Around early July to mid-August, tourists flock to Furano to see the lavender fields in bloom. But we can't always time our travels according to when flowers are in bloom. Not to worry, there is plenty to see other than Lavender in Furano. We travelled there at the end of August and the autumn blooms just started, but besides flowers, there are also other things you can do.
Because it takes quite a while to get to Furano from Sapporo or Asahikawa, and on top of that, getting around between locations take quite a while, if possible, I'd recommend to either rent a car or hire a driver. A 10-hr day tour by car starts at around ¥10,500 for a sedan which fits 5 people.
I'd also recommend staying overnight for 1 night if you are planning to visit multiple spots, and have some locations you'd like to arrive early to avoid crowds. During lavender season, people get to public parks as early as 4am just after sunset.
Shikisai no Oka
No matter what time of year you are going, put this spot high up on your list.
Shikisai no Oka, literally translated means the hill of four seasons. They are known to have colorful fields on display no matter time of year, beautiful in winter as well with snow activities. They not only have late-blooming lavender, they also have a large sunflower field. If you pay an extra entry fee, you can also see the alpacas and feed them.
Another great thing about Shikisai No Oka is that they have a large restaurant serving curries, Oyakodon (chicken and egg over rice), and even venison and bear meat! The restaurant is also equipped with highchairs for those traveling with little ones. There's also a very large gift shop selling all kinds of trinkets, food, and even bear claws for souvenir keeping.
- Hours: 8:30am - 6pm
- Entry: ¥500/person (entry to alpaca farm ¥500)
Shirogane Blue Pond
This gorgeous blue pond is another spot you won't want to miss. The blueness is as blue as it is in photos and in real life. By the lake is a small shop where they sell all kinds of products that are blue, including a blue colored soda ice-cream. The fox cookie on it also takes absolutely amazing. The lake itself is free to see from 8am - 9:30pm, however the shop is only opened between 9am - 5pm.
Farm Tomita
This is a classic spot, very well known by tourists. It's close to the train station "Lavender-Farm" which runs during the summer, so there'll be lots of people here. Without the lavender though, it still has stunning autumn blooms just like Shikisai no Oka. There is no official opening hour and it's free to visit, so you can go to the fields whenever. However the stores are only opened from 9am - 5pm.
There are food stalls that sell lavender ice-cream, as well as cut melon and melon ice-cream.
Furano Melon Farm
Right next to Tomita Farm is the Furano Melon Farm! Here you'll find nothing but melon! Cantaloupe and honeydew come not only as the original fruit, but also as snacks such as the famous "melonpan" bread, or a yoghurt cup. There are also wooden swings, tractors, and a very large grass area, perfect for the little ones to run around in. Even the vending machines are melon themed!
Flowerland Kamifurano
This is another free flower field which has a large restaurant area and a souvenir shop. What I love about this place though is that it starts on the top of a hill, that means you can look down at the row of trees that line the main road, as well as the mountains in the distance. It really reminds me of Tuscany in Italy. There are also small sunflowers here and fluffy green kochia plants.
Hinode Park
Speaking of Kokia plants, Hinode Park has rows and rows of them!
Ningle Terrace
Last but not least, I want to introduce a spot that is on the southeast side of the town of Furano, right by the New Furano Prince Hotel. This spot is a series of little huts in the woods that sell all kind of handmade goods. It even has a stream running through it and a bar at the end! Entry is free so you can wander around. The shops are opened from 12pm - 8pm (each shop differs a little).
I hope that one day you'll be able to get a chance to visit Hokkaido. It's an absolutely stunning place no matter what time of year to go. In this blog post I covered visiting different flower fields and a few other spots during the summer season. If you ever plan on visiting in winter, please check out my previous blog post from my skiing trip to Niseko.
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