Furano

Background

'Kita no Kuni kara' made Furano a place of nostalgia for generations; the lavender at Farm Tomita blooms in July, and the purple sea of flowers framed with the Tokachi-dake range is unearthly beautiful. The flower fields of the Patchwork Road are like an artist's palette, and the cobalt blue of Biei's 'Blue Pond' is nature's magic. In winter it's a powder-snow ski resort — paradise in both seasons.

Local customs

• Hokkaido people are open-hearted
• don't step into the flower fields at the farms
• lavender products (essential oil, ice cream) are specialities
• summer days and nights differ a lot in temperature, so bring a jacket.

Religion & beliefs

• No particular religious character
• the Ainu people's nature beliefs run deep in Hokkaido — respect Indigenous culture when visiting related facilities.

Travel tips

• Lavender is best from mid to late July, with other fields blooming in turn from June to August. Farm Tomita is free
• drive to explore the Patchwork Road and the Blue Pond
• ski in winter (December–March)
• summer accommodation is tight, so book 2–3 months ahead.