In Japan, lavender is grown on the island of Hakkaido, the most northerly and least developed of the four main islands that make up Japan.
The island has large areas of pristine wilderness and ample areas for farming and agriculture. Hokkaido boasts many national parks and its unspoiled nature attracts many outdoor lovers, including skiers and snowboarders in the colder seasons and hikers, cyclists and campers from June to September.
Originally inhabited by native Ainu, Hokkaido's development began in 1869 with the establishment of the Colonization Commission. Over the past 136 years Hokkaido has seen significant development and population growth, with the capital of Sapporo now being the fifth largest city in Japan.
Hokkaido has a relatively cool climate compared to the rest of Japan. Spring sees abundant amounts of flowers and grasses bloom. Summer is generally mild and pleasant, with little or no rainy season and all flowers and trees are in full bloom. Autumn is cool and offers the wonderful attraction of trees in autumn colors of various shades of red, yellow, brown and gold. This is an especially beautiful time to consider hot spring tours, as most hot spring hotels will have out door bath areas to sit and take in the amazing colors. Winter can be very cold with large amounts of snow falling during the winter season, especially along the Japan Sea coast.
 Farm Tomita, at the foot of the Tokachi Mountain Range, is the only lavender farm in Japan. The lavender crop on the island of Hakkaido is grown for its flowers and not for its essential oil, although the farm boasts a Distillery Workshop - the only facility of its kind in Japan. From June to August visitos can observe the lavender distillery procedure.
The farm also hosts walks in the gardens, a Potpourri House and a Perfume Workshop.
Farm Tomita is not far from the city of Furano and can easily be reached via public transportation. Best time to visit to see the lavender in bloom is July and August.
Learn more about Tadao Tomita the farmer who started it all and get more information about the farm as well as the city and region of Furano. Cycling and hiking are a great way to get up-close and personal with the people of this region and to inhale the aroma of the flowering lavender fields! Flower farms are abundant - for more information visit the Furano Tourism Association Website.
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