Lavender at Hokkaido ?
That’s right! Well known for its “Europeanising” landscapes, cattle and potatoes, the island of Hokkaido is also suited to growing lavender. Cultivation began in the 1940s but came up against cheaper foreign imports in the 60s and 70s. Today’s lavender fields are more for tourism than agriculture.
From late June to early August, throngs of tourists (from all over Asia as well as Japan) show up at Furano to explore the nearby hills crowded with purple flowers. Rather like Provence at home in France! Tomita Farm, among the region’s top destinations, is one of the best known for its size and the range of flowers.
Not only is Tomita a renowned lavender production site, it’s a must for tourists looking for an immersive floral experience in Hokkaido.
Tomita Farm: infinite fields of flowers
The farm was founded in 1903 by Tokuma Tomita at Nakafurano. At that time it was small and very conventional. Then in 1958 the family decided to start growing lavender for its fragrant oil.
Despite the economic challenges of the 1970s, the Tomita family persevered, in the 1980s producing lavender essential oil and creating an original perfume. The farm has diversified its activities, introduced the manufacture of bath soaps and gradually developed a flourishing tourist attraction.
Nowadays the farm offers visitors over a dozen different fields, displaying five different lavender varieties each with their own shade of purple: Hanamoiwa, Okamurasaki, Yotei, Lavandin and Noushihayazaki. But that’s not all: many other flowering plants are featured, such as poppies, cosmos, pansies, marigolds … So, apart from the lavender, there are plenty of floral landscapes to contemplate from April to October.
On site you’ll obviously find souvenir shops with a range of cosmetics, oils and perfumes made from local lavender. And for gourmets, eager to try new things, a cafe with original specialities such as lavender ice cream, lavender honey pudding and lavender Ramune soda.
