Lavender fields of Furano

What it is

Furano sits in a wide valley in the middle of Hokkaido, with cool summers that suit lavender. The plant was first grown here for perfume oil. When cheaper imports ended that trade, a few farms kept their fields, and photographs of the purple slopes turned them into a destination. Farm Tomita in Nakafurano is the best known. Its lavender peaks through July, and beside it are stripes of poppies, marigolds, salvia and other annuals planted in bands of colour, with the Tokachi mountains behind. Visitors eat lavender soft-serve ice cream and watch oil being distilled.

Before you go

• Mid July is the usual peak for lavender.
• Early morning beats the tour buses.
• A seasonal train stops near the farms in summer. Otherwise a car or bicycle helps.

The flowers you will see

Common poppyThe vivid red wildflower of fields and remembranceScarlet sageA bright bedding plant with spikes of red, white, or purple flowers

Also part of it, and being written: Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula.

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