As I stay up for my subsequent summer time journey to Hokkaido, one of many experiences I can’t wait to reprise is frolicking amid the Hokkaido lavender fields. Situated in Naka-Furano a brief drive or prepare journey from Sapporo, that is one in all my favourite summer time experiences anyplace in Japan.
Hokkaido’s flower fields, to make certain, are greater than alternatives to reap Instagram likes. Amongst different delights, you possibly can pattern lavender-flavored and scented merchandise, together with delectable soft-serve ice cream made with actual Hokkaido milk.
Neither is Hokkaido solely interesting as a vacation spot due to lavender paraphernalia. Proceed studying to study extra about why—and the way—it is best to put your Hokkaido lavender season journey collectively.
How you can Get to and Across the Hokkaido Lavender Fields
You’ll discover many various Hokkaido rental automotive choices upon arriving at New Chitose Airport, which is essentially the most handy place to select one up. I sometimes use Toyota Lease-a-car when touring in Japan, although I not too long ago realized about DiscoverCars instead possibility. DiscoverCars means that you can evaluate charges and availability for a number of rental corporations in a given space, which might prevent each money and time.
In fact, you needn’t hire a automotive when you merely wish to see the Hokkaido lavender. You may stroll or take a bus from Naka-Furano Station (which is itself accessible straight from Asahikawa and not directly—through Asahikawa—from Sapporo) to each Farm Tomita and Lavender East, and do most the rest within the space utilizing public transport as effectively, despite the fact that doing so will go away you on the mercy of comparatively rare departures. On this occasion, I’d suggest staying not less than 2-3 nights so that you don’t miss out on something.
Can’t-Miss Lavender Actions in Hokkaido
Follow your selfie recreation at Farm Tomita
The excellent news? One of many chief causes individuals come to Farm Tomita is to {photograph} themselves and their pals traipsing amid the lavender. The higher information? In case you can’t bear the crowds at Farm Tomita, and don’t think about its hilliness a necessity to your photos, you possibly can set your GPS for the Hokkaido lavender fields of Lavender East (which is owned by the identical individuals) as a substitute.
Pattern lavender comfortable cream (and different Hokkaido milk concoctions)
The lavender fields themselves however, another excuse individuals flock to Naka-Furano is to eat lavender comfortable cream. The one served at Farm Tomita has each the aroma and the style of pure lavender; others can scent and look downright faux. (TIP: Plain Hokkaido milk comfortable cream served in half a melon can be a pleasant summer time deal with!)
Buy do-it-yourself Hokkaido lavender merchandise
Whether or not at Farm Tomita or any variety of different outlets within the neighborhood, there’s by no means a scarcity of lavender-related items to purchase. Specifically, soaps and fragrances are in style, although you can even buy plush toys, teas and unfastened lavender, amongst different seasonal merchandise.
Commerce purple for blue
In case you’ve had sufficient of the Hokkaido lavender fields or simply wish to break up days on finish of Instagram taking pictures, drive (or, when you’re affected person) journey the prepare/bus north to Biei. Along with a number of waterfalls and a scrumptious burger stand that I hope continues to be open. Biei is house to the aptly-named Shirogane Blue Pond, which is very vibrant and colourful on a brilliant, sunny day.
(Or the zoo)
The journey from Furano to Asashikawa is barely longer than the one to Biei, however the rewards are extra complicated. If Asahiyama Zoo finally ends up not being your factor—and let’s face it: it isn’t for many individuals—you possibly can spend your time discovering underrated, sleepy Asahikawa metropolis, which is usually a good reprieve, significantly in case your journey to this point has been tourist-filled.
BONUS: See lavender at an odd Sapporo cemetery
Wish to see lavender in Hokkaido 2027 with out touring removed from Sapporo? Set your GPS for Makominai Takino Cemetery, which is lower than half-hour from town by automotive (and in addition solely round an hour through public transport). Along with housing a large Buddha encased in a lavender-covered dome, the cemetery is house to replicas of Stonehenge and the Easter Island monoliths.
The place to Keep in Hokkaido if You Love Lavender
The unhealthy information? Not one of the motels in shut proximity to the Hokkaido lavender fields provide an expertise I feel is…effectively, lavender sufficient. Whereas Pension Lavender, for instance, has a backyard stuffed with its namesake botanical, it doesn’t go as excessive as I’ve come to anticipate themed Japanese lodging to do. It looks like a missed alternative to me someway (though I’m not ready to open my very own lavender resort, to be honest).
This leaves you with two choices. The primary can be to scour Airbnb for properties, which include a caveat: The connection of the Japanese authorities with Airbnb signifies that each the amount and high quality of properties can range enormously. Another choice, when you don’t thoughts a protracted trek out and an extended one again, is to remain in Asahikawa, and journey through prepare or rental automotive to Naka-Furano, taking what basically quantities to a lavender day journey, as soon as you already know the place to see lavender in Hokkaido.
Different FAQ About Visiting Hokkaido in Summer season
The place can I see lavender in Japan?
The most well-liked place to see lavender in Japan is in Naka-Furano, a city within the central a part of the island of Hokkaido. Though you’ll find lavender vegetation (and a few scattered lavender fields) in different components of Japan, that is undoubtedly the place pictured in any photographs you’ve seen.
How do I get to Farm Tomita?
You may attain Farm Tomita by bus or on meals from JR Naka-Furano station. Alternatively, you possibly can stroll to Lavender East, which is situated nearer to the station and tends to be much less crowded, even when it is usually barely much less picturesque (it’s flat) than hilly Farm Tomita.
Is Farm Tomita open in winter?
Farm Tomita is “open” in winter, however with out its well-known flowers is a somewhat unhappy place. Actually, I wouldn’t waste any a part of a winter journey to Hokkaido on this a part of the island, with the attainable exception of Biei (whose blue pond is somewhat colorless in the course of the winter, I need to warn you).
The Backside Line
The place are you able to see lavender in Hokkaido? Whether or not you’re planning a visit for Hokkaido lavender season 2027, 2028 or another time sooner or later, there’s by no means a foul time to go to Japan’s northernmost island throughout its warmest time of 12 months. The Hokkaido lavender fields themselves are solely the start, whether or not you employ them as a jumping-off level for culinary and retail adventures, or discover outlying Hokkaido locations in Biei, Asahikawa and even farther afield. Nonetheless uncertain? Contemplate hiring me to plan your Hokkaido journey when you’re uncertain in any respect!