alpaca ranch in the farm!

There is an entrance fee of 500JPY for visitors to the farm.

🗺️ **Address: **Japan, 〒071-0473 Hokkaido, Kamikawa District, Biei, Shinsei, 第3

Hokuseiyama Lavender Field

Source: Nakafurano Tourism Association
Source: Nakafurano Tourism Association

During the winter months, Hokuseiyama is a popular destination for skiing. Come the warmer summer months, the ski slope gets transformed into a field of flowers. For an unique way to enjoy the view, take the ski lift up to the top of the mountain, and marvel at the picturesque sight as you ride across the flower fields.

The nearest train station to the Hokuseiyama Lavender Field is the Nakafurano station.

🗺️ **Address: **Nakafurano Shintanakanojo, Nakafurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido 071-0731, Japan

Hinode Park Lavender Garden

Source: Furano Tourism
Source: Furano Tourism

Just a short distance away from the JR station of Kamifurano, Hinode Park is another very popular location for lavender viewing. The beautiful fields, along with the scenic backdrop of the Tokachidake Mountain Range also makes it a popular destination for those who are looking to take wedding photography. For some of the best views, head up to the viewing platform on the hilltop.

For outdoor enthusiasts or those seeking a different experience, there is also a auto camp site next to the park!

🗺️ **Address: **27号 Higashi 1 Senkita, Kamifurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido 071-0521, Japan

Kanayamako Forest Park

Source: Minamifurano Town
Source: Minamifurano Town

Kanayamako Forest Park is located by Kanayama Lake, a scenic lake located at Minamifurano, south of Furano. While the lavender fields in the forest park are not as majestic as those in Nakafurano and Kamifurano, the flowers against the backdrop of the lake is definitely a sight to behold. The framing of the flowers against the water and mountains gives it a very picturesque view different from what you might see at other fields.

Since it is away from the main lavender-viewing areas, the Kanyamako Forest Park also sees much lesser crowds, making it a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy the flowers in a quieter and more peaceful environment.

🗺️ **Address: **Higashishikagoe, Minamifurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido 079-2411, Japan

Indulge in Lavender Delicacies

As you stroll through the fields, make sure to stop by the farm shops and cafés. They offer a wide range of lavender-inspired products and delicacies that you shouldn't miss. From lavender ice cream, a perfect treat to beat the summer heat, to lavender honey, essential oils, and handmade soaps, there's something for every lavender lover.

How To Visit

The best way to visit the region during the summer months will be to take the Furano Biei Norokko JR train, that connects between Asahikawa and Furano. Look out the train windows as you ride along the route for some of the most scenic views of lavender fields.

The Furano Biei Norokko JR train only operates from June to September every year. The train is included in the Hokkaido Rail Pass and Japan Rail Pass. Check out our quick guide to taking the rail in Japan to learn more about traveling through Japan by train.

Beyond Lavender

While lavender might be Furano's star attraction, there's more to explore in the region. Even if you were to miss the peak lavender season, you can enjoy the beautiful sight of the other flowers that bloom during the summer months. And when winter comes, Furano becomes a snow-laden wonderland, famous for its ski slopes.

Visit the Cheese Factory or the Furano Winehouse to taste some local delicacies. And don't miss out on exploring Furano's downtown area with its quaint shops and restaurants, which beautifully preserve the city's charm.