If you’ve ever dreamed of walking through a purple haze of lavender stretching to the horizon, Furano in Hokkaido is the place that will make that dream real. Nestled in the heart of Hokkaido’s central highlands, Furano has earned its reputation as Japan’s lavender capital — a title it wears with quiet pride every summer. From late June through early August, the rolling hills surrounding the city burst into vivid shades of violet, pink, and gold, drawing visitors from across Japan and around the world.
Furano sits at roughly 200 to 300 meters above sea level in a wide basin flanked by the Daisetsuzan mountain range to the north and the Yubari mountains to the south. This geography creates a microclimate that is ideal for lavender: cool nights, warm sunny days, and fertile volcanic soil. The result is lavender of exceptional quality and color, cultivated on hillside farms that have become icons of Japanese summer photography.
This guide covers everything you need to know before you go: the best farms to visit, peak bloom timing, how to get there from Sapporo, where to book tours on Klook, and practical tips that will help you make the most of your visit. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a multi-day stay in the Furano countryside, you’ll find all the information you need right here.
🎬 Watch Before You Go
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What Makes Furano Lavender So Special
A Century of Lavender Cultivation
Lavender was first introduced to Hokkaido in the 1930s when the Japanese government was looking for alternative crops suitable for the island’s cool climate. Furano farmers embraced the plant, and by the postwar era, lavender cultivation had become an important local industry. At its peak, over 400 hectares of Furano hillsides were blanketed in lavender, supplying essential oils to the Japanese fragrance and cosmetics industry.
The turning point in Furano’s story came in 1976, when a photograph of Farm Tomita’s lavender fields appeared in a Japanese National Railways calendar. The image — rows of deep purple lavender stretching toward the mountains — captured the imagination of the Japanese public, and tourists began arriving in numbers that surprised even the farmers themselves. Farm Tomita became famous overnight, and Furano’s transformation into a tourism destination began. Today, the lavender industry has evolved: while some farms still produce essential oils, most have diversified into agritourism, offering pick-your-own experiences, lavender-flavored ice cream, souvenir shops, and photography spots that attract over a million visitors each summer season.
Why Furano’s Lavender Is Japan’s Best
Japan has other lavender destinations — Kawaguchiko in Yamanashi and Tambara in Gunma both attract visitors during summer — but Furano’s scale is in a different league. The farms here are vast, the views are framed by mountains, and the air carries a fragrance that is hard to describe but impossible to forget. The elevation and the quality of the volcanic soil produce lavender with a deeper, richer purple than you’ll typically find elsewhere in Japan.
Beyond the visual and olfactory experience, Furano offers a density of flower farms that makes it easy to visit multiple spots in a single day. Farm Tomita, Lavender East, and Furano Lavender Yuuen are all within a short drive of each other. Combined with Biei’s famous patchwork flower fields just 30 minutes to the north, the Furano-Biei region is arguably the single most beautiful area in Japan during late July.
For more on exploring Hokkaido in summer, check out our Hokkaido seasonal travel guide for year-round planning ideas.
Top Lavender Farms and Attractions in Furano
Farm Tomita — The Iconic Lavender Destination
Farm Tomita is where it all started, and it remains the most famous and most-photographed lavender farm in Japan. Open year-round but at its most spectacular from early July to early August, the farm covers a large hillside with seven distinct flower fields, each planted with different varieties and colors. The main lavender field, called the Senshun no Oka (Field of Eternal Youth), sits on a gentle slope facing south, framing views of the Tokachi-dake volcano on clear days.
Entry to Farm Tomita is free, which makes it one of Japan’s most generous tourist attractions. You’ll find lavender soft-serve ice cream (¥450) at the farm’s café, dried lavender products, essential oils, and a fragrance workshop where you can blend your own scent. The farm also produces Lavender Delphinium — a variety exclusive to Tomita — which blooms in a striking blue-violet shade in late July. Plan at least 90 minutes here; it’s easy to spend longer wandering between fields and trying the food stalls.
Insider tip: arrive before 9:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. to avoid the tour bus crowds. The light is also better for photography in the early morning, when mist sometimes drifts over the fields from the mountains.
Want to explore Biei’s famous flower fields after Farm Tomita? Browse Furano & Biei day tours on Klook that cover both destinations in one comfortable guided day.
Lavender East — Higher Ground, Bigger Views
Perched on a hillside about 15 minutes by car from the main Farm Tomita, Lavender East (also operated by Farm Tomita) sits at a higher elevation and offers panoramic views over the entire Furano Basin. Because it’s slightly off the main tourist circuit, crowds here are noticeably thinner than at the main farm. The lavender fields here are planted on terraced hillsides, and the view of the valley below — patchwork fields, the Sorachi River, and distant mountains — is stunning from the top of the slope.
Getting here requires either your own vehicle or the farm’s shuttle service from the main Farm Tomita during peak season. The farm operates from early July, and the bloom here tends to peak about a week later than the main farm due to the higher altitude, which means it’s a great fallback if you’ve just missed peak at the main site. Allow 45 to 60 minutes for a relaxed visit.
Furano Cheese Factory & Lavender Farm
A short drive from Farm Tomita, the Furano Cheese Factory combines a working dairy and cheese production facility with an attached flower garden that blooms beautifully in July. While not a dedicated lavender farm, the garden here features lavender alongside poppies, sunflowers, and other Hokkaido wildflowers, creating a colorful mosaic that makes for excellent photography. Entry is free, and the cheese factory offers free tastings and a workshop where you can make your own butter or cheese for a small fee (around ¥800–1,200).
This spot is particularly good for families, and it pairs well with a morning at Farm Tomita. The combination of lavender fields, cheese tasting, and mountain views makes for a classic Furano half-day.
Biei Blue Pond & Flower Hills
While not technically in Furano, the neighboring town of Biei is 30 minutes north by car and should be on any Furano itinerary. Biei’s Blue Pond (Aoike) is one of Hokkaido’s most-photographed natural features — a turquoise reservoir tinted by aluminum minerals, surrounded by the ghostly white trunks of dead birch trees. The effect is genuinely otherworldly, especially in morning mist or winter snow.
Beyond the Blue Pond, Biei’s patchwork fields (Patchwork Road) offer a completely different floral experience: vast agricultural fields of different crops — lavender, sunflowers, wheat, and potatoes — create a natural quilt of colors across gently rolling hills. The best way to experience Biei is by rental bike or rented car, stopping at viewpoints like Ken and Mary’s Tree, Mild Seven Hill, and Shikisai no Oka (Four Seasons Hill).
For first-time visitors to Hokkaido, combining Furano lavender with a Biei afternoon is the quintessential Hokkaido summer experience. Check Biei tours on Klook to book a convenient guided day trip that covers both areas.
Ningle Terrace — Arts, Crafts & Evening Atmosphere
For a different kind of Furano experience, Ningle Terrace is a cluster of wooden craft workshops nestled in a forest on the hillside above the New Furano Prince Hotel. Open from 12:00 to 8:45 p.m. (later in July and August), it’s especially atmospheric in the evening when lanterns light the wooden walkways between cottages. Each cottage houses a different artisan, selling handmade jewelry, woodcrafts, glass art, and leather goods.
The terrace is named after a fairy-tale creature from a beloved Japanese novel set in Furano, and the forest setting captures that magical atmosphere beautifully. It’s a great add-on for the late afternoon after your lavender farm visits, and the attached café, Forest Gnome, serves good coffee and desserts with mountain views.
How to Book Tours & Get to Furano
Book a Guided Tour from Sapporo (Recommended)
Most visitors to Furano come from Sapporo, Hokkaido’s capital, which is approximately 2.5 hours away by car (130 km) via the Hokkaido Expressway. If you don’t have a rental car — and driving in Hokkaido is highly recommended — guided day tours from Sapporo are the most convenient option and often include Biei and multiple stops at lavender farms.
Browse Furano lavender tours on Klook → Tours typically depart from Sapporo Station or major Sapporo hotels around 7:30–8:00 a.m. and return by 7:00–8:00 p.m. Prices range from ¥8,000 to ¥15,000 per person depending on group size, inclusions, and whether Biei is included. English-language tours are available and well-reviewed. Look for tours that include Farm Tomita, Lavender East, and Biei’s Blue Pond for the most complete experience.
If you prefer to self-drive, rent a car in Sapporo (budget approximately ¥7,000–12,000/day for a compact car, plus fuel and highway tolls of around ¥3,000 each way). This gives you the flexibility to linger at whichever farm you love most and to explore Biei’s back roads at your own pace.
By Train: The Lavender Express
From Sapporo, JR Hokkaido operates the Limited Express Furano Lavender Express directly to Furano Station during peak season (typically late June through late August). The journey takes approximately 2 hours and costs ¥4,000–5,000 for a reserved seat. From Furano Station, Farm Tomita is about 6 km away — reachable by taxi (around ¥1,200 one-way) or by the seasonal Farm Tomita station on the JR Furano Line (limited service, check the timetable in advance).
The Norokko Lavender Field Train is a seasonal open-air train that runs between Furano and Biei during July and August, with a stop at Lavender Field Station (next to Farm Tomita). This is a wonderful option for those who want to experience the scenery without driving, though service is limited to a few runs per day in each direction.
Where to Stay near Furano
Furano has a good range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses and pensions to mid-range hotels and a handful of ryokan. The New Furano Prince Hotel is the most prominent option, with ski resort facilities in winter and lavender views in summer. Rates run approximately ¥15,000–30,000 per room per night during peak lavender season (July).
For a more authentic rural experience, many small pension-style guesthouses (minshuku) near the farms offer home-cooked Hokkaido meals featuring local dairy products, lamb, and seasonal vegetables. Book early — accommodation in Furano sells out weeks in advance during peak lavender season.
Find hotels near Furano lavender fields on Booking.com →
Tips & What to Expect
Best Time to Visit Furano Lavender Fields
The absolute peak for Furano lavender is early to mid-July, typically between July 8 and July 25. During this window, the classic early-blooming variety called Noshi Hayazaki (which blooms from late June to early July) has finished, and the main crop — including the highly photogenic Okamurasaki — is in full purple glory. Late July also sees later-blooming varieties add secondary waves of color.
If you’re planning your trip around lavender specifically, aim for the second or third week of July. Outside this window, late June can still be beautiful (especially Lavender East, which blooms about a week later), and early August still has some color, though fields may be thinner. The harvest typically begins in mid-July, so you may also see tractors harvesting lavender in the fields — an interesting sight in itself.
What to Bring
Furano in July is pleasant but can be warm (25–30°C on sunny days) and occasionally rainy. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes since you’ll be covering significant ground across sloped terrain. Mosquitoes can be present in the evening near forested areas, so light long sleeves and insect repellent are useful after dark. A reusable bag is handy for carrying lavender souvenirs — dried bundles, essential oils, and lavender-flavored confectionery are all popular purchases.
Getting Around Within Furano
Within Furano, public transport between farms is very limited outside of the seasonal Norokko Train. A rental car or bicycle is the most practical way to get around. Furano Station has several bicycle rental shops (around ¥500–1,000/hour for a regular bike, more for e-bikes). Electric bikes are particularly useful since the terrain involves some uphill stretches. Taxis are available from Furano Station; a full-day taxi tour covering multiple farms costs approximately ¥15,000–20,000 for a standard taxi (fits 4 people).
If you’re heading to Biei as well, a rental car is strongly recommended. The 30-km stretch between Furano and Biei passes through farmland and offers numerous photo stops that are impractical without your own transport. For a day trip combining both areas, book your rental car in Sapporo in advance — availability can be tight during peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Furano lavender fields?
Peak bloom is typically from July 8 to July 25. Early-blooming varieties (Noshi Hayazaki) peak in late June to early July, while the main crop (Okamurasaki) peaks in mid-July. Late July to early August offers the longest overall bloom period with multiple varieties.
Is Farm Tomita free to enter?
Yes, Farm Tomita is free to enter. There are no admission fees for walking through the lavender fields. You pay only for food, souvenirs, and workshop experiences. This makes it exceptional value for one of Japan’s most iconic natural attractions.
Can I take lavender home from Furano?
Yes! Dried lavender bundles, lavender essential oils, lavender sachets, and lavender-infused goods (cookies, chocolate, soap) are all available for purchase and are perfectly legal to take home. Check your country’s agricultural import rules before bringing fresh plant material, however.
How many days do I need in Furano?
A full day is the minimum for a satisfying Furano lavender experience if coming from Sapporo. Two days allows you to visit multiple farms, spend time in Biei, and enjoy a leisurely dinner featuring Hokkaido lamb and fresh dairy. Three days lets you add Asahikawa (Hokkaido’s second city, 45 minutes north) and Daisetsuzan National Park for hiking.
Is Furano worth visiting without a car?
It’s possible but more limited. The seasonal Norokko Train stops at Farm Tomita, and guided day tours from Sapporo are a great car-free option. However, to explore Biei’s back roads and visit multiple farms on your own schedule, a rental car is strongly recommended.
How do I get from Sapporo to Furano?
By car: approximately 2.5 hours (130 km) via the Hokkaido Expressway. By train: the Limited Express Furano Lavender Express (seasonal, summer only) takes about 2 hours. By bus: seasonal express buses run from Sapporo to Furano during peak season, taking approximately 2.5–3 hours.
What else is in Furano beyond lavender?
Furano is a year-round destination: in winter it’s a ski resort (Furano Ski Area is one of Hokkaido’s best), and in autumn the hillsides turn gold and red with the colors of deciduous trees. The city itself has a good dining scene featuring local lamb (Genghis Khan barbecue), fresh milk soft-serve, and Furano wine produced from local grapes. The Prince Hotel’s outdoor onsen is open year-round.
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Final Thoughts on Furano Lavender
Furano’s lavender fields are one of those rare travel experiences that genuinely exceed expectations. The combination of vast purple landscapes, mountain backdrops, fragrant air, and the relaxed pace of Hokkaido’s countryside creates something that photographs can hint at but never quite capture. There’s a peacefulness to walking through Farm Tomita on a July morning — the kind of quiet that makes you forget about schedules and just breathe.
The key takeaways: visit in mid-July for peak blooms, start at Farm Tomita and work your way up to Lavender East for the views, and don’t miss the lavender soft-serve (it sounds touristy but it genuinely is delicious). If you can, rent a car and extend your day into Biei for the patchwork fields and the Blue Pond — together they make for one of the most visually memorable days you can have in Japan.
For those planning their broader Hokkaido itinerary, Furano pairs naturally with a day in Otaru and two nights based in Sapporo, or as part of a longer self-drive loop that takes in Noboribetsu’s hot springs and Shiretoko’s wilderness.
- Key takeaway 1: Mid-July (July 10–25) is the absolute peak for lavender — plan your timing carefully.
- Key takeaway 2: Farm Tomita is free to enter and extraordinary — arrive early for smaller crowds and better photos.
- Key takeaway 3: A rental car or guided tour from Sapporo gives you the most flexibility and the best overall experience.
Book your Furano lavender tour on Klook → | Find hotels in Furano on Booking.com →