Guide to Travel | Japan Cheapo

The sweet smell of lavender brings both calm and comfort. With its vivid purple hues creating stunning scenery, it's no surprise that seeing lavender is nearly as popular as seeing cherry blossoms or autumn leaves. Across Japan, there are a suprising number of lavender fields to explore. Before we get into all this flowery loveliness, it's worth noting that many of the places mentioned are best accessed by car -- so look at car-rental options if you don't have your own wheels. Alternatively, you could choose a lavender field that offers a shuttle bus or is close to a train station. In some cases, you may have to splash out on a taxi. Joining a tour -- like this one in Hokkaidō -- can be a better option, as it takes the stress out of travel and gives you more time to frolic through the fields. 1. Lavender in Hokkaidō -- Furano The most famous place in Japan to see the lavender is Furano, a city in Hokkaidō that has been cultivating it since the 1930s. The area is enclosed by Mount Tokachi, making it all the more picturesque. A great thing about seeing lavender in Furano is that there are plenty of different places to visit -- though they aren't always easily accessible from one another. Farm Tomita Free 7-minute walk from Lavender Farm Station (on the JR Furano Line) Late June to mid-August Farm Tomita in Furano is probably the most renowned place in all of Japan to see lavender -- and for good reason. Not only is it the most accessible in Hokkaidō, but it also features vast blankets of rainbow-colored flower fields, creating a breathtaking sight. Whether you want to walk or appreciate the views from a tractor, you can easily spend hours among the beautiful blooms. At Farm Tomita, there are a number of different lavender fields, including the Sakiwai Field, Lavender Forest Field, and Lavandin Field. After you've seen the lavender, you can explore various houses, including the recommended Dried Flower House. Walking around, you'll feel as though you've been whisked away to Europe for the day. No one comes away from visiting Farm Tomita without getting at least one lavender-themed product -- and there are plenty to choose from. From incense to soap, there's just about everything you can think of. You can see how some of the lavender products are made by visiting the on-site distillery. Afterwards, head to Potpourri House, Café Rene, or Hanabito House to enjoy some light bites or lavender ice cream. How to get to Farm Tomita It is easy to get to Farm Tomita by train. Simply take the JR Furano Line to Lavender Farm Station. From there, Farm Tomita is a 7-minute walk. Alternatively, you can take the train to Nakafurano Station and take a leisurely 25-minute walk. Note: Your base will likely be in Sapporo. Check out the best ways to get from Tokyo to Sapporo. Other lavender fields in Furano There are a number of other lavender fields in Furano. Each are located in different towns, which include Nakafurano, Kamifurano, Minami Furano, and Furano City itself. The main lavender spots include: Farm Tomita Lavender East: A short drive from Farm Tomita, this lavender field tends to be quieter (open from June 28 to July 21, 2025). Highland Furano: Home to the largest lavender field in Furano City, this field stretches around in front of a hotel. Hinode Park Lavender Garden: Situated on a hill in Kamifurano, this garden is known for its views of Tokachi Mountains and its iconic bell tower. Flower Land Kamifurano: A flower park featuring a variety of seasonal blooms, including lavender. Kanno Farm: Nestled between Kamifurano and Biei, this hilltop farm offers colorful fields of lavender, goldfish plant, and German salvia. Shikisai no Oka: Located in Biei, this vast flower park looks like a painting come to life with its colorful fields of seasonal flowers. Getting around Many people actually cycle from Furano to Biei. Although pretty, it isn't the most accessible route -- as the course is quite hilly. There is also the option to take the Furano Biei Norokko Train. That said, the most convenient way to get around is by car, as it allows you to easily hop from place to place. Pro tip: If you don't want to drive, but do want the convenience of a car, consider a full-day private transfer. Furano lavender tours Because there are so many lavender fields to see around Furano, tours are available during the summer months. These are the best way to get a taste of all the fields, without worrying about how to reach each one. Some of the recommended tours include: Kamifurano Day Tour -- Farm Tomita & Shikisai Hill Furano & Biei Lavender Day Tour (from Sapporo) 2. Kawaguchiko -- Oishi Park Free 27-minute drive from Kawaguchiko Station (Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus) June 21 to July 21, 2025 See the bright purple flowers framing Japan's most iconic symbol, Mount Fuji. At Oishi Park (main venue) and Yagizaki Park (secondary venue) in Kawaguchiko, you can admire the sight of 100,000 lavender shrubs. From June to July, the town of Fujikawaguchiko hosts the Lavender Herb Festival, which is free for everyone to enjoy. In addition to the lavender fields, the festival features a variety of vendors offering local goods and traditional foods. One of the festival days coincides with the Mt.Fuji Opening Fireworks, adding extra magic to the event. How to get to Oishi Park There are many ways to get to Kawaguchiko -- which you can explore in this guide. From Kawaguchiko Station, you will need to take the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus to Kawaguchiko Shizenseikatsukan. This bus ride costs . 3. Chiba -- Sakura Lavender Land Free 5-minute walk from the Sakizaki Community Bus Entrance Mid-May to mid-July In Chiba, you can see lavender at Sakura Lavender Land. This 13,600m2 farm is home to 6,300 lavender shrubs of four different varieties. These include "Nomurasaki", Hayasasaki", "Okamurasaki Lavandin" and "Layla Blue". Planted in 2003, and taking inspiration from Furano, the lavender is loved by locals who stroll through it every summer. In addition to the lavender fields, you can see 180 rose plants, with the contrasting colors make for an impactful shot. You can also try a variety of lavender-flavored delights, including a classic soft serve and shaved ice. Before you leave, peruse some of the Lavender Land original products, like their essential oils. How to get to Sakura Lavender Land It takes around 60 minutes by train from Tokyo Station. First, you'll need to take the Sōbu Line Rapid (to Narita) and then get off at Funabashi. At Keisei Funabashi, take the Keisei Line (to Keisei-Sakura) straight to Yukarigaoka Station. The journey will cost . From Yukarigaoka Station, take the Sakura City Community Bus to Sakizaki Kaikan and then walk for 7 minutes. The community bus costs . For those driving, Sakura Lavender Land is approximately around 1 hour and 17 minutes via the Keiyō Road. There are 100 parking spaces available. 4. Saitama -- Sennen no Sono Lavender Field Free 4-minute walk from Recreation Area Entrance (bus stop) June 6 to June 22, 2025 (already finished) If you don't want to stray too far away from Tokyo, Sennen no Sono Lavender Field in Saitama is a great choice. Free to visit, this small but charming lavender field brings the local community together to celebrate the beauty of the flower. The air is filled with the scent of 11 different lavender varieties, most of which are early-blooming types. Notably, the lavender in this field was only replanted a year ago, after intense heat damaged the previous crop. The annual Ranzan Lavender Festival typically takes place in June. During the festival, visitors can take part in a variety of craft workshops, such as making lavender sticks. Local vendors also join the celebration, offering food and drinks from nearby businesses. Note: This year's Ranzan Lavender Festival has already finished, and harvesting has begun -- meaning you cannot enter the field. One to bookmark for 2026. How to get to Sennen no Sono Lavender Field The nearest station to Sennen no Sono Lavender Field is Musashi-Ranzan Station. This station serves the Tōbu-Tōjō Line, so you'll need to start from Ikebukuro Station. From Ikebukuro Station, it's a direct train ride to Musashi-Ranzan Station -- taking 53 minutes and costing . At the West Exit of Musashi-Ranzan Station, hop on the 02 bus, for , and get off at Recreation Area Entrance. It is then a 4-minute walk to the field. If you want the fresh air, you could opt to take a 35-minute walk from the station. 5. Gunma -- Tambara Lavender Park for adults, for students, and for pets 38-minute drive from Jōmō-Kōgen Station (reservation-only shuttle bus available) June 28 to August 24, 2025 Tambara Lavender Park in Gunma is one of the largest lavender fields near Tokyo. With approximately 50,000 plants, including four types of lavender, the park offers picturesque views of lavender fields and surrounding mountains -- with the flowers swaying in the summer breeze. Because the four types of lavender bloom at different times, the season is extended, allowing more chances to to see the full bloom. The great thing about taking a trip here is that there are activities for adults, childrens, and pets. During the summer season, you can participate in a lavender-picking experience for . For children, there is the highland playground "Tambaland" which has trampolines, bouldering and more. Should you have a furry friend, there is a free dog run and promenade which you can walk down. There's even a lift you can go up to admire the lavender from a height. After all of that fun, you can shop for original lavender goods as well as local Gunma goods. Finish the day with a lavender soft serve or a soda. Should you want something more filling, there are two casual eateries on the grounds to choose from. How to get to Tambara Lavender Park You can get to the park either by train and a bus ride or by car. If you're coming from Tokyo by the train, you will first need to take the Jōetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Jōmō-Kōgen Station. This takes around 1 hour 15 minutes and costs -- free for JR Pass holders. From Jōmō-Kōgen Station, you can board the free shuttle bus to the park. Note that you need to reserve a spot for this on the official website. Alternatively, you can take a taxi. Tambara Lavender Park is accessible via major expressways. From Tokyo, take the Kanetsu Expressway from Nerima IC. Drive for approximately 90 minutes and exit at Numata IC. From there, it's about a 30-minute drive on local roads to reach the park. The area is also connected via the Kita-Kanto Expressway and Ken-O Expressway. 6. Akita -- Misato Lavender Garden Free 20-minute drive by taxi from JR Ōmagari Station June 7 to June 29, 2025 (already finished) If you can't make it to Hokkaidō, this is the next best thing. Misato Lavender Garden in Akita has been collaborating with Nakafurano Town in Hokkaido since 2014. As part of this partnership, the two towns exchange seedlings -- including varieties like Lavandin and Komurasaki. This means much of the lavender planted here is the same as in Hokkaidō. At Misato Lavender Garden, you can appreciate the sight of 20,000 lavender shrubs in a field of around 2 hectares in Odaino Square. The flower is so famous in Misato that the town has its own original lavender variety -- "Misato Sekka". This is one of the only places you can encounter the contrast of white and purple lavender. The white lavender is pretty rare as well. The Lavender Festival itself is a real celebration with various lavender goods, food stalls, and picking experiences. As well as lavender soft serve, you can try lavender cider. Note: This year's Misato Lavender Festival has already finished. How to get to Misato Lavender Garden Misato Lavender Garden is best reached by taxi from Ōmagari Station -- the drive takes about 20-30 minutes. While technically accessible by public transport, the equivalent journey takes nearly two hours! If you're coming from Akita Station, take the Akita Shinkansen to Ōmagari Station. The ride takes around 32 minutes and costs -- or is free with a JR Pass. 7. Nagano -- Two top lavender spots In Nagano, there are two picturesque lavender farms you should visit -- both are easily accessible by a train and taxi ride. Yume Harvest Farm for adults, for 13 to 18 year olds, free for children under 12 12-minute taxi ride from JR Komoro Station July 1 to July 31, 2025 Just like the name "yume" (dream) implies, Yume Harvest Farm feels like something straight out of a fairytale. The 15,0002 site has over 350 types of herbs, including 10,000 lavender plants, and 350 types of roses. Comparable to something you would see in Southern France, the farm definitely has more of an European feel to it. Notably, the grounds include a distillery where lavender oil is produced, and the fragrance lingers throughout the area. After wandering through the beautiful gardens, sit back and relax at the terrace café. Here you can appreciate nature's beauty and drink herbal teas -- or a Lavender Calpis for . How to get to Yume Harvest Farm From Karuizawa Station, take the Shinano Tetsudo Line to Komoro Station. This journey takes 24 minutes and costs . From Komoro Station, it is a 12-minute taxi ride to Yume Harvest Farm. Those driving should use the Jōshin-etsu Expressway, which is 10 minutes from Komoro IC and 15 minutes from Saku IC. Lavender Garden Dream Farm Free 25-minute drive from Nagano Road Azumino IC June 1 to July 21, 2025 Another dream farm in Nagano, this one differs as it's towards the mountains -- specifically the mountains of Azumino. At its yearly lavender festival, you can take part in arts and crafts, eat local delicacies, and of course see the sight of lavender in full bloom. Similar to the rest of the places on this list, you can find lavender soft serve and soda. How to get to Lavender Garden Dream Farm The best way to get to Lavender Garden Dream Farm is by car. It takes about 25 minutes from Nagano Road Azumino IC via National Route 19. 8. Hyogo -- Lavender Park Taka for adults and for children 15-minute walk from Todoroki bus stop Mid-May to mid-July (Lavender Festa on June 29) Overlooking the lovely Mt. Oido, Lavender Park Taka is a peaceful hillside park where you can stroll through 3.5 hectares of fragrant lavender fields. The park is home to around 20,000 lavender plants -- all lovingly cultivated by local residents. Each year, the park hosts "Lavender Festa", where visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, such as lavender-picking (), as well as live music performances. While you're there, be sure to stop by Café Lavender, where you can sip on a Lavender Cream Soda or Lavender Iced Café au Lait (both ). The park's other eatery, Gohantei, is known for its Tamagokaka Gohan (rice topped with raw egg) -- a local favorite. You definitely won't leave the park feeling hungry. Note: This year's Lavender Festa has already finished, but you can still enjoy the lavender. How to get to Lavender Park Taka It is possible to get to Lavender Park Taka by train and bus -- though it will take you over 2 hours (more, depending on your starting point). The quickest way is to take the Kakogawa Line from JR Kakogawa Station and get off at Nishiwakishi Station. Then, take the bus bound for "Yamayorikami" or "Tobakami", getting off at Todoroki bus stop. Finally, you'll need to walk 15 minutes to the field. This journey will take you 2 hours and cost . Drivers using the Chugoku Expressway should exit at Takinoyashiro IC. From there, take National Route 175 to Route 247. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes. 9. Mie -- Menard Aoyama Resort to for adults and free for elementary-school students 25-minute drive from Iga-Kambe Station (reservation-only shuttle bus available) May 25 to 6 July, 2025 Although this lavender field is part of Menard Aoyama Resort in Mie, it is open to the public. To be precise, it's a herb garden spanning 8 hectares and home to over 300 types of herbs. Here, you can see a few varieties, including Okamurasaki lavender and Avonvue. There are a range of early- and late- blooming ones. As you walk through the purple carpet of flowers, make sure to take in the strong fragance of the lavender -- which the garden is known for. Because each type of lavender has a different scent, it really is a sensory experience. After a leisurely walk immersing yourself in the sights, scents, and textures, head to the café for herb tea and cake. You can also buy herb goods in the gift shop. How to get to Menard Aoyama Resort The nearest train station to Menard Aoyama Resort is Iga-Kambe Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line. From Osaka Station, take the Osaka Loop Line to Tsuruhashi and then jump on the Kintetsu-Osaka Line Express to Iga-Kambe. The journey takes nearly 2 hours and costs . A shuttle bus service is available from Iga-Kambe Station, but you need to make a reservation in advance. For those driving from Osaka, Nara, or southern Kyoto, take the Nishi-Meihan Expressway to the Meihan National Highway and exit at Ueno Highashi IC. From there, follow National Route 422 and the signs to the resort. 10. Oita -- Kuju Flower Park to for adults and for children 60-minute drive from Oita City (via Nagayu route) June 28 to July 13, 2025 Kuju Flower Park in Oita is a floral wonderland. The 220,0002 park, located in the Kuju Highland, is decorated with around 500 varieties of flowers. These include tulips, roses, sunflowers, and of course lavender. You can easily spend the day just wandering around the various flower fields -- which are compared to a flower village. The lavender has its own dedicated space, right at the back of the park. Similar to other places on this list, at Kuju Flower Park, you can also take part in lavender-picking for . There is also lavender soft serve and floral dango (Japanese sweet dumpling) available. Make sure to pop into the "Flower Station" shop to buy flower-themed goods. Even if you can't go in time for the lavender, we recommend going whatever time of year. Other notable attractions in the park include the Antilles Greenhouse, which you can even enjoy on rainy days. Surrounding the park are a few sightseeing spots including Kurokawa Onsen and Oka Castle Ruins. How to get to Kuju Flower Park The only way to get to Kuju Flower Park is by car. It's a one-hour drive from Oita City via Wasada, Notsuharu, and Prefectural Route 412. Car parking is available in front of the flower park. FAQs What month is best for lavender fields in Japan? The best time to see lavender in Japan is from late June to July. Although some early blooms appear in late June, July is the peak season when you'll see the most vibrant colors. Keep in mind that each lavender festival mentioned here takes place at a different time across those two months. Which month is best to see lavender in Hokkaidō? If you're planning a trip to Hokkaidō to see the lavender, July is the best time to go. At Farm Tomita, the most widely planted variety, "Okamurasaki", typically reaches full bloom from mid- to late July. While you might still catch some lavender in August, the harvest has begun by then. While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change. Note that dates are estimates.

Travel

Where To Find the Best Lavender Fields in Japan

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Travel

Where To Find the Best Lavender Fields in Japan

10 Great Hikes Around Japan

Hiking Mt. Kobushi and the Karisaka Pass

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