Furano's Lavender Fields: Hokkaido's Purple Summer
How to see the lavender fields of Furano in Hokkaido: Farm Tomita, the best weeks to go, the rainbow flower fields and getting there.
Quick answer
- What it is: lavender and flower farms in the Furano valley of central Hokkaido.
- Famous for: Farm Tomita's purple slopes and rainbow-striped flower fields.
- Entry: Farm Tomita is free to visit.
- Time needed: half a day, or a full day with Biei.
- Best time: the lavender usually peaks from early to late July.
For a few weeks each summer, the hills of Furano turn purple. Rows of lavender run down the slopes, broken by stripes of red poppies, white baby's breath and orange marigolds, with the Tokachi mountains behind.
Why Furano is a wonder
Lavender was planted here in the mid 1900s for its oil. When demand fell, one farm kept growing it, and a railway calendar photo of its fields in the 1970s made Furano famous.
Today, Farm Tomita is the best known farm, with several fields of lavender and other flowers in carefully planned colour bands.
More than lavender
Farm Tomita's Irodori Field is planted in long stripes of different flowers, creating a rainbow across the hillside.
Do not miss the lavender soft serve ice cream, sold at most farms. Nearby Biei adds patchwork farmland and the Shirogane Blue Pond.
Places to visit
| Spot | What you see | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Farm Tomita | Lavender slopes and the rainbow Irodori Field | 1.5 hours |
| Hinode Park | A hilltop lavender field with valley views | 45 minutes |
| Shikisai no Oka | A huge hillside flower park near Biei | 1.5 hours |
| Furano Cheese Factory | Cheese and ice cream tastings | 45 minutes |
| Shirogane Blue Pond | Wonder No. 28, about 40 minutes by car | 45 minutes |
When to go
- Early to late July: the lavender peak.
- June: early lavender varieties and fresh green fields.
- August: later flowers still bloom, though lavender is harvested.
- Early morning: soft light and fewer tour buses.
Our tip: Rent a car in Asahikawa or Furano. Many of the best viewpoints and farms are spread out, and buses are limited outside the peak weeks.
Getting there
- From Sapporo: trains and buses reach Furano in about 2 hours.
- In summer: a seasonal JR stop, Lavender Batake, opens near Farm Tomita during the peak.
- From Asahikawa: the Furano Line runs through Biei to Furano in about 1.5 hours.
Visiting respectfully
- Stay on the paths and do not walk into the flower rows.
- Many fields are on private farms, so do not enter without permission.
- Drones are not allowed at most farms.
- Watch for bees around the lavender.
Frequently asked questions
When is lavender season in Furano?
Usually from early to late July, with the peak around mid July.
Is Farm Tomita free?
Yes. Entry to Farm Tomita is free.
How do you get to Furano from Sapporo?
Trains and buses take about 2 hours.
Can you visit Furano and Biei in one day?
Yes, especially by car, as they are close together.
Byodo-in
A thousand-year-old temple hall that seems to float on its pond, like a phoenix spreading its wings.
We check this guide regularly. Prices, hours and rules in Japan can change, so confirm with the official sources below before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.