| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | Grounds open all day 7:00 - 19:00 for temple |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0167-22-2731 |
| Notes | Shinto Shrine, sightseeing spot, photography spot, parking for 8 |
| Location / Getting There | Located in central Furano. It's a 15 minute walk from Furano station. 17-6 Wakamatsucho, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0032 |
Furano Shrine is a Shinto shrine can be found in central Furano along route 38. It was originally constructed in 1902 by the pioneers who had settled in the area. The grounds are a peaceful place to walk around and enjoy the architecture and the many trees. To one side of the main shrine, you can find two smaller shrines, Konpira Shrine and Inari Shrine. The path to these two small shrines passes under three red torii (Japanese gates). This area is a good spot to get some great photos of some Japanese culture, especially for those traveling!
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The grounds are a nice spot to walk around as they have various statues including the lion dog guardians (komainu) plotted around the shrines. There is also a dirt sumo ring that is interesting to have a look at and to get some more photos, plus a chōzubachi (water basin to wash hands). It is conveniently located whether walking from the station or for driving, as they have a small parking area. While in the town of Furano, why not stop in to Furano Marche which is close by, pick up some lunch and take a walk down to the shrine!
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | - |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0142-82-5076 |
| Notes | Buddhist temple, sightseeing spot, photography spot, historical landmark |
| Location / Getting There | Located on the northern shore of Lake Toya. Can be found just above the road located north of Route 132 23 Toyamachi, Toyako, Abuta District, Hokkaido 049-5802 |
On the northern shore of Lake Toya you can find Toya Temple and a scenic monument of Hokkaido. They are both just off route 132 and there is a road leading up where you can find parking. Toya Temple is a Shinto shrine that offers scenic views over the lake. The public are welcome to walk around the small grounds here where you can appreciate the statues, architecture, and wooden carvings that surround the temple. The doors to the temple itself are often closed but it’s still a nice area to check out. The temple makes for a nice look in if you are taking a stroll around the path that follows the shore.
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The path that winds around the northern part of the lake that includes sightseeing spots such as Ukimido Park, and Toyako Art Museum & park plus the Ko Park Camping Ground. The whole area is dotted with beautiful sculptures. Along the small access road that leads to Toya Temple, you can also find one of the ‘scenic monuments of Hokkaido’. There are three scenic monuments in Hokkaido, with the other two being in Jozankei, and on the small island of Rishiri. These three scenic monuments were selected in 1923 by the Otaru Newspaper which was one of three main papers in Hokkaido at the time.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | 8:30 - 18:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 016-739-3939 https://www.farm-tomita.co.jp/ |
| Notes | Flower viewing, souvenir shops, photography spot, parking available, cafe on site |
| Location / Getting There | ✸ From Asahikawa Airport ~ 45 minute drive via National Route 237 ✸ From New Chitose Airport ~ 2 hours 30 minute drive via Higashi-Koukan IC on the Higashi Expressway ✸ From Sapporo city ~ 2 hours 30 minute drive via Hokkaido Expressway Mikasa IC 15号 Kisenkita, Nakafurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido 071-0704 |
Tomita Farm is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Furano, and is one of the top spots during the spring and summer. It is a huge area that is divided into different fields of stunning flowers, souvenir shops and food stalls. Whether getting to the farm via car, bus, or train you can spend a couple of hours here enjoying the great sights! The flower season starts as early as mid April and goes until early October. The different flowers have different blooming times, though the best times to visit the park are around late June through July.
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The most prominent flowers at the Tomita Farm are the lavender fields which bloom early and are best seen early July. The lavender field here was the first lavender field in Japan and was foundation for Tomita farm. The souvenirs and the numerous shops sell many lavender based products, from soap and scent packs to lavender ice cream! Apart from the lavender, Farm Tomita has various flower fields, a forest covered field, a herb & perennial garden, a greenhouse, and a birch forest. Take your time and enjoy the splendid views as each garden offers colorful beauty.
Getting to the farm by bus
The nearest bus stop is “Nakafurano” (Furano Bus). The Furano Bus (rapid lavender) does eight trips a day. For more information, click on this bus timetable. From Asahikawa station it takes 1 hour and 25 minutes and costs ¥780 one way. From Asahikawa airport it takes 48 minutes at ¥680 one way. The Chuo Bus from Sapporo runs ten times a day. Check here for the Sapporo bus timetable. From Sapporo to the Furano terminal it takes 2 hours and 30 minutes at ¥2,260 one way. From the Furano bus station you can take a taxi which is a fifteen minute ride, or you can take the local train to the farm.
Getting to the farm by train
The local station is “Lavender Hata Station” which is a 7 minute walk from Farm Tomita, or its a 25 minute walk from “Nakafurano Station”.
One way ¥ 3,940
One way ¥ 5,470
| Pricing Guide | ¥1420 adults ¥710 children ¥1280 adults ¥640 children (groups of 15 or more) Extra ¥200 for firework viewing tour |
| Operating Hours | 8:30 - 16:30 Ferry leaves every 30 minutes 9:00 - 16:00 (during the winter) |
| Closed | – |
| Contact | 0142-75-2137 http://www.toyakokisen.com/price/price01.html |
| Notes | Last cruise from Nakanoshima is at 15:00, free parking available (large-size vehicles allowed), firework tour unavailable in winter |
| Location / Getting There | Located on the southern shore of Lake Toya, between the lake and the hotels. Found at Funsui Hiroba Fountain Square. 049-5721 Hokkaido, Abuta-gun, Toyako, Tōyakoonsen, Route 2 |
Local ferry
In the centre of Lake Toya , there is a large island called Nakanoshima. This beautiful area can be accessed via the local ferry that leaves from the southern shore of the Toyako Onsen district. The ferry leaves the port every thirty minutes. The last ferry to leave from the island of Nakanoshima is at 15:00, so don’t miss it! Once on the island you are free to walk around and follow the well kept trails. The forest here is a beautiful escape, and is a popular spot to take in the greenery.
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One of the small swan boats for hire
For those who don’t want to visit the central island in Lake Toya, there is a small cruise package available. The cruise goes around Nakanoshima and takes fifty minutes (an additional thirty minutes if passengers are alighting at the island). There is a summer cruise and a winter cruise, both offering beautiful views. The summer cruise operates slightly longer than the winter schedule. From April 28th to October 31st there is a special fireworks cruise. The departure time is at approximately at 20:30 and from the boat you can enjoy the spectacular firework display that lights up the lake.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Contact | - |
| Notes | Sightseeing spot , parking available, photography spot |
| Location / Getting There | 12 minute drive from Kamifurano station on route 237 34 Go Nishi 9 Senkita, Kamifurano, Sorachi District, Hokkaido 071-0509 |
Photo spot and information
The districts of Furano can be divided into three areas, Furano, Nakafurano, and Kamifurano. These areas are made up of beautiful farmlands, with mountain ranges on either side. It is in the northern district of Kamifurano, you can find a great photo spot that overlooks the valley with the Tokachidake mountain range in the background. This area can be found along route 237 on the right hand side. It is only a couple of minutes past a large ferris wheel and the Trick Art Museum. The ferris wheel and Trick Art Museum are also popular tourist attractions. There are also a couple of restaurants and coffee shops nearby.
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Lavender fields
The lookout area has a wooden viewing platform and an information booth that offers local information to tourists. The view is exceptionally beautiful during the summer months from May to July as this is when the lavender is in full bloom. This sightseeing spot overlooks a large lavender field. This sightseeing spot is easily accessible on National Route 237, which runs from Kamifurano to Biei. This road is about eight kilometres from JR Kamifurano Station. If you get on the “Rapid Lavender” bus that connects Furano and Asahikawa, you can get off at the “Fukayama Pass” stop in front of you.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Contact | - |
| Notes | Sightseeing spot , parking available, short walking trail |
| Location / Getting There | 12 minute drive from Toyako Onsen on the southern edge of Lake Toya Takinomachi, Machi Sobetsu, Usu District, Hokkaido 052-0101 |
The path up past the shrine.
Sobetsu Waterfall can be found on the southern edge of Lake Toya. It is a beautiful waterfall, where you can take a nice walk to its base. You can get some great photos and experience the waterfall up close. To get to the waterfall you need to follow the road down on route 2 keeping Sobetsu river on your left (coming from Toyako Onsen). At the bottom of the hill, make a U-turn and cross over the river and follow the small road keeping the river on your left. There will be parking on the left hand side. Once parked, simply follow the winding path until you reach the waterfall.
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The flowing stream
The walk to the waterfall is a nice stroll and it takes about 8 minutes to get there. On the way you can enjoy the flowing stream and the surrounding trees creating a picturesque scene. The path crosses over the river twice over small bridges. On the way to the falls you can also find a small Buddhist Shrine on the left. With the falls in the background, this small shrine is also a good spot to get some photos. The path reaches a small wooden viewing platform about 10 metres from the falls. This wooden platform can get slippery so make sure you hold on to the rail. Sobetsu Waterfall is a beautiful spot to visit.
