Farm Tomita
Farm Tomita: Lavender Paradise in Furano
Ah, Farm Tomita, where the air is sweet, the ground purple, and the scenery so picturesque you could swear you’ve stumbled into a lavender-scented dream. Nestled in Furano, Japan, this celebrated flower farm offers more than just photogenic fields—it’s a full-blown sensory extravaganza. The sheer delight of walking among swathes of lavender in bloom, mingling with the scent of fresh flowers and the taste of local delicacies, makes this a place where nature conspires to pamper you.
Lavender Fields: A Feast for the Senses
The farm’s 15 hectares of lavender fields don’t just stand there looking pretty—they put on a show. From late June to August, when the flowers reach their peak bloom, the landscape is transformed into a rolling sea of vibrant purple, with aromatic breezes that practically beg you to stop, close your eyes, and breathe deeply. And while lavender may be the star of the show, the supporting cast includes a revolving door of seasonal flowers, ensuring that each visit offers a different splash of color to keep things interesting.
Accessibility and Family-Friendly Features
Don’t worry, the farm doesn’t just cater to the flower-crazy adult crowd—it’s family-friendly and accessible to all. Whether you’re pushing a stroller or rolling a wheelchair, Farm Tomita has thought of you. There’s a dedicated parking area, easy-to-navigate paths, and enough public toilets to handle the crowds. Kids? They’ll be thrilled to roam the fields, trying to guess how many shades of purple they can spot.
Explore Themed Lavender Houses
As if the fields weren’t enough, Farm Tomita offers a selection of 11 themed lavender houses along the visitor route. Think of it as a mini-museum where each house delivers a different lavender-centric experience:
- Lavender Oil Distillation: Ever wonder how they extract that fragrant oil? You’ll get a front-row seat to the magic.
- Potpourri: Learn the secrets behind turning dried lavender into delightful potpourri.
- Farm Tomita’s History: This one’s for the history buffs—discover how a family farm became a lavender empire.
Each house offers not just a whiff of lavender knowledge but also unbeatable views of the fields outside.
Indulge in Local Flavors
Of course, no visit to Farm Tomita is complete without indulging in its culinary offerings. The on-site café takes “farm-to-table” to new heights, featuring a menu bursting with lavender-inspired delights. Have you ever tried lavender soft-serve ice cream? No? Well, you haven’t truly lived until you’ve savored this frozen floral treat. And if you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, the café also serves up dishes made with local ingredients like the legendary Furano danshaku-imo potatoes and asparagus, all perfectly suited to your pastoral surroundings.
Getting There: Access to Farm Tomita
It’s almost too easy to reach this lavender wonderland. The closest station is aptly named Lavender Farm Station (yes, they named a station after the farm!), located on the Furano Line. From there, it’s a quick 7-minute stroll, where the faint scent of lavender will lead you straight to the fields.
Practical Information
- Location: 15 Kisenkita, Nakafurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido 071-0704
- Opening Hours: Typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though it’s best to check ahead since winter closures are common.
- Website: For the latest seasonal updates, be sure to visit their official website before making the journey.
Whether you’re wandering through the lavender fields, indulging in lavender-flavored delights, or learning about its rich history, Farm Tomita offers a one-of-a-kind experience that you’ll remember long after the scent of lavender has faded.
A Century of Lavender: The Farm Tomita Saga
Farm Tomita’s roots go deep, stretching back to 1903 when the wilderness of Nakafurano was first tamed by the Tomita family. Like any good story, it’s one filled with challenges, perseverance, and—lavender. But let’s rewind to where it all began.
Early Beginnings (Meiji to Showa Periods)
In 1897, Tokuma Tomita moved his family to Nakafurano under Japan’s Hokkaido National Undeveloped Land Disposal Act, which encouraged settlers to make something of this rugged, untamed land. Six years later, in 1903, he officially began farming here, unknowingly setting the stage for lavender’s future rise to fame.
Fast forward to 1952 when lavender cultivation began in Nakafurano, initially for its oil. At that time, lavender oil was a hot commodity, used in perfumes and cosmetics. Then, in 1953, a young Tadao Tomita crossed paths with Yoshikazu Ueda, a lavender pioneer, sparking a lifelong passion for the plant. By 1965, Tadao and his wife Sachiko had expanded the farm’s lavender fields to 1.2 hectares, marking the beginning of what we now know as Farm Tomita’s Traditional Lavender Field.
The Rise, Fall, and Revival of Lavender Farming
The 1960s and 70s were lavender’s golden years in Furano. At its peak, the region boasted 230 hectares of lavender fields. But the tides turned with the arrival of synthetic fragrances and international competition. By 1973, lavender oil demand had plummeted, forcing most farmers to abandon their fields. Tadao Tomita, however, had other ideas. He knew that if he couldn’t sell lavender oil, he could still sell the experience of lavender itself.
Tourism Saves the Day
In 1976, the Japanese National Railways featured Farm Tomita’s lavender fields in their calendar, and suddenly, the public couldn’t get enough of these stunning purple landscapes. This was the turning point. Visitors flooded in, saving the farm from ruin. Sachiko Tomita got creative, producing lavender potpourri and sachets, and by 1980, they were distilling their own lavender oil again. Their perfume, “Fromm,” was born, and soon after, the farm had its own cosmetics manufacturing license.
Expanding the Legacy (1990s to Present)
Farm Tomita’s fame only grew. In 1990, Tadao Tomita was named a “Knight of the Order of Lavender” by Provence’s lavender growers—yes, there’s a lavender knighthood. The farm expanded, both in size and in offerings, eventually opening Lavender East in 2008, the largest lavender field on the farm.
By 2022, Tadao was recognized as a “Lavender Commander” in France, cementing his lifelong dedication to the purple plant. Today, Farm Tomita remains a beloved destination for visitors from around the globe, drawn by the beauty and history of its lavender fields.
Continuing the Lavender Legacy
From weathering the decline of lavender farming to blossoming into one of Japan’s most iconic tourist attractions, Farm Tomita’s story is one of resilience. Today, visitors wander through those same fields that nearly disappeared, breathing in the lavender-scented air and tasting its delicate flavors, all thanks to one family’s enduring love for this fragrant flower.
Farm Tomita on Google Maps
- Address: Farm Tomita, 15 Kisenkita, Nakafurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido 071-0704