
Nakafurano Station
A charming station serving as the gateway to Hokkaido's iconic lavender fields and floral landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak lavender bloom, fewer crowds

Nakafurano Station
Best Time
Peak lavender bloom, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming station serving as the gateway to Hokkaido's iconic lavender fields and floral landscapes.
"A small but clean station, perfect for starting your lavender field adventure!"

🎯 Book balloon rides early
Hot air balloon rides are popular and sell out fast, especially during peak season. Book in advance!
👟 Wear comfy walking shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between farms and the station. Comfortable footwear is a must.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lavender Fields
Near Nakafurano Station
Vast, fragrant fields of purple lavender stretching towards the horizon. A quintessential Hokkaido summer experience.

Hot Air Balloon Ride
Departs from Nakafurano Station area
Soar above the colorful flower fields for breathtaking panoramic views of the Furano basin.

Tomita Farm
Short walk from Nakafurano Station
One of the most famous lavender farms, offering stunning floral displays and delicious lavender-flavored treats.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Lavender Season
Navigating Sparse Train Schedules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book balloon rides early
Hot air balloon rides are popular and sell out fast, especially during peak season. Book in advance!
👟 Wear comfy walking shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between farms and the station. Comfortable footwear is a must.
Questions about Furano/Biei Day Trip from Asahikawa
Are There Taxis or Private Car Service in Furano?
⏰ Check train schedules
Trains are infrequent. Plan your day around the sparse schedule or consider other transport.
📸 Capture the colors
Bring your camera or phone for stunning photos of the vibrant lavender and flower fields.
Need Help for itinerary Hokkaido July 2018
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book balloon rides early
Hot air balloon rides are popular and sell out fast, especially during peak season. Book in advance!
👟 Wear comfy walking shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between farms and the station. Comfortable footwear is a must.
⏰ Check train schedules
Trains are infrequent. Plan your day around the sparse schedule or consider other transport.
📸 Capture the colors
Bring your camera or phone for stunning photos of the vibrant lavender and flower fields.
💜 Taste lavender treats
Don't miss trying lavender ice cream or other local delicacies.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Nakafurano Station as a charming gateway to Hokkaido's famous lavender fields, particularly Tomita Farm. The station's small size and infrequent trains are noted, but the beauty of the surrounding floral landscapes and the unique local treats like lavender ice cream are consistently highlighted as major draws. Some find the train schedules challenging to navigate.
"A station where we will be picked up to take the Hot Air balloon. Taking the first train at 5:41am will bring us here at 6.59am. Small but clean station where there is also a heater to keep you warm during this cold winter."
Jun Yea Chai (dLOFT architects)
"a little train station in Furano near Tomita fram. you can walk from this station to Tomita fram"
Weerasu Thanadechakul
"As the lavender field station is temporary n train schedule there is very sparse (once every 2 hours, whether Noroko or Lavender Express), one can stroll from Tomita Farm, then to Naka Furano lavender park and finally to this station. Spacious passenger lounge at village scale. Should note the train boarding point. Otherwise, may not be able to board on sparsely scheduled train in summer."
Agnes Lam
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Asahikawa Station, take the JR Furano Line to Nakafurano Station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Be aware that train frequencies can be low, so check the schedule in advance.
Yes, driving is a convenient option. There is parking available near the station and at major attractions like Tomita Farm. GPS navigation is recommended.
While train is the primary public transport, local bus services might be available, though less frequent than trains. It's best to check with local tourist information for current bus routes and schedules.
From Sapporo, you can take the JR Limited Express train to Furano Station, then transfer to the JR Furano Line to Nakafurano Station. Alternatively, consider direct bus services or organized day tours from Sapporo.
The station itself is small. While efforts are made for accessibility, it's advisable to contact the station or local tourist information in advance for specific needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Many of the famous lavender fields, like those at Tomita Farm, have an admission fee. However, some smaller or public areas might be free to wander. Check the specific farm's policy.
As a train station, Nakafurano Station operates according to train schedules. The station building itself typically has waiting areas and vending machines accessible during reasonable hours.
Hot air balloon rides vary in price, but generally range from ¥15,000 to ¥30,000 per person, depending on the duration and operator. Booking in advance is crucial.
The Furanopass offers various courses for exploring the area, which might include transport. Researching passes like this or regional JR passes could save money if you plan extensive travel.
Yes, you can purchase train tickets at Nakafurano Station. However, due to infrequent service, it's wise to confirm ticket availability or purchase in advance if possible, especially during peak season.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo spots are the expansive lavender fields, especially at Tomita Farm. The station itself can also offer charming shots, particularly with a train passing by. Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light.
Early morning or late afternoon provides the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing the vibrant colors of the lavender. Golden hour is particularly magical.
Drone usage is often restricted in public areas and near farms to respect privacy and safety. Always check local regulations and obtain permission before flying a drone.
Use a wide aperture for a shallow depth of field to blur the background, or a smaller aperture for a sharp, expansive view. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the purple hues and reduce glare.
Yes, you can capture photos from the platform at Nakafurano Station. If you're lucky, you might get a shot of the train with the scenic backdrop.
🎫 🌸 Onsite Experience
Besides the famous lavender fields, you can enjoy hot air balloon rides, visit other flower farms, explore local craft shops, and sample regional delicacies. The station itself has a cozy waiting area.
Nakafurano Station is within walking distance of Tomita Farm, approximately a 10-15 minute stroll. It's a pleasant walk through the countryside.
Yes, there are cafes and restaurants near Tomita Farm and within the town of Nakafurano, offering local Hokkaido cuisine and lavender-themed treats.
The station typically has a waiting area, vending machines (including rare flavors like 'Haskap' Irohas), and sometimes a small tourist information desk.
While Nakafurano is closer to the Furano flower fields, Biei's patchwork hills are a short train or bus ride away. You can use Nakafurano as a base and explore Biei on a separate day trip.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning your visit, remember that train schedules are infrequent, so having a stroller or carrier might be helpful if your children get tired from walking. Pack sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water, as the summer sun can be strong. Many farms offer lavender-flavored ice cream, which is usually a hit with kids.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the opportunity for aerial shots via a hot air balloon ride, which provides a unique perspective of the patchwork of flower fields. When shooting the fields, experiment with different focal lengths; a wide-angle lens can capture the vastness, while a telephoto lens can isolate individual blooms or create compressed perspectives. Remember to check for any drone regulations if you plan to use one.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Lavender Season
Beyond Tomita Farm, several other farms and public spaces offer beautiful lavender vistas. The Noroko train (seasonal) and Lavender Express are specifically designed to cater to tourists visiting these fields, with stops near the prime locations. However, it's crucial to note that these trains run on a very sparse schedule, often only once every two hours, requiring careful planning to avoid long waits. The visual spectacle of the lavender fields, especially when viewed from a hot air balloon, provides an unforgettable perspective of Hokkaido's natural beauty.
Navigating Transportation and Schedules
For those seeking a more flexible experience, renting a car is a popular option, offering the freedom to explore at your own pace and visit multiple attractions without being tied to train schedules. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive. Some travelers opt for organized day tours from Sapporo or Asahikawa, which handle all transportation logistics, though this offers less spontaneity. When relying on public transport, always double-check the latest train and bus timetables, as they can change seasonally.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit