What Are the Furano Lavender Fields? A Summer Travel Guide
The Furano area in central Hokkaido is a popular sightseeing destination that attracts visitors from Japan and abroad during the summer lavender season.
Lavender fields in Nakafurano Town (Nakafurano-chō), in particular, spread out in vivid purple, and a sweet, refreshing lavender scent drifts on the breeze.
The best viewing season is generally late June to early August, with colors especially vibrant from mid to late July.
Many Furano lavender fields are free to enter, making it easy to drop by for a relaxed stroll—one of their biggest charms.
Top Things to See at the Furano Lavender Fields
Furano’s lavender fields are more than just flower gardens: with the Tokachi-dake Mountains (Tokachi-dake Renpō) as a backdrop, bands of colorful blooms are planted across rolling hills, creating a breathtaking view like a giant landscape painting.
Beyond lavender, seasonal flowers such as poppies, lupines, baby’s breath, and sunflowers are planted throughout the area, adding even more color to summer in Furano.
A Relaxing Walk Through Fragrant Lavender Fields
Lavender is often said to help you feel relaxed, and simply walking through the fields can leave you feeling calm and refreshed.
From the purple “carpet” stretching before your eyes to flowers swaying in the wind and the hum of honeybees, a stroll in Furano is a special experience that delights all five senses.
Some areas have benches near the fields, so you can sit back and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
Don’t Miss: Farm Tomita’s “Irodori no Hatake” Colorful Flower Field
Farm Tomita (Fāmu Tomita) in Nakafurano Town is one of Furano’s signature lavender sightseeing spots.
Its “Irodori no Hatake” is especially famous as a must-see viewpoint, where seven colors of flowers—centered around lavender—are planted in stripes across gentle slopes.
The vivid gradients set against the Tokachi-dake Mountains are truly spectacular, making it a top photo spot as well.
Inside the grounds, you’ll also find a café for lavender soft-serve ice cream and well-stocked shops selling original perfumes and soaps.
The History of Furano Lavender Fields
Lavender cultivation in Hokkaido began in 1937 (Shōwa 12), triggered by the import of seeds from France.
From the late 1940s, contract cultivation for fragrance production spread across the Furano region, and at its peak around 1970 (Shōwa 45), Hokkaido boasted a cultivation area of about 235 hectares.
However, with the rise of synthetic fragrances and the impact of import liberalization, the number of growers sharply declined, and Furano lavender once faced the risk of disappearing.
A turning point came in 1976, when Farm Tomita’s lavender fields were featured in a Japanese National Railways (JNR) calendar and introduced nationwide.
From then on, visitors began to arrive, and Furano became widely known as a “lavender mecca.”
Today, travelers come not only from across Japan but also from around the world, especially throughout Asia.
How to Get to the Furano Lavender Fields
- Address (Farm Tomita): Kisen Kita 15-gō, Nakafurano-chō, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido
- Transportation:
- From Sapporo: About 2 hours 30 minutes by car (via the Dōō Expressway and Mikasa IC)
- From Asahikawa: About 1 hour by car (via National Route 237)
- By JR: About a 7-minute walk from the seasonal temporary station “Lavender Fields Station (Rabendā Batake Station)” to Farm Tomita
- From Furano Station: About 10 minutes by car, or about a 25-minute walk from Nakafurano Station
Useful Tips for Visiting the Furano Lavender Fields
Admission Fees and Opening Hours
- Admission: Farm Tomita is free to enter. Some experiences and food/drinks are paid
- Opening hours: During flower season, roughly 8:30–18:00. In winter, roughly 10:00–16:30 (varies by season and facility)
Lavender Bloom Calendar
Lavender blooming times vary by variety.
The early-blooming “Nōshi Hayazaki” begins to color from late June, while the late-blooming “Okamurasaki” peaks in mid to late July.
Because harvesting may begin after early August, early July to late July is generally the best time to enjoy lavender (dates may shift depending on the weather).
Including flowers beyond lavender, you can enjoy colorful fields from June through September.
How to Avoid Crowds
Weekends in mid to late July are especially busy.
Visit on a weekday, or aim for early morning around 8 a.m.
Nearby roads can also become congested, so consider using JR or buses as well.
Recommended Nearby Spots
The Furano area offers plenty more to see beyond lavender fields.
• Biei Hills (Biei): Famous for patchwork-like rolling landscapes, with popular spots such as “Ken and Mary’s Tree” and the “Blue Pond.”
• Ningle Terrace: A craft shopping street of wooden log cabins in the forest on the grounds of New Furano Prince Hotel.
You can shop for handmade goods and candles, making it a great place to find souvenirs.
Summary
The Furano lavender fields in Hokkaido are a beloved summer tradition, enchanting visitors with sweeping purple blooms and a soothing fragrance.
During peak season, be sure to take a leisurely stroll and soak in Hokkaido’s signature scenery—majestic Tokachi-dake Mountains and colorful flower bands creating truly unforgettable views.
