Flower Lover's Guide to Visiting Biei and Furano, Hokkaido, Japan
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is a paradise for flower lovers. With its vast landscapes, rolling hills, and scenic farmland, the Biei and Furano regions are famous for their breathtaking flower fields and beautiful gardens. The temperate climate and rich soil of this region create the perfect environment for a wide array of flowers to bloom in the summer months, making it a must-visit destination for anyone with a passion for flora.
This guide will walk you through the best flowers, the top spots to visit, and when to plan your trip to experience the vibrant beauty of Biei and Furano.
1. Overview of Biei and Furano
Located in the center of Hokkaido, Biei and Furano are renowned for their expansive agricultural landscapes and lush fields of flowers.
Biei is a small town surrounded by stunning rural landscapes, known for its gentle rolling hills, picturesque fields, and vibrant flower farms.
Furano, located nearby, is famous for its lavender fields and other flower farms, making it one of the most iconic flower destinations in Japan. The town is also well-known for its beautiful natural scenery and outdoor activities, like hiking and hot air balloon rides.
Both areas are popular during the summer months, especially from June to August, when the flower fields are in full bloom. This region is not only a haven for flowers but also offers a tranquil atmosphere that allows visitors to relax and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
2. Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Biei and Furano is during summer, specifically from June to August. However, each month brings different flower species to the forefront:
June: Early summer in Hokkaido is marked by the blooming of poppies, sunflowers, lilies, and irises. The weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and clear skies, making it ideal for flower sightseeing.
July: This is the peak season for lavender in Furano. The iconic lavender fields are in full bloom, attracting visitors from all over the world. In addition to lavender, sunflowers, marigolds, and poppies are also in full bloom in both Biei and Furano.
August: By August, the lavender season begins to fade, but other late-blooming flowers such as cosmos, zinnias, and buckwheat take center stage. The weather is still warm, and the flower fields remain vibrant.
3. Top Flower Viewing Spots in Biei and Furano
a. Furano – The Lavender Town
Furano is perhaps most famous for its lavender fields, which paint the landscape in hues of purple during the summer. The town is home to several notable lavender farms and gardens.
Farm Tomita: This is the most famous lavender farm in Furano, located just outside the town center. Farm Tomita is a sprawling field of lavender that stretches across the land, offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Visitors can stroll through the fields, photograph the lavender blooms, and even purchase lavender-based products such as essential oils and soaps.
Flower Highlights: Lavender, sunflowers, poppies, and marigolds.
Lavender East: Another popular lavender farm located in Furano, Lavender East is a larger farm offering a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for flower enthusiasts. Here, you’ll find a vast array of lavender varieties, and during the blooming season, the entire field is covered in a sea of purple.
Flower Highlights: Lavender, herb gardens, sunflowers, and lilies.
Ningle Terrace: A small, picturesque village near Furano that features charming, flower-filled cottages. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the colorful display of petunias, sunflowers, and other seasonal flowers.
Flower Highlights: Petunias, sunflowers, and pansies.
b. Biei – A Landscape of Flower Fields
Biei is home to some of the most stunning farmland landscapes in Japan, with vast fields of flowers set against the backdrop of rolling hills and distant mountains. The area is dotted with flower farms and fields, many of which are open to visitors during the blooming season.
Shirogane Blue Pond (Shirogane Aoi Ike): While not a flower field per se, the Blue Pond near Biei is a must-visit spot for nature lovers. The tranquil blue waters surrounded by greenery make it a perfect location for photographing flowers like wildflowers and bluebells.
Flower Highlights: Wildflowers, bluebells, and irises.
Biei Flower Fields: The fields of Biei are famous for their beautiful color combinations of flowers in patchwork-like patterns. Some fields feature sunflowers, while others have poppies, lilies, and petunias. Many farms allow visitors to walk through the flower fields and purchase fresh flowers from local farmers.
Flower Highlights: Sunflowers, poppies, lilies, and petunias.
Furano Flower Land: While Furano is famous for its lavender, this nearby garden in Biei offers a rich variety of flowers in beautifully designed themed gardens. It’s a wonderful place to spend a day exploring and photographing flowers.
Flower Highlights: Sunflowers, lavender, marigolds, and petunias.
Takushinkan: This is a small farm that specializes in poppies and lilies. It offers one of the most beautiful flower displays in Biei and provides a great chance for florists and flower lovers to enjoy a variety of seasonal blooms.
Flower Highlights: Poppies, lilies, sunflowers, and cosmos.
4. Flower Highlights in Biei and Furano
Furano:
Lavender: Furano’s lavender is iconic, and you can see the fields bloom in all their purple glory during peak season (late June to mid-July).
Sunflowers: Vibrant yellow sunflower fields are common in Furano, especially in early to mid-summer.
Poppies and Marigolds: These colorful blooms add a burst of red and yellow to the landscape, complementing the lavender in July.
Lilies and Irises: These elegant flowers bloom in July and add a touch of delicacy to the fields.
Biei:
Sunflowers: Huge fields of sunflowers stretch across Biei during the summer, creating an unforgettable sight.
Poppies: The bright poppies add vibrant colors to the landscape, especially in the early summer months.
Lilies: These large, fragrant blooms can be found in both Biei and Furano, blooming around mid-summer.
Petunias and Cosmos: In August, the petunias and cosmos come into full bloom, making Biei even more picturesque.
Wildflowers: Biei’s landscape is filled with wildflowers that bloom in early spring and summer, adding charm to the natural beauty.
5. Florist Activities and Opportunities
For florists and flower enthusiasts, Biei and Furano offer a variety of ways to immerse yourself in the local flora:
Flower Photography: Both Biei and Furano are paradise for photographers. The combination of colorful flowers, rolling hills, and clear skies makes it an excellent destination for capturing stunning floral landscapes.
Visit Flower Farms: Explore various flower farms, where you can observe different flower species up close and learn about local cultivation techniques. Some farms offer hands-on experiences like flower picking or even flower arrangement workshops.
Buy Local Flowers: Many farms in both Biei and Furano sell freshly picked flowers or flower-themed products. It's a great opportunity to purchase unique flowers to take home or even arrange your own bouquet using locally grown blooms.
Flower Festivals: If your visit coincides with any of the local flower festivals, such as the Furano Lavender Festival in July, you can enjoy live music, food, and other cultural events alongside the floral displays.
6. What to Carry
Comfortable Footwear: Prepare for walking through fields and farms, so comfortable shoes are essential.
Camera: Bring a camera or smartphone to capture the stunning floral landscapes.
Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as the summer sun can be strong.
Field Guide: If you're keen on identifying the flowers, bring a wildflower field guide or a plant identification app.
Water and Snacks: Stay hydrated and bring a few snacks, especially if you plan to hike or walk through large fields.
7. Environmental and Ethical Tips
Respect the Gardens: Avoid picking flowers from the fields unless permitted. Many farms and public flower spaces have specific rules to protect the environment.
Stay on Designated Paths: To avoid damaging crops and flowers, stick to the paths and trails established by the farms and public gardens.
Leave No Trace: Always clean up after yourself and dispose of trash in designated bins to preserve the pristine beauty of the area.
Biei and Furano in Hokkaido are dream destinations for flower lovers. From the vibrant lavender fields of Furano to the sprawling sunflower and poppy fields of Biei, the area offers an exceptional floral experience. Whether you're a florist looking for inspiration or a traveler seeking tranquility amidst stunning flower displays, these regions provide a perfect escape into the beauty of nature. Be sure to plan your visit during the blooming seasons, and enjoy the floral wonders of Hokkaido!
