Lavender has been cultivated in Hokkaido for more than half a century. When the arrival of lower priced, imported lavender led to a decrease in demand for Hokkaido’s lavender in the 1960s and 70s, the local lavender’s main function shifted from agricultural product to tourist attraction. Nowadays, Furano’s lavender fields attract large numbers of visitors to the region every summer. The majority of lavender usually starts blooming in late June and reaches its peak from around mid-July to early August.
The best spot to view the lavender is Farm Tomita, whose lavender and flower fields with the Tokachi mountain range as backdrop are spectacular. Besides the flower fields has cafes and shops that sell a wide range of lavender related products.
