The Best Time to Visit Furano's Lavender Fields and Top 5 Lavender Fields to Explore

The Best Time to Visit Furano's Lavender Fields and Top 5 Lavender Fields to Explore

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Written by GOOD LUCK TRIP

Among the numerous tourist spots in Hokkaido, Furano is particularly popular for its beautiful lavender fields. If you're planning to visit the lavender fields, it's essential to know the best time to see the lavender in full bloom and which fields are the most popular. Of course, Furano offers other attractive tourist spots beyond the lavender fields.

In this article, we'll introduce popular lavender fields, how to enjoy them, and a model day trip itinerary from Sapporo to fully enjoy Furano and its lavender fields.

The 'Furano Area' - Enjoy the Unique Scenic Beauty of Hokkaido

Located in the center of Hokkaido, Furano is a nature-rich area where you can appreciate the beautiful and grand scenery of each season. The three neighboring municipalities of Furano City, Nakafurano Town, and Kamifurano Town are often collectively referred to as the "Furano Area", with lavender fields scattered across each region. The grand Tokachi mountain range, vast pastoral landscapes, and lavender fields provide a unique scenic beauty that can only be seen in Hokkaido.

In the 'Furano Area', you can enjoy the unique breathtaking views unique to Hokkaido.
In the 'Furano Area', you can enjoy the unique breathtaking views unique to Hokkaido.

Best Time to View Lavender in the Furano Area

If you plan to visit the Furano area to see the lavender, mid-July is highly recommended. There are four main types of lavender that bloom in Furano city, each with slightly different features and peak viewing times. Having a grasp of each variety's characteristics will undoubtedly enhance your lavender field experience.

Variety Features Best Viewing Time
Dark Purple Early Bloom Dark Purple Color Late June to Mid July
Youtei Reddish Hue Early July to Late July
Okamurasaki Dark Purple Color, Gentle Fragrance Mid July to Early August
Hanamoiwa Light Purple Late July to Early August

Five Must-Visit Lavender Fields in the Furano Area

Among the lavender fields scattered throughout the Furano area, we've carefully selected and introduce those that are most well-known and popular. Enjoy Hokkaido's characteristic grand natural scenery and the lavender fields that fill the vast land.

1. Farm Tomita

Among the numerous lavender fields in the Furano area, Farm Tomita is the most historic, well-known, and popular. It's so popular that it's often mentioned as a must-visit spot when touring Hokkaido.
There are 12 flower fields within the farm, and not only lavender, but also cosmos, poppies, and baby's breath bloom seasonally. Various sceneries, such as the "Traditional Lavender Field" which offers a view of the landscape filled with lavender, pastoral scenery, and the Tokachi Mountain Range, and the "Irodori Field" characterized by a landscape where seven colors of flowers color the hill like a rainbow, can be enjoyed just within Farm Tomita. A little away from Farm Tomita, there is also "Lavender East", the largest lavender field in Japan operated by Farm Tomita.
Don't miss the gourmet food made with lavender extract and flower grains, such as lavender-flavored soft serve ice cream and lavender tea, which can only be tasted at Farm Tomita.

The "Irodori Field" where seven colors of flowers color the hill like a rainbow.
The "Irodori Field" where seven colors of flowers color the hill like a rainbow.

2. Flower Land Kamifurano

Located in Furano City, 'Flower Land Kamifurano' offers colorful flower fields full of lavender, salvia, and lilies across its vast site. You can tour the flower fields by tractor bus, enjoy Hokkaido gourmet food like fresh Furano melons, corn, and lavender ice cream, and even create your own pressed flower postcards or scent bags to take home as souvenirs. It's a popular tourist spot not only for adults but also for children.

Enjoy the colorful flower fields and various experiences at 'Flower Land Kamifurano'.
Enjoy the colorful flower fields and various experiences at 'Flower Land Kamifurano'.

3. Highland Furano

If you're staying in Furano, the natural hot spring hotel 'Highland Furano' is highly recommended. The hotel overlooks the largest lavender field in Furano City, and you can view the lavender field while soaking in the open-air bath. Another pleasing point is that you can enjoy meals prepared with an abundance of Hokkaido ingredients while gazing at the Tokachi mountain range.

4. Saika no Sato

Located on a small hill in Nakafurano town, 'Saika no Sato' boasts a lavender field spanning approximately 6 hectares. You can enjoy lavender along with other flowers such as cleome, goldfish plant, and verbena. The colorful flower fields are so beautiful that they are used as shooting locations for films and commercials. If you get tired from walking around the park, take a break at 'HILLS CAFÉ' where you can overlook the beautiful flower fields. During the best season to see lavender, they sell fresh flowers, seedlings, dried flowers, and original goods that are perfect for souvenirs.

'Saika no Sato' is so beautiful that it is used as a location for films and commercials.
'Saika no Sato' is so beautiful that it is used as a location for films and commercials.

5. Kanno Farm

Located on the border between Kamifurano town and Biei town is 'Kanno Farm'. The farm is situated on a hill, with colorful flowers such as lavender, goldfish plant, and German salvia blooming on the slope. The view from the top of the hill and the view from below offer completely different impressions, so it would be interesting to explore the hill and find your favorite view. The fact that admission is free is also a welcome point.

You can enjoy the flower fields from various angles at 'Kanno Farm'.
You can enjoy the flower fields from various angles at 'Kanno Farm'.

Don't Just 'Watch'! Three Ways to Enjoy Lavender in Furano

It would be a shame to just 'watch' the beautiful lavender fields when visiting Furano. Here are three ways to 'experience' Furano and its lavender fields.

1. Enjoy Sweets and Drinks Made with Lavender Extract

In and around the lavender fields, you can enjoy gourmet dishes made with lavender extract and lavender petals. Be sure to savor delicacies like 'Lavender Soft Serve Ice Cream', made with Hokkaido cream and lavender extract, or 'Lavender Tea', made with lavender petals and Darjeeling tea, where you can enjoy the refreshing flavor of lavender and the delicious taste of Hokkaido ingredients simultaneously.

The famous 'Lavender Soft Serve Ice Cream' from Farm Tomita
The famous 'Lavender Soft Serve Ice Cream' from Farm Tomita

2. Enjoy the Lavender Fields Leisurely from the Window of the 'Furano-Biei Norokko Train'

If you want to fully enjoy the scenery of Furano, we highly recommend using the 'Furano-Biei Norokko Train'. The 'Furano-Biei Norokko Train' is a sightseeing train operated by JR Hokkaido, running from Asahikawa Station or Biei Station to Furano Station, limited to the period from June to October. As the train slows down at scenic spots along the route, you can leisurely enjoy the majestic views of lavender fields, rural landscapes, and the Tokachi Mountain Range from the train window.

Enjoy the natural scenery leisurely with the 'Furano-Biei Norokko Train' that operates for a limited period.
Enjoy the natural scenery leisurely with the 'Furano-Biei Norokko Train' that operates for a limited period.

3. Cycle Around the Lavender Fields with a Rental Bicycle and Experience the Grandeur of Furano's Nature

Given that the lavender fields in the 'Furano Area' are dozens of kilometers apart and public transportation is limited, it's common to get around by rental car or taxi. However, if you want to truly experience the grandeur of Furano's nature, we recommend a rental bicycle. Although it requires more time and energy than a rental car, the experience of cycling while looking at the Tokachi Mountain Range, rural landscapes, and lavender fields should be truly healing.

Your heart should be healed by cycling through the vast lands.
Your heart should be healed by cycling through the vast lands.

A Day Trip Model Course to Enjoy Furano from Sapporo

For those planning to visit Furano, you're likely also planning to visit other areas in Hokkaido, such as Asahikawa and Sapporo. Therefore, in this article, we would like to introduce a model course to enjoy a day trip to Furano from Sapporo, which is often the base for sightseeing in Hokkaido.

8:50am Start from Sapporo Station

From the terminal in front of Sapporo Station, take the Hokkaido Chuo Bus "Express Furano" and head to Furano. Both train and bus can reach Furano in about 2 to 3 hours, but since the train requires a transfer, it is recommended to use the bus for the trip from Sapporo to Furano. After you reach Furano Station with the "Express Furano", change to a taxi and head to "Campana Rokkatei ".

The starting point of the model course, in front of Sapporo Station.
The starting point of the model course, in front of Sapporo Station.

11:50am Enjoy Genghis Khan while viewing the Tokachi mountain range at "Campana Rokkatei"

Let's have a slightly early lunch at "Campana Rokkatei", which features a Genghis Khan specialty restaurant "Shirakaba" and a gallery nestled within a grape vineyard.
While "Campana Rokkatei" also has a café, when you're in Hokkaido, Genghis Khan is a must-try. The combination of the meat's thickness, which allows for the perfect texture, and "Shirakaba's" specially developed sauce that brings out the flavor of the meat is exquisite.
The restaurant is fully glazed, and another great feature is being able to enjoy Hokkaido gourmet food while gazing at the Tokachi Mountains.
After filling your stomach, take a taxi to "Tomita Farm".

"Campana Rokkatei" located amidst the grandeur of Hokkaido's landscape.
"Campana Rokkatei" located amidst the grandeur of Hokkaido's landscape.
The classic Hokkaido gourmet dish, Genghis Khan.
The classic Hokkaido gourmet dish, Genghis Khan.

1:30pm Enjoy the stunning view of the lavender fields covering the vast land! Tomita Farm

If you're going to enjoy the Furano area, you absolutely cannot miss "Tomita Farm".
In the park, you can enjoy views unique to Hokkaido, such as flowers and magnificent nature, everywhere. There's the "Traditional Lavender Field", where you can overlook the pastoral landscape surrounded by the Tokachi mountain range and slopes filled with lavender, and the "Irodori Field", where seven colors of flowers color the hill like a rainbow.
You also can't miss the popular "Lavender Soft Serve Ice Cream" made with lavender extract.
After fully enjoying "Tomita Farm", take a taxi to the next sightseeing spot, "Miyama Pass Art Park".

The stunning view of the lavender fields at "Tomita Farm"
The stunning view of the lavender fields at "Tomita Farm"

3:30pm Overlooking Furano from 50m above ground at "Miyama Pass Art Park"

After enjoying the magnificent view of Furano from the ground at "Tomita Farm", next let's enjoy the panoramic view of Furano from above.
"Miyama Pass Art Park", a complex facility that includes an experiential museum and product center, also has a Ferris wheel, allowing you to overlook Kamifurano from 50m above ground.
Don't forget to purchase souvenirs at the souvenir shop, which feature Furano's specialties such as lavender and potatoes.

Overlooking Furano from the sky at "Miyama Pass Art Park"
Overlooking Furano from the sky at "Miyama Pass Art Park"

5:00pm Purchase unique crafts as souvenirs at "Ningle Terrace"

A 30-minute taxi ride from "Furano Art Park" will take you to "Ningle Terrace," a shopping area in the forest.
Along the wooden walkway, there are 15 lodges filled with carefully crafted items, many of which are available only here.
At night, the lodges and the walkway in the forest are gently illuminated with orange light, creating a magical and photogenic spot.
Why not purchase handmade crafts that you can only find at "Ningle Terrace" as a memento of your time in Furano?

The mystical landscape of "Ningle Terrace" lit up at night.
The mystical landscape of "Ningle Terrace" lit up at night.

6:00pm Enjoy fresh ingredients from Hokkaido at "Le Gaulois Furano"

For dinner, head to "Le Gaulois Furano," a French-Italian restaurant located just a 5-minute walk from "Ningle Terrace." Savor dishes that make the most of fresh, seasonal ingredients from all over Hokkaido, crafted by the owner-chef who spent many years at the French restaurant "Le Gaulois" in Tokyo.
For your return journey, take a leisurely train ride from Furano Station back to Sapporo. Be aware that the last train departs in the 20:00 hour, so make sure not to miss it.

Enjoy the refreshing French-Italian cuisine made with fresh Hokkaido ingredients at "Le Gaulois Furano."
Enjoy the refreshing French-Italian cuisine made with fresh Hokkaido ingredients at "Le Gaulois Furano."

Frequently Asked Questions about Furano's Lavender Fields

Q

When is the best time to see Furano's lavender?

A

Mid-July is the best time to see Furano's lavender.

Q

What is the most popular spot in Furano's lavender fields?

A

Farm Tomita is the most popular, attracting as many as one million visitors annually.

Q

I want to know the charm of the Furano area.

A

One of the charms of the Furano area is the beautiful natural scenery in all four seasons, such as the grand Tokachi mountain range and vast pastoral landscapes.

Summary

We've introduced lavender fields in Furano that are worth a visit, as well as how to enjoy the lavender fields and a day trip model course from Sapporo. Not only are there many attractive lavender fields in Furano, but there are also many other appealing tourist spots and accommodations. If you have some flexibility in your schedule, we recommend staying in Furano for one to two nights.