Furano
Hokkaido
Furano lies in the heart of Hokkaido at the western foot of the Tokachi Range — a basin city of about 20,000 residents that, together with neighboring Biei, is known as the «town of hills,» a sacred ground of Japan's finest pastoral landscapes. Tadao Tomita started lavender cultivation at «Farm Tomita» in 1958, and when it appeared on the cover of the 1976 Japanese National Railways calendar, the area gained nationwide fame; today, about a million visitors arrive at peak lavender bloom in July. Beyond lavender, the «Rainbow Patchwork Fields,» sunflower fields, autumn colors, and winter rime ice with powder snow each offer iconic Japanese rural landscapes across the seasons.
Highlights
- Farm Tomita — founded 1958, with 12 lavender varieties and the «Rainbow Patchwork Fields,» peaking mid-to-late July
- Rainbow Patchwork Fields — seven colors of flowers arranged in rainbow stripes, a globally rare composition
- Biei Blue Pond — dead birches and blue water, a byproduct of Hokkaido Electric's sediment dams, used as Apple's MacBook Pro wallpaper
- Shikisai-no-Oka — 150,000 m² of flower fields in Biei, with continuous summer–autumn blooms; tractor tours available
- Shin-ei Hills and Patchwork Road — iconic Biei hill landscapes, including the «Ken & Mary Tree» and «Seven Star Tree»
Quick Answers
What is Furano?
Located in central Hokkaido alongside Biei as «towns of hills,» Furano is globally famous for the lavender fields of Farm Tomita (founded 1958). With purple July carpets, rainbow patchwork fields, and Biei's Blue Pond, it remains a sacred ground for Japanese pastoral landscapes.
Best time for lavender photos?
Peak bloom is roughly July 15–25. Early morning's low-angle light brings out floral depth; clear-sky mornings yield the richest color. Weekends are crowded — weekday early mornings 6–8 AM are ideal.
Can I combine Furano with Biei?
Yes — about 30 minutes apart by car. The classic loop: Farm Tomita → Shikisai-no-Oka → Blue Pond → Patchwork Road. A rental car is recommended for a day trip; JR runs but with infrequent service.
What are Farm Tomita's hours and fees?
Free admission, free parking, open daily. 8:30–17:30 (until 18:00 in summer, shorter in winter). Try lavender soft-serve (¥450), potpourri and perfume (¥800–3,000), and the limited distillation experience. Arrive at 8:30–9:30 to beat the crowds — tour buses arrive after 10:00.
What blooms beyond lavender?
May tulips, June peonies, July lavender, August sunflowers and cosmos, September salvia, October foliage, December–February rime ice and powder snow. The Tokachi Range from the Furano ropeway is grand year-round — every season rewards a visit.
Can I get there without a car?
From JR Furano Line «Naka-Furano» Station, Farm Tomita is a 25-minute walk. In summer (Jun–Oct), the seasonal Norokko Train stops at «Lavender Field» Station (7-min walk). Day-tour buses run from Sapporo (¥8,000–12,000). Furano Bus loops connect major sites.
Practical Information
- Access
- JR Furano Station → Naka-Furano (7 min). Then 7-min walk to Farm Tomita.
- Parking
- Large free parking at Farm Tomita (500 cars).
- Admission
- Free.
- Duration
- 1-2 hr at Farm Tomita; half-day to tour nearby fields.
- Best Time
- Mid-to-late July early morning (5-7 a.m.).
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