Exploring Farm Tomita: All You Need to Know
Jimi Hendrix belted out 'Purple haze, all in my brain' way back in 1967.
And even if you're not familiar with the legendary guitarist many consider the G.O.A.T., his lyrics perfectly capture the vibe of Farm Tomita in Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido - a place you must see to believe, with its stunning purple carpets of lavender fields.
From the best times to catch the lavender bloom to what exactly to see, here’s a complete guide with everything you need to plan your trip to Farm Tomita, stress-free.
Getting to Farm Tomita
Train
Getting to Farm Tomita is pretty simple, with the region well connected by public transport.
You can hop on the direct JR 'Furano Lavender Express' limited express train from Sapporo. The one-way journey takes about two hours, with tickets costing around USD 35. The good news is that the Hokkaido Rail Pass and Japan Rail Pass cover this trip. The farm is a 25-minute walk from Naka-Furano Station.
For all you folks visiting between June and mid-September, you can also take the special 'Furano-Biei Norokko-go' train from Asahikawa or Furano. The train stops at Lavender Farm Station, a convenient 7-minute walk from the farm.
Alternatively, you can take a JR limited express from Sapporo to Takikawa for a one-hour trip, then transfer to a local train to Furano (another hour). This option takes about two hours and costs slightly less at around USD 28. Both the Sapporo-Furano Area Pass and the Japan and Hokkaido rail passes cover this route, too.
For the most budget-friendly option, local trains take around three hours and cost about USD 20, though you'll need to decide if the extra time is worth the savings.
Bus
If you're taking the bus, you can grab a highway bus every two hours from Sapporo (either Sapporo Station Bus Terminal or Chuo Bus Terminal) straight to Furano Station.
The ride takes about 2.5 hours and costs around USD 19 one-way or USD 35 for a round-trip. Just a heads-up - seat reservations aren't available, so it’s first come, first served.
Car
For those with an adventurous spirit (and who want the most flexibility), driving is a great option.
You can get to Furano with a two-hour drive from Sapporo using the Doo Expressway between Sapporo and Mikasa (though you'll need to fork out around USD 10 in tolls).
Alternatively, you can drive to Biei, which is about 2.5 hours from central Sapporo, also using the Doo Expressway between Sapporo and Asahikawa (but tolls are a bit steeper at around USD 36).
Just a heads-up: if you want to skip the tolls, taking the toll-free roads will add about 30 minutes to your drive.
If self-driving isn't really your thing, and you're travelling in a large group, perhaps chartering a private car is your best option.
Address: 15 Kisenkita, Nakafurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido 071-0704, Japan (map)
Best Season to Visit Farm Tomita
For a truly enchanting experience at Farm Tomita, plan your trip for summer. That’s when the lavender fields are at their best, with vibrant purple blooms as far as the eye can see.
The ideal time to go is from late June to early August, with mid-July being the peak bloom. That’s when you’ll get the best photo ops in the stunning 5-hectare lavender field.
Farm Tomita's Three Lavender Fields
If you’re dreaming of a beautiful floral escape in Hokkaido, Farm Tomita is the perfect spot to make it happen. Here are the top three lavender you won’t want to miss during your visit.
Traditional Lavender Field, Lavender Forest Field, & Sakiwai Field
Probably the most iconic spot at this beautiful lavender farm, the Traditional Lavender Field is what makes Farm Tomita so special. Its stunning purple carpet stretches over a gentle slope, creating a breathtaking view that’s hard to forget.
Pro tip: Head up to the hilltop vantage point for sweeping views of the Tokachi Mountain range and the picturesque Furano Basin. Soak it all in; it’s one of those moments that’s sure to create happiness.
Visitors can also check out the Lavender Forest Field further down the farm. What’s cool about these flower fields is that they feature two lavender varieties: Okamurasaki and Noushi Hayazaki.
If you're particular about your flowers, late June is the best time to see the Noushi Hayazaki variety, while Okamurasaki is best admired in late July. Summer is a safe bet for seeing the lavenders either way.
Finally, don't miss the Sakiwai Field and its four types of lavender: Hanamoiwa, Noushi Hayazaki, Yotei, and Okamurasaki. This field is also close to Lavender East, where the flowers are cultivated for perfume ingredients.
For the best way to experience the fields, consider joining a tour to make the most of your experience
Beyond the Lavender Flower Fields: Other Flower Fields to Check Out
Hanabito Field and Irodori Field
Beyond the lavenders that Farm Tomita is famous for, there are also non-lavender flower fields to explore, depending on the season.
For instance, the Hanabito Field comes alive in spring at the entrance of the farm, showcasing colorful flowers like grape hyacinth and viola in full bloom.
From early summer to autumn, these fields transform into a vibrant splash of red and yellow, with marigold and silver cock's comb taking center stage and adding a burst of flower power.
After admiring the flowers, relax at the shops and cafes near the Hanabito Field.
And don’t forget to visit Irodori Field. Probably the most iconic sight at Farm Tomita, Irodori Field features a gently sloping, rainbow-hued hill adorned with all sorts of colorful flowers, from red poppies to pink garden catchflies.
Mid-July is when this iconic field truly shines; it’s like a painter’s palette brought to life on ground level.
Spring Field, Autumn Field, and Hilltop Fields
If you miss the purple carpet of lavenders in summer at Farm Tomita, don’t worry.
Farm Tomita has something cool to offer all year round. Starting in mid-May, the Spring Field lights up with northern flowers like Iceland poppies and lupines coming into bloom.
Autumn is another fantastic season to come. That’s when the Autumn Field goes all out with colour, featuring blooms like beach roses, scarlet sage, and marigolds, and it looks amazing until early October.
And make sure to check out Hilltop Field. As the name suggests, it’s at the top of the hill. It’s super Instagrammable and you’ll find mustard flowers and red and white poppies there.
Lavender East and Beyond: Food and Shopping
If you’re a lavender fan, don’t miss Lavender East at Farm Tomita. It’s one of Japan’s largest lavender fields, and it’s actually converted rice paddies used to make perfume.
Just a heads up: Lavender East is open only in July, so make sure to plan your trip well in advance.
When it comes to food and drinks, there are some great spots around the farm region. For example, Café René whips up tasty curry and pasta, and Hanabito House René serves up delicious and gorgeous lavender soft-serve ice cream.
Before you head out, keep in mind that different cafes and shops have different hours depending on the season, so it’s a good idea to check their timings ahead of time. A safe bet is to come here from mid-July to early August.
And don’t forget to check out the Distillery Workshop. Here, they extract amber-colored oil to make lavender oil for soap and candles - again, maximise your experience by joining a guided tour.