Recommended Season, Spots, and Travel Itinerary to Enjoy the Lavender Fields in Furano

“Speaking of Hokkaido, I think of the lavender fields in Furano”
“I want to see that scenery once in my life!”…… This is what many people say.

However, when is the best time to see them? Where are the viewing spots?

I wrote this article to answer such questions. I’m going to introduce the “This is it!” information based on my experience organizing lavender appreciation trips at a travel agency over many years.

(Contents)
1. What’s the attraction of the lavenders in Furano?
2. When should you visit? The best time to see the fields
3. Where should you go? The lavender viewing spots
4. In what order should I go? Recommended travel itineraries

*The posted information is as of 2015*

1. What’s the attraction of the lavenders in Furano?

Furano has developed its recognition beyond Japan for having numerous large scale lavender fields.

Surely, one of the main attractions is its beauty.
You’ll never get tired of gazing at the boundless expanse of purple flowers.

Also, while Japan has a climate with high temperatures and high humidity, Hokkaido is in a cool area. The temperature during the daytime in July, when most of the lavenders are in full bloom, is usually around 25ºC.
You can enjoy the contrast of the blue sky, greenery, and fields of purple flowers in the extremely nice and refreshing climate. Along with the lavenders, some farms also grow other flowers, such as iris and salvia.
One of the characteristics in Furano is “Hanabito Kaido (Flower Road)”. It refers to Route 237 (which runs from Furano to Nakafurano and Kamifurano). Because many farms are located along this route, you can enjoy each unique farm one after another as you drive.

The lavenders are not only meant for viewing. Lavender is a versatile herb that is used in all sorts of things, such as potpourri, aroma oil, herbal tea, skincare, cakes, scones, and soft-serve ice cream.

[Potpourri] ; known to have antibacterial effects as well as sterilization and insecticidal actions.

[Aroma Oil & Herb Tea] stabilize your mood and help you relax

[Cakes, Scones, etc.] to enjoy the aroma and flavors

A great thing about lavender is that it can be enjoyed not only with the eyes, but also with the five senses. Many of these shops are available in Furano.

2. When should you visit? Regarding the best time to see the fields

Conclusion: The best season is from the mid to late July, and the best time is early in the morning!

The best time to view the lavenders in Furano changes depending on the type and farm. The best season to see “okamurasaki”, which is cultivated in many farms, is around mid-July. The best times to see other major kinds are mentioned below.

■ The best time to see dark purple early blooms: early in July (mainly for viewing purposes)

■ The best time to see yotei: early in July (mainly used for making perfume)

■ The best time to see hanamoiwa: mid-July (mainly used for making oil)

■ The best time to see okamurasaki: mid to late July (mainly used for making potpourri and oil)

Some farms grow other kinds of lavenders besides these. Also, the best time to see the kinds mentioned above may vary depending on the altitude. However, as I mentioned earlier, the season with the most kinds in full bloom is from “mid to late July.” (This is just a general guide as it depends on the amount of rainfall and climate during the year.)

Because the period of full bloom is a short time, it’s also the season with a rapid increase in the number of tourists.

Morning is especially the time range with traffic. Tourist buses, coming from the Sapporo area to Furano, depart around 7 in the morning and traffic jams start around 8.

If you can go early in the morning and avoid the time conflict with the tourist groups, you’ll be able to spend a good time viewing the lavenders without the crowds and enjoy shopping around 9 to 10, when the shops open.

 

3. Where should you go? The lavender viewing spots

★The Birthplace of the Lavenders You should Visit: ファーム富田 (Farm TOMITA)

Photo provided by Farm TOMITA
It represents the lavenders in Furano! It’s also often published on guidebooks and posters.
So many tourists visit this place that the “Lavender Farm Station” opens for the tourists only during the summer.

There are seven fields with unique terrain and flowers in each field. There are many sights to see such as fields colored in purple, and the contrast among various flowers.

Photo provided by Farm TOMITA

One of the Japan’s largest lavender fields, “ Lavender East “, also opened in recent years (approximately a 7-minute drive from Farm TOMITA). You can enjoy the 360° panoramic views of the lavender fields from the deck here!

After taking a walk in the lavender fields, visit the shops where they sell potpourri and other items with lavender scent. Various kinds of soft-serve ice cream are also available. It tastes even better while feeling the breeze in a good location!

Characteristics

Photo provided by Farm TOMITA
The “traditional lavender field” was why this place became famous. The beauty of the lavenders coloring the slopes was featured on the former National Railways’ (currently JR) calendar and it gained nationwide recognition.

Also, if you climb up to the top of the fields, you can see the rural landscape of Furano Basin and Tokachi Mountains.

Farm TOMITA official website
Address: 15, Kisenkita, Nakafuranocho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido Prefecture
TEL: 0167-39-3939
Opening hours: 8:30 am-6 pm in July & August/8:30 am-5 pm in May, June, & September
Parking Lot: Approximately 200 vehicles

★彩香の里 (SAIKA NO SATO): Slope Spread with a Carpet of Flowers

Mainly famous for its lavenders, this place has gathered attention for various events. It also became the focus of the media’s attention and was featured in movies and commercials.

During the flowering season, fresh lavenders picked in the morning and plants are lined up for sale at shops. Also, many original goods, made by hand one-by-one, and other goods that are only available for that year, are sold. Their vast fields are also wonderful locations that I cannot fully explain with the photos. There are also couples who celebrate their weddings here.

Characteristics

They have a wide variety of lavenders! Also, you can enjoy viewing for a long period, from early to late blooms, as they grow several lavenders with various flowering seasons.

The major kinds of the lavenders they grow are dark purple early blooming, hanamoiwa, yotei, and okamurasaki. In addition, 8 kinds of lavenders—including okamurasaki (purple/white), narisawa, dark purple (pink), and lavandin—also bloom. They also hold events, such as lavender picking, for a limited time only. It’s all-you-can-pick as long as it’ll fit in the bag, so why don’t you bring back some lavenders you pick on your own?

Saika no sato Official website

Address: 6-1, Okamachi, Nakafuranocho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido Prefecture
TEL: 0167-44-2855
Opening hours: 8:00 am-5:00 pm from June through September
Parking Lot: 180 vehicles

★かんのファーム(KANNO Farm): Incomparable Scale! Spread Out Brightly Colored Flowers

It’s a beautifully colored farm with extensive use of the ground and slopes. Based on their original ideas, there are some fields colored in purple lavenders while other fields present vivid colored flowers along with summer flowers.

Every process of planting flower seeds is done by hand. Although it’s daunting work, the carefully planted flowers present stunning scenery when they are in full bloom, as if they are repaying the planters for their hard work.

As soon as you step out of the parking lot, you can see the wave-like expansion of lavenders, German Iris, snapdragon, and salvia. Fully enjoy the views at your favorite angle by looking up or looking down from the hill.

Characteristics

Many potpourris and dried flowers are sold at the shop “Kinkonkanno”! Cute accessories, that you can’t help but pick up, are also available.

Also, they plant crops (potatoes, corns, and pumpkins) by hand and sell them once they’re harvested.

Fluffy potatoes, moist and crisp corns, and sweet delicious pumpkins that can be prepared as boiled vegetables, tempura, or salad……Carefully cultivated vegetables are extremely delicious!

Kanno Farm　Official website
Address: Nishi 12 Kita 36, Kamifuranocho, Hokkaido Prefecture
TEL: 0167-45-9528
Opening hours: 9:00 am until the sunset
Parking Lot: Available (free of charge)

★フラワーランドかみふらの(FLOWER LAND KAMIFURANO): Enjoy Flower Viewing from the Sightseeing Bus

It’s a extremely popular spot for all ages where you can view the flower road by tractor on the “sightseeing tractor bus”. It’s a vehicle that shows you around the highlight areas in an approximately 10-minute lap.

You should definitely ride on the freight car, which is attached to the back of the large tractor for work, and which can hold approximately 40 passengers. Also, you can see salvia, lily, zinnia, and snapdragon besides lavenders in July.

Recommended Points of the Farm!

The distinction of FLOWER LAND KAMIFURANO is that they have plenty of “experience-based” spots.

As for the “delicious experience”, for example, you can eat the local fruits and vegetables for a limited time only. There are many exciting experiences such as savoring the juicy Furano melon and biting out of a whole corn picked in the morning.

The most popular activity is the one which you fill a pillow with lavender potpourri and make a “good sleep cotton pillow”. It’s recommended for those who want good sleep and the sedative effect from lavender.

In addition, there are plenty of other activities—making pressed flower post cards that you can just put a stamp on and drop into a mailbox, making pressed flower plates which can be hanged on the door of each room, and picking and stuffing potpourri into a scent bag. Why don’t you pick your favorite experience and take memories of Furano home?

FLOWER LAND KAMIFURANO　official website
Address: Nishi 5 Kita 27, Kamifuranocho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido Prefecture
TEL: 0167-45-9480
Opening hours: 9:00 am-6 pm from June through August
Parking Lo: Approximately 1,000 vehicles

★北星山町営ラベンダー園: Recommended Place to Take a Break

It’s a municipal lavender farm where a ski slope turns into a flower field during spring and summer. It’s definitely recommended for those who genuinely want to enjoy the lavender-focused flower fields rather than sightseeing.

The Flower Park next to the lavender farm is also well maintained, and it’s also nice to have lunch while taking in the views from the lawn park. It’s a recommended place to take a break during the lavender farms viewing tour.

Characteristics

The distinctive characteristic of the Furano lavenders is that “the lavenders are planted on the hills and slopes.” In addition to the lavenders blooming on the 3ha-wide slopes, bright red salvia, cute-looking marigold, and brightly colored begonia are also beautiful at Hokuseiyama Municipal Lavender Farm. It’s also a good idea to take your time looking down on the fields from the ski lift since it runs up from the foothills!

Hokuseiyama (Nakafurano) Municipal Lavender Farm
Address: 1-14, Miyamachi, Nakafuranocho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido Prefecture
TEL: 0167-44-2122
Opening hours: 9:00 am-5:00 pm from June 20th (Sat.) – August 31st (Mon.), 2015
Parking Lot: Available (approximately 100 vehicles)

★There are Other Scenic Spots! List of Lavender Viewing Spots

[Highland Furano]
Address: Shimanoshita, Furano City, Hokkaido Prefecture
TEL: 0167-22-5700

[Hinode Park Lavender Garden]
Address: Higashi 1 Kita 27, Kamifuranocho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido Prefecture
TEL: 0167-45-6983
Parking Lot: 50 vehicles

[Furano Jam Garden]
Address: 3, Higashirokugo, Furano City, Hokkaido Prefecture
TEL: 0167-29-2233
Opening hours: 9:00 am-5:30pm

[Lavender owner’s garden on Miyamatouge mountain-pass]
Address: Nishi 9 Kita 34, Kamifuranocho
TEL: 0167-45-6810

[Furano Winery]
Address: Shimizuyama, Furano City, Hokkaido Prefecture
TEL: 0167-22-3242

4. In what order should I go? Recommended travel itineraries

The Route 237, running through Furano, also known as “Hanabito Kaido (Flower Road)”. This plan is for when you want to take an efficient route and visit the major spots.

1. Day Trip from Sapporo [Day Trip Starting & Finishing with Flowers]

I came up with the ideal travel itinerary for when staying nights in Sapporo and renting a car for a day to go to Furano.
As I mentioned earlier, all the tourist buses also head to Furano from the Sapporo area. Fully enjoy the lavenders in Furano by skillfully avoiding the traffic jams that may ruin everything!

*Early Morning Travel Itinerary (travel time is just a general estimate)
■ 5:00 am departure –> Sapporo –> (Hokkaido Expressway) –> Furano (approximately 120km)

■ 7:10 am-9:00 pm Visit Farm TOMITA, which gets the most crowded (shops open at 8:30am)

–> –> (approximately 10 minutes) –> –>

■ 9:10 am-10:00 am View the lavenders as you take a break! Hokuseiyama Municipal Lavender Farm

–> –> (approximately 10 minutes) –> –>

■ 10:10 am-11:30 am Take your time and view the lavenders at SAIKA NO SATO

–> –> (approximately 30 minutes) –> –>

■ 12:00 pm-1:00 pm Savor the homemade cooking made with original vegetables at “Dococa Farm Tamago Café”. My recommendation is pot-au-feu.

–> –> (approximately 40 minutes) –> –>

■ 1:40 pm-2:00 pm Visit Hinode Park Lavender Garden. Take photos of the superb views

–> –> (approximately 15 minutes) –> –>

■ 2:15 pm-3:15 Arriving at Flower Land Kamifurano. You can take your time and view the lavenders or try out the activities, whichever you like!

–> –> (approximately 25 minutes) –> –>

■ 3:40 pm-4:30 pm Arriving at KANNO Farm. Enjoy shopping or a slow walk on the hills.

■ 4:30 pm- Arriving in Sapporo around 6:30 pm.

*Reference*
[Dococa Farm Tamago Café]
Address: Higashi 9 Kita 13, Nakafuranocho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido Prefecture
TEL: 167-44-4277 (Tamago Café 0167-44-4220)
Recommended Dish: Japanese pot-au-feu set meal ¥1,300
Website: Tamago Café

2. Ultimate Furano Trip [Fully Enjoy the Farms! Arrival at New Chitose Airport by Flight Arriving in the Morning. One-Night Relaxing Trip]

I’m going to show you the ideal travel itinerary which I recommend to those who want to stay a night in Furano and travel with ample time.

*I’m going to show you an itinerary by which you arrive at New Chitose Airport in the morning and rent a car to head to Furano and enjoy sightseeing, staying at a hotel, and more sightseeing on the next day before returning to Sapporo.

[Itinerary for Day 1]
■ 9:00 am Arrive at New Chitose Airport. Depart after renting a car! Hokkaido Expressway Chitose-Higashi IC –> Arrive at Furano (125km, approximately 2 hours and 12 minutes)

■ 12:00 pm-1:00 pm Savor the famous omu-curry at “Yamaka Shokudo”!

–> –> (approximately 15 minutes) –> –>

■ 1:15 pm-2:30 pm Enjoy lavender picking at SAIKA NO SATO!

–> –> (approximately 5 minutes) –> –>

■ 2:35 pm-3:00 pm View the lavenders spread on the slope at Hokuseiyama Municipal Lavender Farm

–> –> (approximately 20 minutes) –> –>

■ 3:20 pm-4:00 pm Ring the “bell of love” while gazing at the Tokachi Mountains from Hinode Park Lavender Garden

–> –> (approximately 30 minutes) –> –>

■ 4:30 pm Arrive at the hotel: check in at New Furano Prince Hotel

[Itinerary for Day 2]
■ Around 7:00 am Depart from the hotel.

–> –> (approximately 35 minutes) –> –>

■ 7:35 am-9:25 am Be the first visitor to view the lavenders at Farm TOMITA, the best spot in Furano!

–> –> (approximately 35 minutes) –> –>

■ 10:00 am-12:40 pm Return to the hotel and look around the filming locations of the dramas “Kaze no Garden (Garden of Wind)” and “Kita no Kunikara (From the Northern Country)”!

–> –> (approximately 20 minutes from hotel) –> –>

■ 1:00 pm-2:30 pm Savor the Furano-style cheese fondue at the restaurant at Furano Wine House!

–> –> (approximately 35 minutes) –> –>

■ 3:05 pm-4:00 pm Enjoy the large scale flower fields at Flower Land Kamifurano!

–> –> (approximately 15 minutes) –> –>

■ 4:15 pm-5:15 pm Enjoy the lavenders at KANNO Farm to conclude the trip!

■ 5:15 pm- Depart. Arrive at Sapporo around 7:15 pm.

*Reference*

[Yamaka Shokudo]
Address: 9-20, Midorimachi, Furano City
TEL: 0167-22-1045
Business Hours: 11:00 am-8:00 pm (last order: 7:30 pm) (lunch break: 3:00 pm-5:00 pm)
Closed on Sunday *Open everyday from July through September (open until 3:00 pm on Sunday)
Parking Lot: 10 vehicles
Recommended Dish: Omu-curry ¥800
A restaurant famous for omu-curry made with Furano’s Nanatsuboshi rice. Please take this opportunity to try the omu-curry which you should try at least once when visiting Furano.

[Furano Wine House]
Address: Shimizuyama, Furano City, Hokkaido Prefecture
TEL: 0167-23-4155
Recommended Dish: Cheese fondue ¥1,950

[New Furano Prince Hotel]
Address: Nakagoryo, Furano City, Hokkaido Prefecture
TEL: 0167-22-1111
Budget: One-night, twin room (for 2 guests/breakfast included) ¥6,845 (Refer to the lowest price on the official website )

[Kaze no Garden (Garden of Wind) at New Furano Prince Hotel]
Address: Nakagoryo, Furano City, Hokkaido Prefecture
TEL: 0167-22-1111
Opening hours: 8:00 am until around 4:00 pm

[Filming Locations of Kita no Kunikara (From the Northern Country)]
Goro’s stone house
Address: Higashirokugo, Furano City
TEL: 0167-23-3388 (Furano Tourism Association)
Opening hours: 9:00 am-6:00 pm (last admission: 5:30 pm)
Admission fees: ¥500 (¥400 for group admission)

Picked house
Address: downtown Rokugo in Furano City
TEL: 0167-23-3388 (Furano Tourism Association)
Opening hours: 9:00 am-6:00 pm (last admission: 5:30 pm)
Admission fees: ¥500 (¥400 for group admission)

Rokugo Forest
Address: 1-1, Higashirokugo, Furano CIty
TEL: 0167-23-3388 (Furano Tourism Association)
Opening hours: After April 19th, 2015
– April 19th through September 30th: 9:30 am-5:30pm (last admission: 5:00 pm)
– October 1st through November 22nd: 9:30 am-3:30pm (last admission: 4:00 pm)
Open everyday during the season *Closed during winter
Admission fees: ¥500 (¥400 for group admission)
*3 Facilities Common Tickets ¥1,200 (Picked house, Rokugo Forest, and Goro’s stone house)
Free of charge for children of elementary age or younger
Free of charge for physical disability certificate holders