This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
In summer, Furano in Hokkaido bursts into color with sweeping fields of lavender, sunflowers, and more. Beyond flowers, the town also shines with fresh food and year-round outdoor fun.
Where Is Furano?
Furano sits in the center of Hokkaido, about a 2.5-hour drive from Sapporo. Surrounded by mountains, farmland, and wildflower meadows, it’s often paired with the nearby town of Biei (美瑛町) in travel plans. Together, the two form one of Hokkaido’s most scenic regions for agritourism and outdoor exploration.
Whether you visit in peak summer bloom or come for skiing in winter, Furano has plenty to offer throughout the year.
What to Do in Furano (and Nearby Biei)
Visit the Iconic Flower Farms
The most famous stop is Farm Tomita (ファーム富田), home to Hokkaido’s best-known lavender fields. From late June to early August, the hills glow purple with blossoms. Depending on the season, you may also see poppies, marigolds, salvia, and snapdragons planted in colorful rows.
We visited in mid-July, when the lavender was at its peak, and the view was unforgettable. The sweet herbal scent lingered in the air.
Other flower highlights include:
- Shikisai no Oka (四季彩の丘) in Biei – Rolling hills blanketed in rainbow-colored fields.
- Hinode Lavender Garden (日の出公園) – A smaller hilltop garden with panoramic views.
Sample Lavender Ice Cream and Local Produce
Furano is known for its fresh dairy, so we made sure to try the local soft cream. The lavender ice cream was surprisingly floral and refreshing.
Don’t miss:
- Furano Cheese Factory – Watch cheese being made and enjoy pizza or ice cream.
- Furano Marche – A compact local market with gifts, snacks, and regional produce.
Explore by Bike or Car
Distances between farms and viewpoints can be long, so renting a car is the best way to see the countryside at your own pace.
Enjoy Winter in Furano
In winter, Furano transforms into a ski and snowboard destination. The powder is famously light and dry, and Furano Ski Resort is considered one of Hokkaido’s best-kept secrets.
How to Get to Furano
By Train
From Sapporo, take a limited express to Takikawa or Asahikawa, then transfer to a local train to Furano Station. Total time is about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on connections.
By Car
Driving from Sapporo takes roughly 2.5 hours via the Hokkaido Expressway and Route 237. From Asahikawa, plan about 1 hour. A rental car makes it easy to visit multiple farms and viewpoints.
Pro Tip: In July and August, arrive early to avoid traffic and secure parking at popular flower fields. In winter, use snow tires and check road conditions before you go.
Is Furano Worth Visiting?
Yes, Furano is one of the most memorable places we’ve visited in Japan. In summer, its flower fields are unlike anywhere else in Japan. The slower pace, fresh produce, and wide skies make it a refreshing break from urban travel. Families, couples, and photographers will all find something to love here.
More to Explore Nearby
While Furano is internationally known for its stunning lavender fields and excellent skiing, the heart of Hokkaido offers a wealth of diverse attractions just a short trip away. From unique animal encounters to dramatic natural scenery, here are the top spots to visit in the surrounding region.
- Biei Blue Pond (Shirogane Blue Pond) – This man-made pond in the neighboring town of Biei is a must-see for its mesmerizing, vivid turquoise color, which changes hue depending on the light and season.
- Asahiyama Zoo – Head north to Asahikawa to visit one of Japan’s most celebrated zoos, famous for its innovative “behavioral exhibits” that allow you to see animals like polar bears and penguins in action from unique perspectives.
- Daisetsuzan National Park – Known as the “Roof of Hokkaido,” this is the largest national park in the region, offering incredible alpine hiking, volcanic landscapes, and one of the earliest places in Japan to see autumn leaves.
- Asahikawa Ramen Village (あさひかわラーメン村) – If you’re looking for a warm, savory meal, stop by this food theme park in Asahikawa where eight famous local ramen shops serve up the region’s signature shoyu (soy sauce) broth.
