In the heart of Hokkaido’s countryside, Farm Tomita is one of Japan’s most photogenic flower farms. Famous for its endless lavender fields and multicolored flower carpets, this peaceful farm in the town of Furano attracts visitors from around the world every summer. If you are planning your first trip to Japan and want to see the country’s gentler, rural side beyond Tokyo and Kyoto, Farm Tomita is an ideal addition to your itinerary.

Why Farm Tomita Belongs on Your Japan Itinerary

Farm Tomita is more than a pretty backdrop for photos; it is a working flower farm with a history dating back to the early 1900s. Lavender was once grown here mainly for essential oils and perfume, but as domestic demand declined, tourism slowly transformed the area. Today, the farm is a symbol of Furano’s revival, blending traditional agriculture with modern travel.

What makes Farm Tomita special for international visitors is the combination of:

• Iconic lavender fields that look straight out of a painting
• Free entry and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere
• Seasonal flower displays from spring to autumn
• Original lavender products and soft-serve ice cream
• Easy access from Sapporo and Asahikawa as a day trip

It’s a calm contrast to Japan’s big cities and gives you a glimpse of Hokkaido’s spacious landscapes, cooler climate, and slower pace of life.

Best Time to Visit Farm Tomita

Farm Tomita is open most of the year, but the experience changes dramatically with the seasons. For first-time travelers, timing your visit is crucial if you want to see the famous lavender in full bloom.

Lavender Season (Mid-July to Early August)

The highlight at Farm Tomita is the lavender season. While bloom times can vary slightly depending on the weather, the typical peak is:

• Early blooming: Early July
• Peak season: Mid to late July
• Late varieties: Through early August

During this time the farm’s main lavender fields turn deep purple and the air is lightly scented with lavender. Expect larger crowds, more tour buses, and a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends and public holidays.

Colorful Flower Fields (June to September)

If your travel dates do not match peak lavender season, Farm Tomita is still worth a visit. The farm carefully staggers planting so something is almost always in bloom:

• June: Early flowers such as poppies, lupines, and some lavender varieties
• July–August: Lavender plus vibrant flower “carpets” of marigolds, salvia, and more
• September: Late-summer and early-autumn flowers, with a calmer atmosphere

While the lavender may not be at its best outside mid-July, the multicolored fields and Hokkaido’s big skies still make for impressive views and relaxed strolling.

Off-Season Visits (Autumn, Winter, and Spring)

In late autumn and winter, the flower fields are mostly resting, but Furano’s landscapes are still scenic, especially if you enjoy snow. Farm facilities may have shorter hours and fewer shops open, so confirm details before going. If flowers are your priority and this is your first visit to Japan, it’s better to plan between late June and early September.

How to Get to Farm Tomita

Farm Tomita is located in Nakafurano, near the town of Furano in central Hokkaido. Many first-time visitors base themselves in Sapporo or Asahikawa, then visit on a day trip.

From Sapporo

• By Train: Take the JR train from Sapporo to Asahikawa (limited express, about 1.5 hours), then transfer to a local train bound for Furano or Nakafurano. In summer, some seasonal “Furano-Biei” lines or sightseeing trains may operate. Get off at Lavender Farm Station (a temporary station open only in the lavender season) or at Nakafurano Station. From Lavender Farm Station, it is about a 7–10 minute walk to the farm.
• By Car: Renting a car is common in Hokkaido due to long distances and rural roads. From Sapporo, it takes roughly 2.5–3 hours by expressway and local roads. Free parking is available at Farm Tomita, but it can become crowded during peak season.

From Asahikawa

• By Train: Local trains from Asahikawa to Nakafurano or Furano take around 1–1.5 hours. During lavender season, trains can be busy, so arrive early, especially on weekends.
• By Car: Driving from Asahikawa takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic. The road passes through gentle countryside, with mountain views on clear days.

Local Travel Tips

• Check train schedules in advance, as rural lines have fewer departures.
• If you hold a Japan Rail Pass, most trains to Furano and Nakafurano are covered, but seasonal sightseeing trains might require seat reservations.
• In peak summer, consider arriving early in the morning to secure good photo opportunities and avoid the hottest part of the day.

Highlights and Things to Do at Farm Tomita

Farm Tomita is laid out as a series of themed fields and gardens, with easy walking paths, viewing decks, shops, and rest areas. You can explore freely at your own pace.

1. Lavender Fields

The star of the show is, of course, lavender. Different fields feature slightly different varieties, blooming times, and layouts:

• Traditional Lavender Fields: Gentle slopes covered in purple rows make this area one of the farm’s most photographed spots. On a clear day, you may see mountain ranges in the distance, creating a classic Hokkaido landscape.
• Lavender East (seasonal and sometimes separately accessed): A larger field located a short distance from the main area, offering sweeping views of lavender stretching toward the horizon. Some seasons may see shuttle services or require a brief drive.

Look for vantage points slightly above the fields for the best wide-angle shots of the flowers, sky, and distant hills.

2. Colorful Flower Carpets

Beyond lavender, Farm Tomita is famous for its meticulously planned color fields, where rows of different flowers form bright stripes across the hillside. Common flowers include marigolds, salvia, cosmos, and other annuals. These “rainbow” gardens are particularly striking when viewed from an elevated terrace or observation deck.

These areas are ideal for panoramic photos and are often less crowded than the main lavender patches, especially early or late in the day.

3. Distillery and Fragrance Attractions

Lavender is historically linked with perfume and essential oil production. Farm Tomita preserves this heritage with facilities that showcase how flowers are distilled:

• Displays explaining lavender cultivation and oil extraction methods
• Opportunities to smell different lavender-based products and compare fragrances
• Original cosmetics, soaps, sachets, and oils made from the farm’s harvest

Even if you are not usually interested in cosmetics, it is fascinating to see how a small, rural farm built a global reputation from a single aromatic plant.

4. Seasonal Greenhouses and Indoor Displays

Some areas of the farm feature greenhouses where flowers are cultivated out of season or in more controlled environments. These can be a welcome break on rainy or hot days, and often contain small display corners or photo spots with carefully arranged blooms.

5. Cafés and Lavender-Flavored Treats

No visit to Farm Tomita is complete without tasting something lavender-flavored. Popular choices include:

• Lavender soft-serve ice cream: Lightly floral and not too sweet, this is the farm’s signature treat and a welcome refreshment in summer.
• Melon and Hokkaido dairy desserts: Hokkaido is famous for its rich milk and juicy melons; you’ll find parfaits, puddings, and drinks using local ingredients.
• Cafés with views: Many seating areas look out over the fields, allowing you to rest while still enjoying the scenery.

Menu items may vary by season, but you will almost always find something featuring lavender and local produce.

6. Souvenir Shopping

Farm Tomita’s gift shops specialize in lavender and flower-themed items that make easy-to-carry souvenirs:

• Dried lavender bundles and fragrant sachets for closets or drawers
• Essential oils, soaps, and lotions made on or sourced by the farm
• Biscuits, teas, and sweets flavored with lavender or local fruits
• Postcards and calendars featuring seasonal photos of the farm

Japan’s gift-giving culture values small, thoughtful presents. These compact, beautifully packaged items fit perfectly in your suitcase and are ideal to bring home for friends and family.

Practical Tips for Visiting Farm Tomita

Admission, Hours, and Costs

• Admission: Entry to Farm Tomita’s main fields is generally free.
• Hours: Opening hours vary by season, typically from morning until late afternoon or early evening. In summer, facilities often open earlier and close later. Check the latest times before you go.
• Spending: Expect to pay for food, drinks, souvenirs, and any optional attractions. Budget extra if you plan to buy gifts or specialty cosmetics.

What to Wear and Bring

Hokkaido’s weather is cooler than much of the rest of Japan, but summer sun can still be strong.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes; paths are mostly easy, but you will spend time on your feet.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses, especially in July and August when there is little shade in the fields.
• Carry a light jacket or layer, as morning and evening can be cool, even in summer.
• Have a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated; vending machines and cafés are available but can be busy.

Photography Etiquette

Farm Tomita is one of the most photographed flower destinations in Japan. To keep the experience pleasant for everyone:

• Stay on designated paths and avoid stepping into flower beds, even for a better shot.
• Be mindful of others waiting for the same photo spot; take your picture efficiently and move on.
• Drones are typically not allowed without explicit permission, so check local rules.

These small courtesies help protect the fields and maintain the peaceful atmosphere that makes the farm so appealing.

Food, Facilities, and Accessibility

• Restrooms are available on-site, but may be crowded at peak times.
• Several facilities are accessible via paved paths, though some viewpoints are on gentle slopes or unpaved areas.
• Most cafés and shops are casual and family-friendly, making the farm suitable for travelers of all ages.

Combining Farm Tomita with Other Hokkaido Attractions

For a richer travel experience, consider combining Farm Tomita with nearby destinations on the same trip.

Furano

The surrounding Furano area is known for agriculture, wine, and winter skiing. Depending on the season, you can visit:

• Local wineries offering tastings of Hokkaido wine
• Cheese and dairy farms with fresh ice cream and cheese tastings
• Ski resorts in winter (if visiting outside flower season)

Biei and the Patchwork Hills

North of Furano, the town of Biei features rolling farmland with patchwork-like fields and viewpoints overlooking the Tokachi mountain range. Many visitors combine Farm Tomita with a scenic drive or cycle around Biei’s viewpoints on the same day or as an overnight trip.

Sapporo and Asahikawa

If you are flying into or out of Hokkaido’s main cities, plan:

• A day or two in Sapporo for food, shopping, and seasonal festivals
• A visit to Asahikawa for its zoo, ramen, and as a gateway to Daisetsuzan National Park

Farm Tomita fits naturally into a broader Hokkaido route that balances nature, city life, and local cuisine.

Cultural Context: Lavender and the Japanese Love of Seasons

Japan has a deep cultural appreciation for the changing seasons, from cherry blossoms in spring to autumn foliage. Lavender may not be native to Japan, but it has been warmly embraced as a symbol of summer in Hokkaido. Just as people gather under cherry trees to celebrate spring, many now travel north to Furano to welcome midsummer amid waves of purple.

This seasonal awareness influences travel patterns: Japanese domestic tourists plan trips around bloom forecasts and seasonal foods. As an international visitor, joining this rhythm offers a more local perspective on how nature shapes daily life, festivals, and even café menus.

Planning Your First Visit to Farm Tomita

For first-time travelers to Japan, Farm Tomita offers a gentle introduction to rural Hokkaido and to the Japanese way of enjoying seasonal beauty. When planning your trip:

• Schedule your visit between late June and early August if lavender is your priority.
• Use Sapporo or Asahikawa as a base, or stay in Furano for a slower pace and cooler nights.
• Allow at least half a day at the farm, longer if you enjoy photography or slow, scenic walks.

Standing among the lavender rows with Hokkaido’s mountains on the horizon is a simple, peaceful moment that contrasts beautifully with Japan’s bustling cities. For many travelers, a day at Farm Tomita becomes one of the most vivid memories of their journey through Japan.