Must-visit Lavender Fields in Hokkaido

Embark on a fragrant journey to the lavender fields of Hokkaido, where the summer air is perfumed with the sweet scent of blooming lavender. Hokkaido’s majestic landscapes transform into a sea of purple each year, offering a spectacle that’s as soothing to the soul as it is a feast for the eyes. Join us as we guide you through the floral spectacles, each with its own character, weaving a tapestry of color and aroma that captures the heart of rural Japan.

Farm Tomita in Hokkaido stands as the most iconic and revered of the lavender fields, drawing visitors from all over to bask in its vibrant purple blooms. Established over a century ago, the farm has evolved into a floral paradise, famous not just for its expansive lavender fields (and we mean expansive), but also for many other flowers that create a mosaic of color against the Tokachi mountain range. The farm has become a symbol of Hokkaido’s summer, where the vibrant purples of its meticulously tended lavender are a visual feast, setting it as a must-visit destination for visitors across the globe.

Getting to Farm Tomita from Sapporo

Getting to Farm Tomita from Sapporo is straightforward whether you’re using public transport or driving. By train, catch the JR Limited Express from Sapporo Station to Takikawa Station and transfer lines to reach Furano Station. From there, during the peak season, a local train runs that will get you to Lavender-Farm Station, situated a short walk from the farm.

If you’re driving, it’s about a two-and-a-half-hour journey. Farm Tomita provides ample parking for visitors, ensuring a smooth transition from travel to tranquility.

For those preferring a bus, options are available from Sapporo, with services connecting to the farm area. Please check the latest routes on Farm Tomita’s official website for the most accurate information.

Lavender and beyond

Farm Tomita’s sprawling estate is not just Hokkaido’s but arguably Japan’s lavender epicenter, where the classic beauty of lavender fields is complemented by a kaleidoscope of other floral displays.

At Lavender East, the experience becomes even more immersive. This extension of Farm Tomita, located just four kilometers east of the farm at a converted rice paddy field, is dedicated solely to lavender, making an even more epic and fragrant purple expanse. Visitors can take a 15-minute bus tour, letting the sea of blooms envelop them as they learn about the cultivation and significance of this beloved herb.

Back at the main farm, beyond the flower viewing, visitors are welcome to indulge in a variety of lavender-flavored delicacies and browse through an assortment of local products that capture the essence of Hokkaido’s botanical bounty.

To witness the lavender fields of Hokkaido in their most splendid state, plan your visit between late June and early August. The peak of the bloom — where the lavender’s purple hues are the most vibrant and the fragrance most intense — typically occurs in mid-July. Oh, and admission to Farm Tomita is absolutely free!

At Hokuseiyama Lavender Field, the slopes come alive with vibrant hues as various flowers bloom, creating a breathtaking palette that includes several types of lavender. The hill, transforming with the seasons, doubles as a winter sports destination. Because of this, a chair lift offers stunning views of the flowers below the greater Furano Valley and the Tokachi mountains.

Getting to Hokuseiyama Lavender Field from Sapporo

To visit Hokuseiyama Lavender Field from Sapporo, you can travel by train, car, or bus. Take the JR Limited Express from Sapporo to Asahikawa Station and change lines for Naka-Furano Station, then it’s a 10-minute walk to reach Hokuseiyama Lavender Field. If driving, it’s about a two-hour journey to Furano. Alternatively, buses run directly to the Furano area; from there, local transport options are available. The farm provides free parking, making it convenient for those driving.

Lavender from a birds-eye view

Hokuseiyama Lavender Field transforms through the seasons, offering a vivid floral spectacle in summer and a lively snow sports landscape in winter. In summer, the single-chair lift ride up Hokuseiyama offers an enchanting view, making you feel as if you’re soaring above a vibrant purple ocean, along with panoramic views of the Tokachi mountain range and the Furano Basin. The site hosts the Nakafurano Lavender Festival in July. It converts into a ski slope in winter, where it hosts the Winter Festival in February, providing activities for medium-skilled snowboarders and skiers.

Visiting Hokuseiyama Lavender Field offers an affordable way to enjoy its breathtaking views. The summer lift ticket prices are reasonable: adults and high school students are charged 400 JPY, while children and elementary and middle schoolers are charged 200 JPY.

Hinode Park Lavender Garden, nestled in Kamifurano, is a captivating destination renowned for its expansive lavender fields. Often hailed as the birthplace of lavender cultivation in Japan, the park is an historic landmark of Japanese floriculture. Its sweeping vistas and the enchanting fragrance of blooming lavender make it a picturesque locale, attracting visitors from across the globe.

Getting to Hinode Park Lavender Garden from Sapporo

Getting to Hinode Park Lavender Garden from Sapporo is convenient whether you choose a train, car, or bus. By train, take the JR Limited Express from Sapporo to Takikawa Station, then transfer lines to Kamifurano Station, followed by a 15-minute walk to the park. If driving, the journey takes about two hours and 30 minutes, with parking available on site. Alternatively, take a bus from Sapporo to Furano and then a local bus that stops near Hinode Park, offering an economical and scenic route to your destination.

The hills are alive with purple flowers

Hinode Park undergoes a stunning transformation throughout the year with the changing seasons. In the summer months, the area bursts into a vibrant palette of colors, dominated by the lush purple of its famed lavender. This seasonal bloom delights the senses with its beauty and scent and provides a perfect backdrop for photography. It’s no wonder that Hinode Park is a favored spot for wedding photography, where couples capture the romantic essence of their union against the scenic landscape.

For a limited time in mid-July, there is also an illumination event where the field is lit up, creating a magical landscape.

Hinode Park Lavender Garden also boasts a remarkable 360-degree panoramic observatory, allowing visitors to immerse themselves fully in the breathtaking surroundings. From this vantage point, guests can gaze out over the expansive lavender fields stretching vividly across the landscape, bordered by the distant mountains.

Adding to its appeal, Hinode Park Lavender Garden does not charge an admission fee, inviting guests to explore its beauty freely.

For those looking to immerse themselves in the heart of Hokkaido’s lavender country, Shin Furano Prince Hotel offers an ideal base. Strategically located, the hotel is near the region's top lavender attractions listed above — Farm Tomita, Hokuseiyama Lavender Field, and Hinode Park Lavender Garden — making it perfect for those who wish to explore these vibrant fields without the hassle of the long commute from Sapporo.

Shin Furano Prince Hotel is not only favored for its location but also for its picturesque setting. Tucked away in the stunning landscape of Furano, the hotel offers breathtaking views, which has made it a popular location for shooting numerous Japanese TV dramas.

As for amenities, the hotel boasts a range of facilities designed to enhance any stay. Guests can enjoy quality dining at the hotel’s restaurants, which offer international and local cuisine; relax in spacious, comfortable rooms with modern amenities; and use the on-site spa services for some rest and rejuvenation. Whether visiting in summer to witness the lavender in full bloom or in winter to experience the snowy landscape, Shin Furano Prince Hotel provides a perfect mix of comfort, convenience, and scenic beauty.