Hokkaido Travel Guide: Visiting Farm Tomita in October

Tucked away in Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, lies the enchanting Farm Tomita. This place is a burst of color all year round, but it’s July when the fields truly come alive with vibrant flowers, especially the lavender. Many guidebooks suggest that July is the prime time to visit. But, let’s break the mold in this guide and set our sights on Farm Tomita in October—an experience we had firsthand. Get ready to dive into what makes Farm Tomita a must-see after the peak season. If you’re planning an October visit, let this guide be your companion in crafting the perfect itinerary for a journey filled with beauty and wonder!

Table of Contents

A Brief Overview of Farm Tomita:

Farm Tomita was established in 1903 and has since become a renowned landmark in Hokkaido. Initially focused on cultivating lavender, the farm has expanded its repertoire to include a diverse range of flowers, turning it into a haven for flower enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Nestled amidst the Furano Valley, Farm Tomita is surrounded by idyllic landscapes, with rolling hills, mountains, and verdant fields serving as the backdrop to the vibrant blooms that adorn the farm.

Getting to Farm Tomita: Exploring Your Transportation Options

Journeying to Farm Tomita offers a variety of transportation choices, tailored to your starting point. If you’re making your way to Furano, the city where Farm Tomita resides, you’ll likely find yourself transiting through key hubs in Hokkaido like Sapporo and Asahikawa. Here’s a lineup of convenient options you might want to contemplate:

By car:

From Asahikawa Airport: A smooth 45-minute drive awaits you via National Highway 237.
From New Chitose Airport: Embark on a 2.5-hour journey by taking the Doto Expressway (exit at Shimkappu IC).
From Downtown Sapporo: The road to Farm Tomita takes about 2.5 hours via the Hokkaido Jukan Expressway (exit at Mikasa IC).

Important: Kindly refrain from parking on public roads or in tour bus parking lots.

By bus:

From Asahikawa or Furano:

If you’re taking the bus from Asahikawa or Furano, your stop is “Nakafurano,” conveniently served by Furano Bus. Here are the efficient bus routes at your disposal:

JR Asahikawa Station ⇔ Nakafurano: A journey of 1 hour and 25 minutes, costing 800 yen one way.
Asahikawa Airport ⇔ Nakafurano: A 48-minute ride for 690 yen one way.
JR Furano Station ⇔ Nakafurano: A quick 12-minute trip, priced at 260 yen one way.

Upon reaching Nakafurano bus stop, a 25-minute stroll or a short taxi ride will get you to Farm Tomita. To catch a taxi, you can reach Nakafurano Hire at 0167-44-2331. A mere 5-minute taxi ride separates Nakafurano bus stop from your destination.

For Those Journeying from Sapporo:

Chuo Bus is your go-to option. Consider these alternatives:

Sapporo Station Bus Terminal ⇔ Furano Bus Terminal: Embark on a 2.5-hour adventure priced at 2,500 yen for a one-way trip.
From Furano JR Station/Furano Bus Terminal: Your options expand – you can catch a ride on the Furano Bus, hop onto the JR line, or opt for a taxi.

Speaking of taxis, you can reach out to Furano Taxi at 0167-22-5001 for a convenient 15-minute ride from Furano Bus Terminal.

Important: To stay in the loop with schedules, bus stop spots, and potential perks like return trip discounts, make sure to visit the websites of the respective bus operators.

By railway:

Opting for the train to reach Farm Tomita? Look no further than Lavender Farm Station, conveniently located on the JR Furano Line, a mere 7-minute stroll away from Farm Tomita.

However, here’s an important note: The special Furano-Biei Norokko-go train on the JR Furano Line operates to this station only during the summer months (June to September). Should your plans extend beyond this period, it’s advisable to disembark at Nakafurano Station instead. Here are recommended train routes:

From Sapporo:

Sapporo Station ⇔ Takikawa Station ⇔ Furano Station ⇔ Nakafurano Station (Approximately 2 hours)

From Asahikawa:

Asahikawa Station ⇔ Nakafurano Station (Approximately 1 hour)

After alighting at Nakafurano Station, you can choose between a 25-minute leisurely walk to Farm Tomita or a convenient taxi ride.

Book a Tour:

For added convenience, contemplate booking a tour package, which extends its availability beyond the bustling summer season, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Here’s a selection of tours to Farm Tomita that might pique your interest:

Will there still be flowers in October?

Wondering if October holds floral delights at Farm Tomita? The resounding answer is “absolutely!” Farm Tomita boasts vast expanses comprising 14 distinct areas and verdant patches dedicated to showcasing a diverse array of flowers and plants. So, rest assured, there’s an abundance of beauty awaiting your discovery, extending well beyond the lavender zenith. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the enchanting offerings across some of the prominent flower fields and gardens as you step into Farm Tomita in the delightful embrace of October:

Hanabito Field:

Best Viewing Season: Early July to Late September

A Picture of Hanabito Field Taken on Mid-October

Situated just before the welcoming arms of Flower House and Rapport House, you’ll find the charismatic Hanabito Field. This spot takes the spotlight in Farm Tomita’s online snapshots, showcasing its vibrant stripes of blooming beauty. It’s the poster child of the farm! Here, a mix of perennial and herbaceous plants like cockscomb, violet sage, and marigold create a lively tapestry of colors. And guess what? Many of these blossoms stick around until October, keeping the magic alive for all to enjoy!

Green House:

Right next door to Hanabito Field, you’ll discover the Green House, a haven tended by Farm Tomita’s skilled gardeners. This nurturing space holds a special treat – a slice of lavender paradise that lets you bask in the purple splendor and sweet fragrance, no matter the time of year. Even if your visit falls beyond the lavender’s peak season, the Green House at Farm Tomita offers you a tantalizing peek into the lavender’s charm!

Sakiwai Field:

Peak Time: July

Tucked at the heart of Farm Tomita, Sakiwai Field unveils an expansive lavender vista that’s a sight to behold. Here, a medley of lavenders thrives – Okamurasaki, Yotei, Hanamoiwa, and Noshi Hayazaki, each painting the field with its unique hue. When they’re in full bloom, the lavenders form a mesmerizing spectrum of purples, creating an enchanting gradient.

Sakiwai Field – Lavenders Have Bid Their Farewell

But here’s the thing: by the time October arrives, the lavenders have bid their farewell. During our visit in mid-October, all that remained were the lush rows of green lavender bushes.

Rolls of Marigold in Sakiwai Field

Nonetheless, fear not, for a silver lining awaits! Nestled along one edge of Sakiwai Field, a vibrant tapestry of marigold flowers awaits your admiration. These resilient blooms make up for the absence of lavenders, offering a burst of color that lingers until October, giving you another reason to smile!

Autumn Field:

Ideal Time: Early July to Late September

True to its name, the Autumn Field is a mesmerizing spot that continues to captivate visitors even as autumn unfolds. Just a bit further from the Sakiwai Field, this enchanting area showcases a picturesque tapestry of multi-colored stripes formed by an assortment of perennial and herbaceous plants. This means you’ll have an extended chance to revel in the beauty of blooms that lasts well into October, adding an extra layer of natural wonder to your experience!

Irodori Field:

Peak Time: July

Undoubtedly the most celebrated flower field at Farm Tomita, the Irodori Field is a spectacle to behold. This rolling hill is adorned with a splendid palette of seven hues, each representing a unique flower. Lavender in purple, baby’s breath in white, poppies in red, garden catchfly in pink, and California poppies in orange—these blossoms unite to create a breathtaking rainbow that unfurls across the gentle hills every July.

However, it’s worth noting that the nature of this field’s blooms renders visits outside its peak, including October, somewhat unfortunate. The vivacious colors that define the Irodori Field truly shine during their prime, making July the ultimate time to witness this radiant canvas of nature’s artistry.

Should I Visit Farm Tomita in October?

Thinking of adding Farm Tomita to your Hokkaido getaway in October? It’s a fantastic idea, especially if you’re a flower enthusiast. You’ll be treated to a delightful array of blooms that last until autumn bids farewell. Moreover, let’s not forget the mesmerizing sight of autumn foliage that accompanies the changing weather in October! However, if your heart is set on basking in vast lavender fields, you might want to reconsider, as October might not cater to that specific desire. Just a little something to factor into your plans!

How much time should I spend exploring Farm Tomita?

To fully soak in the allure of this distinct destination, it’s advisable to set aside three to four hours. This time frame ensures you have ample moments to dive into the charm that Farm Tomita has to offer and craft a well-rounded experience.

Practical Travel Tips:

Weather and Attire:

Expect October in Hokkaido to be pleasantly cool and crisp, prompting the need for layered clothing. Our personal experience taught us that a trench coat and a lightweight padded jacket didn’t quite cut it, especially when the temperature dipped into the single digits. Be sure to toss in something a bit more substantial to stay cozy!

Crowds and Reservations:

While October is generally less crowded than the peak summer months, it’s still advisable to arrive early to avoid the midday rush. Farm Tomita does not require reservations for general visits.

Capturing Memories:

In addition to the showcased fields mentioned earlier, there’s a treasure trove of facilities and spaces waiting to be explored. Arm yourself with a camera or smartphone and venture beyond the surface. And here’s a tip: make sure to ascend to the observation deck perched atop the Flower House. From there, you can soak in the panoramic view of Hanabito Field in all its glory!

Souvenirs:

The farm offers a variety of lavender-themed products, including essential oils, soaps, and even lavender-flavored ice cream. These make for great souvenirs to bring back home.

And that’s a wrap! You’re now equipped with all the essentials to ensure your Farm Tomita visit is an absolute delight, even beyond the bustling summer season. We trust this guide will serve as your trusty companion in crafting a seamless and unforgettable journey. So, go ahead, embrace the enchantment of Farm Tomita’s flower fields, forge unforgettable memories, and relish the unique charm of this October escapade. Wishing you safe travels and a fantastic exploration ahead!

Access Map:

Quick Info About Farm Tomita:

Address: １５号 Kisenkita, Nakafurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido 071-0704
Hours: 8:30AM~6:00PM (Everyday)
Admission Fee: Free
Phone: +81 167-39-3939
Website: https://www.farm-tomita.co.jp/en/

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