Furano - 23 Things to Do in Hokkaido’s Land of Lavender

What Sort of Place Is Furano?

Furano is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s four main islands. Often referred to as the "Bellybutton of Hokkaido" because of its central location, Furano sits in an inland basin at the meeting point of the Sorachi and Furano Rivers, making it a region rich in natural beauty. The area typically sees its first snowfall between late October and early November, with ski resorts usually opening by the end of November.

What makes Furano truly special is its unique combination of stunning landscapes and cultural experiences. Whether you're drawn to outdoor adventures or local traditions, you could easily spend a week here without exhausting all it has to offer. However, for most travelers, 2 to 3 days is sufficient to experience the best of Furano’s charm and attractions.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Furano?

The four seasons in Furano are very distinct, and the differences in temperature are drastic. In winter, temperatures can drop as low as -30°C, while in summer, they can rise well above 30°C. Temperatures in spring and autumn are usually comfortable; however, the evenings and mornings can get chilly, and on days when the weather is poor, they can easily drop down to 10°C.

If you're a ski enthusiast, the answer is simple: visit between December and February, during winter. However, if you’re more interested in flowers, the timing becomes a bit more nuanced. While Furano is famous for its lavender fields, it also boasts a wide variety of other flowers. For instance, Farm Tomita provides information on the different types of flowers and their blooming periods on its official website.

Here is a guide to the best times to see each type of flower in Furano:

·   May: Lupines and Tulips

·   June: Blue Salvia and Poppies

·   Late June: Lavender begins to bloom

·   Mid July: Lavender blooming reaches its peak

·   August: Sunflowers, Red Salvia, and Cosmos

·   September to October: Marigolds, Yellow Mustard, and Dahlias 

Furano: Getting There and Around

How to Get There From Tokyo - Asahikawa

You can easily get to Asahikawa Airport (near Furano) with a 90-minute flight from Tokyo's Haneda and Narita airports. 

Bus

The Furano Bus Lavender-go connects Asahikawa Airport to Furano, with around 8 buses in service per day.

Train

The JR Furano Line connects Furano with Biei and Asahikawa City. This route is covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Hokkaido Rail Pass. A special train, the Furano-Biei Norokko, also operates along the Furano Line during the summer, stopping at the temporarily constructed Lavender-Batake Station, which is a short walk from Farm Tomita.

How to Get There From Sapporo

As Sapporo is connected to Haneda and Narita airports by dozens of flights per day, traveling from Sapporo to Furano is also quite convenient and there are various options available. 

Rental Car

Renting a car is the fastest way to reach Furano, taking approximately 2 hours if you use the highway. This option also offers the advantage of exploring Hokkaido's scenic rural areas at your own pace.

Train

For those who enjoy train travel, take the JR Limited Express from Sapporo Station to Asahikawa Station. From there, transfer to the JR Furano Line to reach Furano Station. The total journey takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes. 

Direct JR 'Furano Lavender Express' limited express trains between Sapporo and Furano are also available during the summer, with the trip fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Hokkaido Rail Pass, and taking about two hours. 

Another option is taking the JR Limited Express from Sapporo to Takikawa and transferring to a local train to Furano (also covered by the Japan Rail Pass, Hokkaido Rail Pass, and Sapporo-Furano Area Pass). The trip can also be made entirely by local trains, with a total travel time of three hours.

Bus

A direct bus from Sapporo Station to Furano is a practical and straightforward option. The travel time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, with a one-way ticket costing around ¥2,700.

Sightseeing Bus - Visit Furano’s Highlights With These 1-Day Tours From Sapporo

Sometimes it is great to relax and let professionals show you the best of what a place has to offer. Departing directly from Sapporo, these tours will take you to some of the most stunning spots in Furano and its surroundings such as the mesmerizing Shirogane Blue Pond, the colorful flower fields of Shikisai no Oka, the splendid lavender fields of Farm Tomita, and more! With an experienced guide leading the way, you will not only visit the top attractions but also gain a deeper understanding of Furano’s fascinating history and culture.

Best Things to Do in Furano

1. Farm Tomita

There is no better way to start this list than with Farm Tomita, a hallmark of Furano. Farm Tomita features 12 fields showcasing over 80 different types of flowers that change with the seasons from spring to autumn. 

Alongside the stunning floral displays, Farm Tomita offers several facilities: the Gallery Fleur exhibits beautiful photographs of the landscape, the Distillery Workshop allows you to observe the lavender oil extraction process, and the Perfume Workshop shows how soaps and perfumes are made, among other attractions. You can also enjoy a meal at one of its cafes and try the famous lavender soft-serve ice cream! 

2. Choei Lavender Park and Hokuseiyama Ski Area

Choei Lavender Park and Hokuseiyama Ski Area sit on the picturesque slopes of Mt. Hokusei, offering a year-round blend of adventure and natural beauty. In winter, this area transforms into a charming ski destination, with slopes perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers, and the added thrill of night skiing on Wednesdays and Fridays.

As the snow melts away, the ski runs morph into stunning lavender fields, creating a breathtaking summer spectacle. A 7-minute lift ride, which transports skiers and snowboarders in the winter, provides a panoramic view of this floral wonderland, showcasing not just lavender but also vibrant fields of sunflowers, marigolds, and salvia.

At the summit, there's a park with an observation deck where you can take in sweeping views of the lavender fields, the Tokachidake mountain range, and the Furano Basin. The area is also home to Nakafurano's two biggest events: the Lavender Festival and Fireworks in mid-July and the Winter Festival in early February.

3. Stay Amidst the Lavender Fields at Highland Furano

For a serene escape in Furano, consider a stay at Highland Furano. Just 15 minutes from the train station, this hotel is tucked away in lush forests and boasts its own expansive lavender fields. The guest rooms at Highland Furano offer views of the lavender fields, which are beautifully illuminated at night in July, transforming the landscape into a magical scene. This hotel is highly recommended for those who wish to experience the beauty of Furano's lavender fields both day and night.

As if that weren’t enticing enough, Highland Furano also offers hot springs with views of the blooming fields, where day visitors are also welcome. You can enjoy open-air baths with a stunning view of the lavender fields, creating a truly immersive experience and providing the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration.

4. Saika no Oka Kimura Farm

Nestled in the heart of Nakafurano Town, this lavender garden stands out among the many in the region. Spanning an impressive 6 hectares on a hill just southwest of Furano City, it offers visitors an expansive and vibrant display of lavender varieties. Here, you can immerse yourself in the beauty and fragrance of eight distinct types of lavender, including the widely cultivated "Komurasaki No. 3" and "Okamurasaki." The garden also showcases rarer varieties like "Yotei," "Hanamoiwa," "White Okamurasaki," "Narisa," "Pink Komurasaki," and "Lavandin." In addition to the stunning views, the garden offers fresh flowers, seedlings, and unique products, making it a must-visit spot for anyone looking to experience the full spectrum of lavender’s colors and scents.

5. Rollercoaster Road

This 2.5-kilometer stretch of road offers a breathtaking journey through Hokkaido's iconic landscape. Known as "Roller Coaster Road," this scenic route winds through farmland and hills, gradually revealing stunning views of the Tokachi mountain range. Featured in the 2005 TV drama "Yasashii Jikan" and recognized as one of the "Eight Views of Kamifurano," this spot is a must-see for visitors to the region. While driving along this road, take it slow to soak in the serene beauty of the surrounding hills and fields. 

6. Lavender East

As the largest lavender field in Japan, spanning 14 hectares with 90,000 lavender plants, it is truly a sight to behold. Managed by Farm Tomita, Lavender East is located 4 kilometers east of the main farm. Originally, this land was used for rice paddies before being transformed into lavender fields to produce perfumes. Farm Tomita opened the fields for the first time to the public in 2008 to celebrate its 50th anniversary. However, since the lavender is still harvested for perfume production, the field is only open from late June to mid July, when the harvest concludes.

7. Shin Furano Prince Hotel and Ningle Terrace

Ningle Terrace is a hidden gem, a picturesque village of log houses nestled in the heart of the forest. It was established by the Shin Furano Prince Hotel, which also operates Furano Ski Resort. The name "Ningle" refers to the "wise ones of the forest”, small creatures of around 15 centimeters from Ainu folklore, the indigenous people of northern Japan.

Be ready to immerse yourself in a fairy tale! But Ningle Terrace isn’t just about its mystical and natural beauty—it is also a great place to discover charming crafts, such as candles and papercraft, in the 15 mini shops, where you can meet the skilled creators behind them.

8. Flower Land Kamifurano

Flower Land Kamifurano stands out for its stunning background of Mount Tokachi. It's not just the lavender that steals the show; from June to September, Flower Land Kamifurano's fields come alive with a vibrant succession of blooms. Golden “kikarashi” flowers, resembling rapeseed blossoms, poppies in vivid reds, cheerful sunflowers, and the fiery hues of salvia create a constantly changing tapestry of colors. Each month offers a fresh and breathtaking display, making every visit a unique experience.

Visitors can take in the scenery while riding a quaint little bus pulled by a tractor—a picture-perfect scene! The location also offers hands-on crafting experiences, such as making pillows filled with lavender potpourri and creating postcards and plates adorned with flowers.

9. Blue Pond

In Biei, the neighboring town of Furano, you can find the mysterious Blue Pond, famous for its striking colors that range from turquoise to emerald to cobalt blue. Blue Pond was created by chance in 1988 during construction to prevent volcanic mudflows from Mount Tokachi. Its characteristic color is produced by a combination of minerals, including sulfur and aluminum, which form an invisible substance known as a "colloid”. The blue visitors can admire is the result of sunlight colliding with these colloid particles!

10. Hinode Park

Continuing with the flower fields, now is the time of Hinode Park. Thanks to a mix of early and late-blooming lavender varieties, the fields here burst into purple splendor from late June to mid-July with Mount Tokachi as a stunning background. But the floral show doesn’t end with lavender. The gardens are also filled with a diverse array of seasonal blooms like catmint, lupine, peonies, and marigolds, creating a vibrant tapestry of colors and scents throughout the season. It's a floral paradise that offers something new at every turn!

The park also offers a camping site with various options—from renting a cottage to bringing your own tent. They also provide equipment rentals. For more information about camping, you can check here. Lastly, don’t miss the iconic “love bell” in the middle of the park. Legend has it that if you pledge your love there, it will blossom!

11. Shikisai no Oka

Spread across fifteen hectares, this stunning site offers breathtaking views of its mesmerizing, colorful flower garden that transforms the hillsides of Biei into a vibrant canvas from April to October. This enchanting landscape is a visual feast, where rows of tulips, lupine, lavender, salvia, sunflowers, dahlias, and Japanese anemones paint the fields in bold, sweeping stripes of color.

However, Shikisai no Oka isn’t just about flowers—there’s also a farm with adorable alpacas! This is during the “green season” (May to October). From November to April, the area transforms into “Snowland,” where you can enjoy activities like snow rafting and snowmobiling. And don't worry, the alpacas are there all year round.

12. Popura Farm Café

Located in Nakafurano, just in front of the Nishinaka Station, there is this café famous for its unique dessert called "Santa no Hige" (Santa's Beard). It consists of half a melon topped with soft serve ice cream, using locally grown melons that thrive in the region's unique climate. Despite being in a colder area, the significant temperature differences between day and night contribute to the development of flavorful melons . You can also try variations like "Santa no Heso" (Santa's Belly Button), which adds “azuki” red beans, or "Gojira no Hige" (Godzilla's Beard), which includes chocolate sauce.

13. Mori no Tokei

This café is nestled in the enchanting forest of Ningle Terrace and near the Shin Furano Prince Hotel. It gained fame as the filming location for the popular Japanese TV drama “Yasashii Jikan.” Watching the show before your visit will undoubtedly enrich your experience! The name “Mori no Tokei,” which means “Forest Clock,” reflects the café's serene atmosphere, where time seems to slow down as you sip a cup of coffee while gazing out at the forest. A unique feature of the café is the opportunity for guests to grind their own coffee beans, adding your personal touch to each cup! 

14. Furano Cheese Factory

15. Kanno Farm

At Kanno Farm, you can explore a diverse array of more than 30 types of flowers. Situated along National Route 237, midway between Biei and Kamifurano, this farm also grows vegetables such as corn and potatoes, which you can taste directly from the farm. From mid June to mid October, the farm showcases a stunning display of flowers, including lavender, clematis, and salvia, which bloom beautifully and color the entire area. Additionally, they have a charming shop called “Kinkon Kanno,” where you can find dried flowers and a variety of lavender-related products.

16. Furano Delice

If you want to experience Hokkaido’s cuisine, Furano Delice should be on your itinerary. This dessert shop uses fresh, locally sourced ingredients, such as Furano milk and Hokkaido cheese, to create a variety of treats. Their signature sweet is the cheesecake, but they also offer a wide selection, including Double Fromage, Furano Milk Pudding, Baton Fromage (a cheese-filled cookie shaped like a baton), milk crepes, tiramisu cake, and more. The store also features a terrace with a stunning panoramic view of the town, enhancing the overall experience.

17. Furano Kaze no Garden

Kaze no Garden (“Garden of Wind”) is renowned for its elegant English style. Located on the grounds of the Shin Furano Prince Hotel, this garden features 450 varieties of flowers, totaling around 20,000 plants across 2,000 square meters. The garden, which took two years to create, was originally constructed for a Japanese drama of the same name. If you are a flower lover seeking a unique experience in Furano, this gorgeous place is for you. 

18. Ueno Farm

Just a short drive from Furano, you'll find Ueno Farm in Asahikawa City, an enchanting English-style garden that showcases more than 2,000 types of flowers from spring to autumn. This "authentic Hokkaido garden" has been thoughtfully designed to thrive in the region's unique climate, blending the charm of an English perennial garden with the beauty of the Hokkaido landscape. As you stroll through the garden, you'll be surrounded by a stunning array of blooms that change with the seasons, offering a new experience each time you visit.

Ueno Farm also features the delightful Naya Café, where you can savor snacks and refreshments while taking in the vibrant surroundings. The on-site store offers a selection of cozy, farm-inspired products, making it easy to take a piece of this tranquil oasis home with you. Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Ueno Farm is a must-visit destination that captures the essence of Hokkaido's natural beauty.

19. Catbus at Totoro Pass

If you're a Ghibli movie enthusiast, there’s a must-visit spot in Fukagawa City, near Asahikawa—the Catbus at Totoro Pass. Though the name of the location and the beloved character are only phonetically similar (it’s not actually named after the movie), this coincidence was enough to inspire the creation of a bus painted like the Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro, much to the delight of fans. Beyond the charming bus, the pass also offers stunning views of the surrounding fields, making it a picturesque stop that might well be worth your time.

20. Furano Jam Garden & Anpanman Shop

Furano Jam Garden also has Anpanman Shop on the grounds. The first floor is one of Japan's largest shops for Anpanman goods, and the second floor houses a gallery of Anpanman paintings. There is also a Rokugo Viewing Platform with views of the grand nature of Furano, so this is a place for people of all ages to enjoy.

21. Furano Marche / Furano Marche 2

There is a wide selection of Furano specialties so it is the perfect place to look for souvenirs. It is also a great place to try the latest local food from Furano. There is a parking lot and information center, so you can stop in when you want to get information about Furano.

22. Torinuma Park

Torinuma Park in the suburbs of Furano City is a park that is designed around trees that are growing naturally so you can enjoy the grand nature that is unique to Hokkaido. The emerald green marsh in this park with highly transparent water is a must see. There is a mystic view that is breathtakingly beautiful.

At Torinuma Park, you can also enjoy seasonal flowers and creatures. In the spring, there are different varieties of Asian skunk cabbage, in the summer, fireflies, and in the fall, colorful foliage. It is a great place to visit with children and is becoming more and more popular as a hidden gem perfect for girls' trips and dates.

23. Panorama Road Ehana

Panorama Road Ehana is a road on which you can feel as if you are being sucked into the great nature of Furano. It is a straight, 5km road that leads from a high hill down to the Furano Basin. This is also a little known spot for fantastic views that has been chosen by locals as one of the eight great views of Kami Furano.

It is less steep than Roller Coaster Road so it is not a problem for those who are not that practiced at driving. It is also a popular road not just for drivers, but also for walkers and bicyclists. In the winter, it transforms into a glittering, snow-covered road. It is a road that you will want to visit in the snowy season as well.

Furano’s Beauty Is Waiting for You!

Furano is a destination that captures the essence of nature in every season. If you're planning a trip to Hokkaido, make sure to put this gem on your itinerary. In the summer, Furano bursts into life with vibrant fields of flowers, filling the air with enchanting aromas and painting the landscape in brilliant colors. When winter arrives, the region transforms into a serene snowy paradise, offering some of the best skiing and snowboarding experiences in Japan. Whether you're exploring its lush landscapes or carving through its pristine slopes, Furano promises an adventure that will leave you spellbound all year round!

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