Hokkaido’s Lavender Fields: Farm Tomita Highlights, Sweets, and Tips

This article has been reposted with permission from GATE TO HOKKAIDO

Spend a Summer Day at Hokkaido's Lavender Fields

While Hokkaido is well known for its long, snowy winters, locals know it's an excellent summer destination, too. With mild, comfortable days and lush landscapes, Hokkaido summers are synonymous with one particular scene: the spectacular fields of Furano's lavender farms.

Furano, located in the center of Hokkaido, has been a center of lavender cultivation for over 50 years. Initially, lavender farming in Hokkaido was an agricultural industry, but over time it's become a living, major-scale art display and tourist attraction.

Farm Tomita is Furano's centerpiece when it comes to all things lavender. This facility, with its ruggedly beautiful Tokachi Mountain Range backdrop, is home to a variety of attractions, from the vividly colorful fields to exhibits, workshops, and culinary experiences that explore the potential, beauty, and versatility of this gorgeous flower. The farm is open year-round, but if it's the endless purple fields you want to see, it's best to visit between late June and early August.

Read this article on the travel information website "Hokkaido Love!"

Farm Tomita Overview

As much of an amusement park as a farm, Farm Tomita is one of Hokkaido’s most iconic attractions, drawing around a million guests annually, many of whom flock here during the summer months to catch the fields in full bloom.

The site’s origin dates back to 1903 when Tokuma Tomita, who came to Furano from Fukui Prefecture, began what would become the first incarnation of Farm Tomita. Lavender cultivation became increasingly popular in the Furano area in the 1950s. Farm Tomita started cultivating lavender in 1958, mainly for lavender essence.

It was around the mid-1970s that the farm started to capture the attention of visitors. Its fields of bright purple caught the eyes of guests traveling through the area in summer. But it wouldn’t be until the early 1990s that the farm’s non-production facilities would open, the first being Hanabito House, which capitalized on the farm’s appeal as a tourist destination.

Facilities and Attractions at Farm Tomita

Today, the farm boasts a total of 15 different attractions, not including the flower fields. Each of these attractions offers something different, from workshop displays to snack stalls selling the pastel-purple lavender soft serve to a small but well-designed gallery showcasing some of the best photography of Furano’s lavender fields.

With so much to do, it’s recommended you put aside a day to make the most of your time here. With a whole day, you can also explore some of the other lavender attractions located not too far from Farm Tomita to get a more comprehensive view of Hokkaido’s lavender culture.

How to Enjoy Your Stay at Farm Tomita

Start the day exploring the fields. Especially if the weather is good, it's a great chance to snap those perfect photos and take in the sights before enjoying the farm's other activities.

As you enter the farm, which faces east, you'll be greeted by the colorful Hanabito Field, situated right in front of Hanabito House. This field is populated by various flowers – including lavender – that offer different scenes depending on the season. In spring, expect bright bulb blossoms, while summer is best for lavender viewing.

Behind this field is Sakiwai Field, its many gradations of purple are a great way to explore the unique varieties of lavender.

Following the paths to the last field in front of the farm, this field is divided in two: the Spring Field where Iceland poppies bloom, and Autumn Field, which welcomes guests with the sweet, delicate fragrance of Japanese roses.

After exploring the farm's front fields, head west towards the hills, behind the Distillery, Workshop, and Greenhouse, to lose yourself in the even bigger and more diverse display of flowers located there.

There are several fields to explore, including the popular rolling Irodori Field, the Lavender Forest Field, a field covered in baby's breath and other brightly colored flowers, and the newest, poppy-covered Hilltop Field (2017). White Birch Forest and two more lavender fields occupy the northern corner of the farm.

As you wander through, you're sure to find a favorite spot; be sure to return after exploring the farm's other attractions!

Activities to Enjoy in the Lavender Fields

Running in the middle of the farm, between the two collections of fields, is where you’ll find most of the site’s attractions. There’s the open Distillery, where guests can take a look at the only essential lavender oil distillery in action.

Next to the Distillery is the Perfume Workshop and gift store. In the workshop, which is open from late April to mid-October, you can watch expert perfumers hard at work creating gorgeously fragrant blends, which you can sample and buy at the workshop’s gift store Proche House, located next door.

Gallery Fleur is a bit of a secret gem when it comes to Farm Tomita’s attractions. This modern gallery exhibits photos showcasing the farm’s landscape throughout the year, and in summer is a quiet and air-conditioned space perfect for cooling off.

If you visit outside of summer, right by the gallery also sits the Greenhouse, where you can see lavender at any time of year.

Lavender Ice Cream and Other Sweets! Food to Try at Farm Tomita

The culinary offerings of Farm Tomita are sure to delight any visitor. The most popular food item is the lavender soft cream, which is as tasty as it is photogenic. You can buy the soft cream from a few locations throughout the farm, including Poppy House, located at the entrance, Arbre House at the back of the farm, and the central Sakiwai Trail Petit Shop.

Other culinary highlights include the lavender lemonade, sold in marble soda bottles, fresh sweet melon, and the melon-cream-filled crispy and soft melon pan, at the store located in the Flower House, looking out over Hanabito Field.

Cafe Rene, a sunlit, glass-sided cafe serves Hokkaido specialties, like curries made with local vegetables and fried potatoes.

Recommended Photo Spots and Tips for Instagram-worthy Photos

When it comes to getting the perfect photo at Farm Tomita, it’s hard to go wrong. However, here are a few tips.

If you want to get a sweeping view of the facility, inside the Perfume Workshop is a viewing platform that’s quiet, offering a little respite from the crowds and the ideal spot to fit as much as you can into the frame. Another good bird’s eye view is from the observatory deck atop Flower House.

Looking at the fields, all of them are stunning, and no matter where you go, there will be plenty of photo opportunities.

However, for lavender, we’d suggest going to the Traditional Lavender Field located at the northern back corner of the farm, as it’s situated on a hill, making it a great backdrop.

Also, the bright red colors of the Hilltop Field contrasting with the lush green forest make for a unique photo, as the field is quite new and hasn’t been as photographed as the others.

Recommended Souvenirs From Farm Tomita

The Dried Flower House is an excellent spot to pick up a gorgeous dried flower arrangement as a souvenir. The store was created by the Dutch floral designer Len Alkemade, who crafted the dried flower displays you see here. You're sure to find some inspiration!

The Perfume Workshop is another highlight for gift shopping. You'll find a huge variety of perfume blends, as well as the bookmark section, where guests can create bookmarks scented with their favorite perfumes.

When to Visit? The Best Season to Visit Farm Tomita

The farm is open throughout the year, with seasonal flowers blossoming between early May and mid-October. Late June to early August is the best time to visit if you want to catch the lavender in full bloom.

If you're visiting in winter, the farm is open as a 'Winter Garden' where guests can admire the ice-crusted poplar trees and try sledding.

Access to Farm Tomita

You can reach Farm Tomita via the JR Furano Line, a direct train from Asahikawa Station (about one hour each way). The closest regular station is Nakafurano Station, a 25-minute walk or short taxi ride from the farm.

If you're visiting between early June and late September, the train also stops at the temporary Lavender-Batake Station, but check the schedule ahead of time, as it doesn't stop at this station regularly.

The farm is also a destination for some sightseeing buses from Furano. If you're traveling by car, there is free parking available.

Going Further: Lavender East

If you want to explore Furano's lavender scene a little further afield, Farm Tomita has another farm, Lavender East, one of Japan's largest lavender fields. Located four kilometers east of Farm Tomita, the facility has a cafe, store, observation deck and offers scenic "Lavender Bus" rides (for a fee) through the lavender fields.

*In 2021, Lavender East was closed as a measure to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 infections.

Farm Tomita

Hokkaido, Sorachi district, Nakafurano, Kisenkita 15

See more information on exciting places to visit in Hokkaido!

Written by Lucy Dayman
In cooperation with Farm Tomita
Sponsored by Hokkaido Airports Co., Ltd.