Update-date: Aug 02 2023
The Furano and Biei areas in the center of Hokkaido are popular tourist destinations that offer fantastic pastoral landscapes with rolling hills and gorgeous, colorful flower fields. This article introduces some of the beautiful flower fields in Furano and outstanding foods not to be missed when in Hokkaido.
July Temperature and Weather in Furano
Introducing Furano: The Weather, What to Wear, and More
The best time to visit Hokkaido is said to be in the summer, as its summers are mild and pleasantly dry.
Average July temperatures in Furano range from a high of 27.2°C to a low of 17.7°C. While daytime highs have sometimes topped 30°C in recent years, Hokkaido’s summers are still much more comfortable than those of the main island of Japan.
The difference between the high and low can be substantial during this time of year, so though short sleeves are appropriate during the day, it is best to bring along a cardigan or shawl for the chilly mornings and evenings.
The Furano and Biei areas in particular are in a valley, so the weather is rather volatile, with rain showers often occurring in the evenings. So, be sure to bring rain gear like a raincoat and umbrella!
Recommended Flower Fields in Furano
Summer in Furano is marked with vistas of huge lavender fields that paint the landscape a beautiful shade of purple and fields of multicolored flowers. This article introduces some of Furano's most popular tourist spots.
• Shikisai-no-oka (Biei)
Shikisai-no-oka in Biei, located next to Furano, is a huge, 37-acre field filled with seasonal flowers that bloom from spring through fall.
During the months of July and August, approximately 25 different types of flowers bloom here, including lavender, sunflowers, and lupins.
The colorful flower gardens that stretch along the gentle hills like ribbons are breathtakingly beautiful.
The Shikisai-no-oka Norokko tractor bus that runs between late April and late October will take you around the entire park in about 15 minutes!
• Shikisai-no-oka (Biei)
Shikisai-no-oka in Biei, located next to Furano, is a huge, 37-acre field filled with seasonal flowers that bloom from spring through fall.
During the months of July and August, approximately 25 different types of flowers bloom here, including lavender, sunflowers, and lupins.
The colorful flower gardens that stretch along the gentle hills like ribbons are breathtakingly beautiful.
The Shikisai-no-oka Norokko tractor bus that runs between late April and late October will take you around the entire park in about 15 minutes!
• Farm Tomita (Furano)
Farm Tomita, which has the largest lavender field in Japan, is a popular tourist spot that attracts approximately 1 million visitors annually.
The vast farm has several fields of flowers that come in a total of seven different colors, including lavender, that brilliantly adorn its gentle hills and allow visitors to enjoy beautiful vistas of seasonal flowers.
The traditional lavender fields that Farm Tomita started with are the oldest in Japan. The lavenders that carpet its slopes are stunningly beautiful.
The farm is particularly popular from early to mid-July, when the lavenders are in full bloom.
Farm Tomita, which has the largest lavender field in Japan, is a popular tourist spot that attracts approximately 1 million visitors annually.
The vast farm has several fields of flowers that come in a total of seven different colors, including lavender, that brilliantly adorn its gentle hills and allow visitors to enjoy beautiful vistas of seasonal flowers.
The traditional lavender fields that Farm Tomita started with are the oldest in Japan. The lavenders that carpet its slopes are stunningly beautiful.
The farm is particularly popular from early to mid-July, when the lavenders are in full bloom.
Trains Are the Best Way to Travel From Sapporo to Furano!
Hokkaido is the largest of Japan's 47 prefectures and accounts for about 20% of its land. Traveling around such a large area may sound daunting, but the JR Hokkaido Furano Lavender Express will get you directly from Sapporo to Furano in just 2 hours!
The Furano Lavender Express is a train for tourists that runs between June and September every year. It has five cars, with the first car being an area that can be used freely. It has counter seats as well as box seats for groups of four. It’s a great train to relax on and enjoy the beautiful pastoral landscape of Hokkaido. A welcome touch for tourists is the free Wi-Fi and power outlet at each seat.
Operating times: Every day between Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, August 13, and weekends and national holidays only between Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, September 24 in 2023.
The Furano Lavender Express is a train for tourists that runs between June and September every year. It has five cars, with the first car being an area that can be used freely. It has counter seats as well as box seats for groups of four. It’s a great train to relax on and enjoy the beautiful pastoral landscape of Hokkaido. A welcome touch for tourists is the free Wi-Fi and power outlet at each seat.
Operating times: Every day between Saturday, June 17 and Sunday, August 13, and weekends and national holidays only between Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, September 24 in 2023.
• Save Money on Your Travels by Using the Japan Rail Pass.
The Japan Rail Pass is a special pass for international travelers on tourist visas issued jointly by six train operators in the JR Group (JR Hokkaido, JR East, JR Tokai, JR West, JR Shikoku, and JR Kyushu).
The pass covers almost all trains and buses run by the JR Group, so it is an extremely convenient pass for international visitors who want to travel around Japan.
Travelers can purchase either the Standard pass or opt for the green pass, which grants them access to green car seats. Both types can be used for 7, 14, or 21 days.
With the Japan Rail Pass, it won’t cost any extra money to ride the Furano Lavender Express!
The Japan Rail Pass is a special pass for international travelers on tourist visas issued jointly by six train operators in the JR Group (JR Hokkaido, JR East, JR Tokai, JR West, JR Shikoku, and JR Kyushu).
The pass covers almost all trains and buses run by the JR Group, so it is an extremely convenient pass for international visitors who want to travel around Japan.
Travelers can purchase either the Standard pass or opt for the green pass, which grants them access to green car seats. Both types can be used for 7, 14, or 21 days.
With the Japan Rail Pass, it won’t cost any extra money to ride the Furano Lavender Express!
*There are some trains that are not included in the Japan Rail Pass, such as the Nozomi and Mizuho bullet trains, so be sure to check the official website for details.
The Best Hokkaido Food to Enjoy with the Beautiful Flower Fields
Hokkaido is a treasure trove of fantastic food, ranging from fresh seafood and vegetables to high-quality meats, seasonal fruits, and dairy products, all nurtured by its vast and plentiful land. This article introduces some exceptional restaurants in Hokkaido to go to during your visit.
Hitsuji no Oka (Naka-Furano / Jingisukan)
Hitsuji no Oka is set amidst the beautiful natural landscape of Furano, about 20 minutes by car from Furano Station. It has an airy terrace from which to enjoy outstanding jingisukan and views of Furano's majestic landscape. A regional dish of Hokkaido, jingisukan consists of mutton that has been marinated in a sauce and grilled on a special skillet.
Not to be missed here is the Suffolk Jingisukan (1,210 JPY), made with tender and juicy lamb without the unique smell of mutton. Instead of being marinated in a sauce, the fresh and soft mutton meat is grilled as is on a shichirin skillet and dipped in a special, homemade sauce, allowing the natural savoriness of the meat to come through.
Not to be missed here is the Suffolk Jingisukan (1,210 JPY), made with tender and juicy lamb without the unique smell of mutton. Instead of being marinated in a sauce, the fresh and soft mutton meat is grilled as is on a shichirin skillet and dipped in a special, homemade sauce, allowing the natural savoriness of the meat to come through.
The Furano Grilled Vegetable Set (440 JPY) that consists of fresh vegetables procured directly from the farm next door is a great accompaniment to the jingisukan. The vegetables that were nurtured by Furano's land have vivid colors and deep flavors and will nourish both your body and soul.
Furano Genghis Khan HITSUJI-NO-OKA
Open: 11:00 am - 3:30 pm (L.O. 3:00 pm)
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY
Access: If coming by car navigation system - MAP code search 349-199-044*01 (please set the navigation system)
Address: Beberui, Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido Map
More Details
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 2,500 JPY
Access: If coming by car navigation system - MAP code search 349-199-044*01 (please set the navigation system)
Address: Beberui, Nakafurano-cho, Sorachi-gun, Hokkaido Map
More Details
SIO Syuji Hijikuro (Maruyama-Koen / French)
SIO Syuji Hijikuro in Sapporo is a French restaurant that serves creative dishes made with fresh vegetables procured directly from farms and high-quality meats.
The creative dishes inspired by southern French cuisine, which is the chef's specialty, are distinguished by their delicate plating that reflects the seasons.
The seasonal [Dinner Course] (9,900 JPY) is a great way to enjoy a variety of their dishes that bring out the natural flavors of vegetables and meats.
The creative dishes inspired by southern French cuisine, which is the chef's specialty, are distinguished by their delicate plating that reflects the seasons.
The seasonal [Dinner Course] (9,900 JPY) is a great way to enjoy a variety of their dishes that bring out the natural flavors of vegetables and meats.
Their seasonal course meals are best savored with the wonderful wines that the chef carefully chooses to accompany the food. There is a wide selection of wines from various regions of France, so you can fully enjoy the marriage between the food and wine at this restaurant.
SIO Syuji Hijikuro
Open: Lunch 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm (L.O.1:30 pm) *Basically, reservations are required by the day prior. Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm) *Basically, reservations are required by the day prior.
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: 5 minutes walk from Maruyama Class
Address: 1F, Taste Bldg., 23-1-1, Minami Nijo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido Map
More Details Reservation
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 10,000 JPY / [Lunch] 3,000 JPY
Access: 5 minutes walk from Maruyama Class
Address: 1F, Taste Bldg., 23-1-1, Minami Nijo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido Map
More Details Reservation
Be sure to refer to this article to enjoy the fantastic views that Furano has to offer, together with outstanding dishes made with fresh and flavorful ingredients nurtured by Hokkaido's grand nature.
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
