Hotels in Nakafurano

Nakafurano: Lavender Fields and Hokkaido Highlands

Nakafurano sits in the Furano Valley of central Hokkaido, roughly 150 km east of Sapporo. The town is framed by the Tokachi Mountain Range to the east and the Sorachi River corridor to the west. Its elevation and continental climate produce short, vivid summers and deep winters with reliable snowfall exceeding 3 metres annually.

The town draws visitors primarily for its flower fields, which blanket the rolling hills from late June through August. Farm Tomita, operating since 1958, planted the first commercial lavender in the region and remains the most-visited site — its purple rows are photographed from the dedicated Lavender Farm Station on the JR Furano Line. Beyond lavender, farms here grow canola, poppies, and salvia in sequential bloom. Winter brings a quieter crowd for backcountry skiing on Mount Tokachi and snowshoeing through silent birch forests.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: JR Furano Line runs from Asahikawa (about 70 min); rent a bicycle at Nakafurano Station to reach Farm Tomita in 10 minutes.
• Peak season: Lavender peaks mid-July; book accommodation at least 6 weeks ahead during that window.
• Winter visits: Snowfall typically begins in November; pack waterproof layers for temperatures that drop below −15 °C.