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| Tending to the flower fields at Farm Tomita |
This was an unexpected highlight as Paul's expectations were on the low side. I'm sure he did not expect much when I said we will just be visiting flower fields. I booked for us to join a group tour for this one. Visiting Hokkaido in July meant we were still in lavender season. The August sunflower season had not yet begun. The bus tour was in Japanese but the guide had a handy folder with key messages in English - such as "You have a 15 minute toilet break" or "Be back at the coach in 1 hour". Although some of the scenic locations were crowded, the mountainous vistas in Central Hokkaido were expansive.
We started by visiting Farm Tomita in Furano - famous for the lavender fields. Aside from sniffing the lavender, you can also buy souvenirs and lavender soft-serve ice cream. The place was heaving with tourists so it was a little hard to get around.
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| Spot the crowded walkways at Farm Tomita |
Lunch was included in the tour and this was a serviceable buffet at New Furano Prince hotel. Better than the buffet though was the delightful "Ningle Terrace" in the grounds. This woodland terrace has a collection of wooden cottages - all selling various handicrafts. Although we visited during the day, I could see how this place would be magical on a winter's snowy evening - lit up with fairy lights.
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| Ningle Terrace |
The show-stopper on the tour was the patchwork flower fields at Shikisaino Oka. We were given 45 minutes to wander around and take in the colorful mountain views.
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| Shikisaino Oka |
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