"When I think of Hokkaido, I immediately think of the lavender fields of Furano."
Many people probably think, "I want to see that view at least once!"
However, when you actually try to find out when to go, when the best time to visit is, or where the scenery is most beautiful, the internet is overflowing with information. For those visiting Furano for the first time, planning a trip can be quite overwhelming.

Therefore, in this article, I will share some essential information from the perspective of someone who has been planning lavender viewing tours for a travel agency for many years.

The guide covers essential information such as the best time to view lavender, popular viewing spots including the famous "Farm Tomita," and the reasons why Furano is famous for lavender. It also includes information on lavender varieties, their characteristics, suggested itineraries, and the unique features of each farm. This guide will give you a solid understanding of Furano's highlights, so we hope you enjoy it!

Information updated on 2018/5/7.

<Contents>
1. Why? What makes Furano's lavender so appealing?
2. When is the best time to go?
3. Where should I go? Lavender spots
4. How should I play? Recommended model course
4-1. Day trip from Sapporo
4-2. Arrive in Chitose in the morning, one-night trip to Furano.
5. Accommodation and discount tour information for Furano
5-1. Recommended Hotels for Lavender Sightseeing
5-2. Sightseeing tours by rental car are also popular.
6. Conclusion

1. Why? What makes Furano's lavender so appealing?

When you think of Furano, everyone immediately thinks of lavender; it's become a household name. But getting to this point required extraordinary effort.

What made lavender famous was"Farm Tomita".

In 33, I started planting lavender and thought about making perfume. However, cultivating the lavender on the initial 10 ares (1,000 square meters) was a series of hardships. Although I finally succeeded in making perfume, the rise of synthetic fragrances caused sales of lavender oil to dwindle.

There were times when they were in dire straits, but in 51, a photograph of their lavender fields was featured in the Japanese National Railways (now JR) calendar, which suddenly brought them into the spotlight.

The following year, in 52, they switched to producing potpourri and other similar items, which led to increased sales. Later, their original perfumes were created and became very popular.

Cultivating lavender is difficult; it won't grow without sufficient sunlight. Soil preparation and pruning are also crucial. It's sensitive to excessive moisture and requires a large, well-ventilated area. However, Furano was blessed with a favorable climate and land, making it an ideal environment for growing high-quality lavender.

The appeal of lavender isn't just its lovely purple appearance; it can be used in a variety of ways. It's a versatile herb that can be used in potpourri, aromatherapy oils, herbal teas, skincare, and even in cakes, scones, and soft serve ice cream—you name it.

It is said to have antibacterial, germicidal, and insecticidal properties.[Potpourri]

It calms the nerves and has a relaxing effect.[Aromatherapy oils and herbal teas]

Enjoy the aroma and taste[Cakes, scones, etc.]

2. When is the best time to go?

Conclusion: The best time is mid-to-late July, and aim for early morning!

The best time to see lavender in Furano varies depending on the variety and farm. Varieties commonly found at most farms, such as "Okamurasaki," reach their peak bloom in mid-July. Below is a breakdown of other major varieties.

■Dark purple early-blooming variety → Best viewing time: Early July (mainly for ornamental purposes)

■Yotei → Best time to see: Early July (mainly used as a fragrance in cosmetics)

■ Hanamoiwa → Best viewing time: Mid-July (mainly for oil production)

■ Okamurasaki → Best time to see: Mid-to-late July (mainly used for potpourri and oil)

There are also farms that cultivate lavender other than those mentioned above, and some spots have different blooming seasons depending on the altitude. However, as mentioned above, the place where the most varieties are in full bloom is"Mid to late July"This is considered a guideline. (However, it depends on the amount of rainfall and climate each year, so it is only a guideline.)

What's amazing about Furano is,"Flower Road"There are many farms concentrated along National Route 237 (Furano to Nakafurano to Kamifurano), which is also known as the "Furano-Nakafurano-Kamifurano" route, so you can enjoy a luxurious experience where you can appreciate the unique characteristics of each farm.

And because the peak viewing period is so short, this is also the time when tourists flock to the area. With the increase in international flights at New Chitose Airport and the establishment of direct flights between Asahikawa and South Korea, Hokkaido and Furano attract many tour groups from overseas as well.

As it is a popular spot, it can get crowded, but the main peak time is when tour buses heading from the Sapporo area to Furano depart around 7:00 AM, and traffic congestion starts around 8:00 AM.

Since most people will likely be going by rental car, I recommend going early in the morning when there are fewer people, to enjoy the lavender fields, and then leisurely shopping once the shops open.

~Check these out too~
[PR]

3. Where should I go? Lavender spots

★A must-visit place: Farm Tomita, the birthplace of lavender

Photo courtesy of Farm Tomita
As mentioned earlier, Farm Tomita is the birthplace of Furano lavender. The scenery you see on posters and other promotional materials unfolds before your eyes, allowing you to admire the vibrant lavender. The farm is spread across seven fields, each offering a different setting for viewing the lavender.

Photo courtesy of Farm Tomita
Lavender fields stretch across the hillsides. You can admire fields dyed entirely purple, or fields where various flowers come together to create beautiful contrasts, offering plenty to see. As the birthplace of lavender, it remains incredibly popular, and this farm is an absolute must-visit if you're going to see Furano lavender.

Furthermore, in recent years, it has become one of the largest in Japan.Lavender EastIt's also open (about a 7-minute drive from Farm Tomita). The 360° panoramic view of the lavender fields from the East Deck is truly breathtaking!

After strolling through the lavender fields, be sure to check out the shops selling potpourri and other treats in buildings with a warm, inviting wooden feel, where the gentle scent of lavender fills the air. The wide variety of soft-serve ice cream tastes even better when enjoyed in this pleasant, breezy spot!

Here's what I recommend about this farm!

Photo courtesy of Farm Tomita
The traditional lavender fields were the catalyst for the lavender becoming famous. The beauty of the lavender adorning the hillside was featured in a Japanese National Railways calendar, which brought it into the spotlight.

If you're visiting Furano, you'll definitely want to see some of its historical sites. Climbing up to the top of the fields will reward you with a spectacular view of the rural landscape of the Furano Basin and the Tokachi Mountain Range.

Farm Tomita
Address: 15 Kisen Kita, Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0167-39-3939
営業時間：7・8月8:30～18:00　/　5・6・9月8:30～17:00
Parking: 200 spaces

★The slopes were covered with a carpet of flowers: "Saika no Sato"

Saika no Sato, centered around lavender, has attracted attention with numerous events and other activities. It has also garnered media attention and has been used as a filming location and in commercials.

Their most notable film is "Love Letter from a 60-Year-Old." In 2014, they were chosen to film a commercial, demonstrating their growing reputation.

When the season arrives, the shop sells freshly picked lavender flowers and seedlings, and it's a farm that deserves special mention for its wide selection of handcrafted original products and limited-edition items available only that year. The vast fields are also magnificent and cannot be fully captured in photographs, so I highly recommend visiting.

In addition, a limited-time lavender wedding is also being held! Participants from far away are welcome, so why not take a stroll with your loved one through a lavender field that creates a pure white wedding scene?

Here's what I recommend about this farm!

A wide variety of lavenderTherefore, you can enjoy them for a long period, from early-blooming to late-blooming varieties.

In addition to the main varieties such as Koimurasaki Hayazaki, Hanamoiwa, Yotei, and Okamurasaki, they cultivate eight other varieties of lavender, including Okamurasaki (purple and white), Narisawa, Koimurasaki (pink), and Lavandin. They also hold lavender picking events for a limited time. You can fill a bag with as much as you like, so why not take home some lavender that you picked yourself?

Ayaka no Sato (Sasaki Farm)
Address: 6-1 Okamachi, Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0167-44-2855
Opening hours: June to September, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Parking information: 180 spaces

★A different scale! A field of vibrantly colored flowers: "Kanno Farm"

This farm makes full use of the land and slopes, with some areas completely covered in lavender purple, while other fields feature summer flowers blooming alongside the lavender, creating an even more vibrant spectacle. It's a farm that's sure to keep visitors entertained.

Planting the flower seedlings is done by hand, one by one. It's an incredibly painstaking task, but the flowers that are planted with care and dedication bloom beautifully when the time comes, as if to repay the kindness we've shown.

From the moment you step out of the parking lot, you can see lavender blooming in waves, German irises, snapdragons, salvias, and more. Look up, climb the hill and look down, and enjoy the scenery from your favorite angle.

Here's what I recommend about this farm!

The shop "Kinkonkan" is filled with potpourri and dried flowers! There are also cute little items that you'll want to pick up, so be sure to take a look.

In addition, they manually plant seedlings of other crops (potatoes, corn, pumpkins, etc.) and sell them during the season.

Vegetables grown with love are incredibly delicious! How about getting some ingredients that you can only find at Kanno Farm, such as fluffy potatoes, juicy and crisp corn, and sweet pumpkins that are delicious in stews, tempura, and salads?

Kanno Farm
Address: 36-go, Nishi 12-sen, Kamifurano-cho, Hokkaido
Phone: 0167-45-9528
Opening hours: 9:00 AM until sunset
Parking information: Parking available (free)

★Enjoy a fun flower-viewing tour by sightseeing bus: "Flowerland Kamifurano"

Flowerland Kamifurano offers a wide variety of attractions for tourists. The "Sightseeing Tractor Bus," which allows you to tour the flower-lined paths in a tractor, is extremely popular with people of all ages! It's a ride that takes you around the park in about 10 minutes, showing you the highlights.

There's a freight car behind the large work tractor that can carry about 40 people, so I'd definitely like to use it.
In July, in addition to lavender, you can also see salvia, lilies, zinnias, snapdragons, and other flowers.

Here's what I recommend about this farm!

One of the defining features of Flowerland Kamifurano is its abundance of "experiential" spots. Regarding "delicious experiences," you can enjoy eating locally grown fruits and vegetables for a limited time. During the season, you can savor juicy Furano melons or bite into freshly picked corn – there's plenty to enjoy!

The most popular activity is the experience of making a "sleep-inducing cotton pillow" by adding lavender potpourri. As mentioned earlier, it has a calming and soothing effect, so it's a must-try for anyone who wants to put it in their pillow to improve their sleep.

Other activities include making pressed flower postcards that you can mail as is, creating pressed flower plates that can be used as door accents in each room, and picking potpourri and filling sachets. Why not take home a memento of Furano with an experience of your choice?

Flower Land Kamifurano
Address: 27-go, Nishi 5-sen, Kamifurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0167-45-9480
Opening hours: June to August 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Parking information: Approximately 1,000 spaces

★Recommended when you want to take a break: "Hokuseizan Town Lavender Garden"

This town-run lavender garden has been transformed into a flower field on the slopes of a ski resort. It's highly recommended for those who want to enjoy a pure lavender-centered flower field, rather than just sightseeing.

The flower park adjacent to the lavender fields is also well-maintained, and it's a great place to spread out a picnic lunch on the grass and enjoy the view at your leisure. It's a hidden gem among lavender spots. It's a recommended place to take a break during your lavender farm tour.

Here's what I recommend about this farm!

A distinctive feature of Furano lavender is that it's planted on hills and slopes. The Kitahoshiyama Town Lavender Garden boasts lavender blooming across a 3-hectare slope, along with other beautiful flowers such as bright red salvia, charming marigolds, and colorful begonias. A tourist lift operates from the foot of the mountain, so taking a leisurely stroll through the air and looking down at the fields is also a wonderful experience!

Hokuseizan (Nakafurano) Town-operated Lavender Garden
Address: 1-14 Miyamachi, Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0167-44-2122
Opening hours: June 23, 2018 to August 31, 2018
9:00～18:00
Parking information: Available (approximately 100 spaces)

★There are more! List of lavender spots

[Highland Furano]
Address: Shimonoshita, Furano City, Hokkaido
Phone: 0167-22-5700

[Hinode Park Lavender Garden]
Address: 27 Higashi 1-sen Kita, Kamifurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0167-45-6983
Parking information: 50 spaces

[Furano Jam Garden]
Address: 3 Higashirokugo, Furano City, Hokkaido
Phone: 0167-29-2233
Opening hours: 9: 00 to 17: 30

[Miyama Pass Lavender Owner's Garden]
Address: 34-go, Nishi 9-sen, Kamifurano-cho
TEL：0167-45-6810

[Furano Budogaoka Park]
Address: Shimizu-yama, Furano City, Hokkaido
TEL：0167-22-3242

[PR]

4. How should I play? Recommended model course

Route 237, also known as the "Flower Road," runs through Furano. You'll want to navigate it efficiently and see all the key spots. While you're there, why not fully enjoy the lavender and have a wonderful time? Please use this as a reference!

4-1. A day trip from Sapporo – A day trip that begins and ends with flowers.

I've come up with a model itinerary for someone staying in Sapporo for several nights, renting a car for one of those days, and then heading to Furano.
As mentioned earlier, tour buses will all be heading to Furano from the Sapporo area at the same time. Let's find a way to cleverly navigate the traffic jams that will throw everything into chaos and enjoy the Furano lavender fields to the fullest!

*Early morning schedule (times are approximate)
■ Departure at 5:00 AM - Sapporo - (Dōō Expressway) - Furano (approx. 120 km)

■7:10 AM - 9:00 AM: Head to Farm Tomita, the busiest time (shops open from 8:30 AM)

→→ (approximately 10 minutes) →→

■9:10-10:00 Enjoy the scenery while taking a break! Kitahoshiyama Town Lavender Garden

→→ (approximately 10 minutes) →→

■10:10-11:30 Relax and enjoy the scenery at Sasaki Farm in Saika no Sato

→→ (approximately 30 minutes) →→

■12:00-13:00 Enjoy home-style cooking using homegrown vegetables at "Somewhere Farm Egg Cafe". Pot-au-feu is recommended (closed on Thursdays).

→→ (approximately 40 minutes) →→

■13:40-14:00 Head to Hinode Park Lavender Garden. Take some photos of the spectacular scenery.

→→ (approximately 15 minutes) →→

■14:15-15:15 Arrive at Flowerland Kamifurano. You can enjoy leisurely viewing or actively participate in activities♪

→→ (approximately 25 minutes) →→

■15:40-16:30 Arrive at Kanno Farm. Enjoy a leisurely stroll up the hill and some shopping.

■Departure at 16:30, arrival in Sapporo around 18:30.

※参考※
<Somewhere Farm Egg Cafe>
Address: 13-go, Kita 9-sen, Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0167-44-4277 (Tamago Cafe: 0167-44-4220)
Recommended dish: Japanese-style pot-au-feu set meal ¥1,300
home page:Egg Cafe

4-2. ~Enjoy Furano & Farms to the Fullest! A Colorful One-Night Trip Using a Morning Flight Arriving at New Chitose Airport~

For those who want to spend a night in Furano and enjoy a more relaxed itinerary, we'd like to introduce a recommended model course. *This time, we'll guide you through a course where you arrive at New Chitose Airport in the morning, rent a car and head to Furano for sightseeing and accommodation, enjoy sightseeing the next day, and then head to Sapporo.

<Day 1 Itinerary>
■Arrive at New Chitose Airport at 09:00, pick up rental car and depart! From Chitose-Higashi IC on the Hokkaido Expressway to Furano City (125km, approximately 2 hours 12 minutes)

■12:00-13:00 Enjoy the famous omelet curry at "Yamaga Shokudo"♪

→→ (approximately 15 minutes) →→

■13:15-14:30 Enjoy lavender picking and more at Sasaki Farm in Saika no Sato!

→→ (approximately 5 minutes) →→

■14:35-15:00 Enjoy the lavender fields spreading across the slopes at the Kitahoshiyama Town Lavender Garden♪

→→ (approximately 20 minutes) →→

■15:20-16:00 Ring the "Bell of Love" at Hinode Park Lavender Garden while enjoying a panoramic view of the Tokachi mountain range.

→→ (approximately 30 minutes) →→

■Arrival at 16:30. Check-in at the New Furano Prince Hotel.

<Day 2 Itinerary>
■ Depart from the hotel around 7:00 AM.

→→ (approximately 35 minutes) →→

■7:35-9:25 Be the first to enjoy the view at Farm Tomita, Furano's top spot!

→→ (approximately 35 minutes) →→

■10:00-12:40 Return to the hotel and explore the "Garden of the Wind" and other filming locations from "From the North Country" in the surrounding area♪

→→ (Approximately 20 minutes from the hotel) →→

■13:00-14:30 Enjoy Furano-style cheese fondue at the Furano Wine House restaurant!

→→ (approximately 35 minutes) →→

■15:05-16:00 Enjoy the vast expanse of flowers at Flowerland Kamifurano☆

→→ (approximately 15 minutes) →→

■16:15-17:15 Enjoy lavender at Kanno Farm to conclude your trip!

■Departure at 17:15, arrival in Sapporo around 19:15.

※参考※

<Yamaga Restaurant>
Address: 9-20 Midorimachi, Furano City
Phone: 0167-22-1045
Opening hours: 11:30~14:30 / 17:00~19:30
Closed on Sundays. *Open every day from July to September (Sundays until 2:30 PM).
Parking: 20 spaces
Recommended dish: Omelet Curry ¥800
This is a famous restaurant in Furano that serves omelet curry made with Nanatsuboshi rice from Furano. If you come to Furano, you should definitely try their omelet curry at least once.

<Furano Wine House>
Address: Shimizu-yama, Furano City, Hokkaido
Phone: 0167-23-4155
Recommended dish: Cheese fondue 1,950 yen

<New Furano Prince Hotel>
Address: Nakagoryo, Furano City, Hokkaido
Phone: 0167-22-1111
Budget: From 6,845 yen per night for a twin room (2 people/with breakfast) (See official website for the lowest price of the basic plan)

<Garden of the Wind (located within the grounds of the New Furano Prince Hotel)>
Address: Nakagoryo, Furano City, Hokkaido
Phone: 0167-22-1111
Opening hours: 2018
・4月28日～10月14日　AM8:00～PM6:00（最終受付PM5:30）　
*From June 16th to August 31st, we will open at 6:30 AM.
*From June 15th to August 31st, "Night Garden" will be open until 8:00 PM (last entry at 7:30 PM).
Admission fee: 800 yen

<Filming locations for "From the North Country">
Goro's Stone House
Address: Higashirokugo, Furano City
Phone: 0167-23-3388 (Furano Tourism Association)
Opening hours: 2018
・4月15日～9月30日 AM9:30～PM6：00（最終入場PM5:30）
・10月1日～11月25日 AM9:30～PM4:00（最終入場PM3:30）
Admission fee: 500 yen (400 yen for groups)

A house I picked up
Address: Furano City, Rokugo town area
Phone: 0167-23-3388 (Furano Tourism Association)
Opening hours: 2018
・4月16日～11月25日　AM9:30～PM6:00（最終入場PM5:30）
Admission fee: 500 yen (400 yen for groups)

Foot of the forest
Address: 1-1 Higashirokugo, Furano City
Phone: 0167-23-3388 (Furano Tourism Association)
Opening hours: 2018
・4月15日～9月30日　AM9:30～PM5:30　（最終入場PM5:00)
・10月1日～11月25日　AM9：30～PM4:00（最終入場PM3:30）
Open every day during the period *Closed during winter
Admission fee: 500 yen (400 yen for groups)
*Combined ticket for all 3 facilities: 1,200 yen (House built from salvaged materials / Rokugo Forest / Goro's Stone House)
Free for elementary school students and younger
Free admission for those presenting a disability certificate.

5. Accommodation and discount tour information for Furano

During the peak lavender season and summer holidays, "lavender traffic jams" occur on weekends and days with events!
It can sometimes take up to 30 minutes just to find a parking spot, so why not stay overnight in Furano and head to the lavender fields first thing in the morning?

5-1. Recommended Hotels for Lavender Sightseeing

Guesthouse Yuukane-sha

A guesthouse situated on a small hill. The view that unfolds before you is exactly what you'd expect of Furano. A guesthouse that's easy to use even for just one person!
Address: Beberui, Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido
Access: Approximately 20 minutes by car from JR Nakafurano Station.

Book your accommodation through Rakuten Travel　

SPA & HOTEL RESORT Furano La Terre

The only hotel in Nakafurano, where Farm Tomita is located. Its open-air hot spring bath overlooking Mount Tokachi is a popular feature!
Address: 18-go, Kita 1-sen, Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido
Access: Approximately 1 minute by car from JR Nishinaka Station, 7 minutes from Nakafurano Station.
Book your accommodation through Rakuten Travel

新富良野プリンスホテル

The New Furano Prince Hotel boasts a wealth of tourist facilities, including Ningle Terrace and Wind Garden, allowing you to fully enjoy a resort atmosphere.
Address: Nakagoryo, Furano City, Hokkaido
Access: Approximately 10 minutes by car from JR Furano Station.
Book your accommodation through Rakuten Travel

5-2. Sightseeing tours by rental car are also popular.

While settling down in Furano and enjoying sightseeing is one option, there are probably also people who want to see various parts of Hokkaido in the summer.
That's why our Hokkaido rental car tour plan is so popular every year. How many of the best parts you can get is up to you, the planner!

6. Conclusion

How did you like our guide to visiting Furano to see the lavender! We've summarized the best time to go and the highlights! There are so many lavender farms in Furano alone. We've also included some must-see tourist spots in Furano.
When it's in full bloom, it gets crowded with tourists, but why not visit Furano during the season to see this summer spectacle that can only be seen there?

[PR]

Please also check out these related articles.

• 

  It's not just vanilla! Six unique soft-serve ice cream flavors that you absolutely must try in Hakodate!

• 

  Plenty of snow and powder snow to enjoy! The charm of Kiroro Ski Resort!

• 

  The charm of Karurusu Onsen, a secluded hot spring resort in Noboribetsu [Accommodation Experience Report]

• 

  A new hotspot in Kushiro! Introducing the charm and ways to enjoy Kushinosuke Honten.

• 

  [My Personal Picks] Six Delicious Ramen Restaurants in Sapporo You'll Want to Try While Traveling!

• 

  If you're looking for breakfast in Sapporo, this is the place! Hokkaido's No. 1 breakfast menu.

• 

  There are actually this many! Hokkaido's airports and how to make the most of them ♪

• 

  [Hokkaido Heritage] How about trying a hot spring bath in one of Hokkaido's moor hot springs?

Introducing our sister site (please check it out if you're interested)