Author: Ian Fan

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Farm Tomita: Vast Lavender Flower Fields in Hokkaido

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Farm Tomita, located in the heart of Hokkaido in Nakafurano, Hokkaido, Japan, is home to Hokkaido’s lavender fields. Farm Tomita is one of Hokkaidoโ€™s largest tourist attraction site that brings in over 1 million people annually from all over Japan and the world.

How to Get to Farm Tomita

If you’re flying in to Hokkaido and driving to Farm Tomita; it is about 45 minutes drive from Asahikawa Airport on the National Highway and 2.5 hours from the New Chitose Airport on the Doto Expressway (exit at the Shimkappu IC). Then, if you’re driving from Sapporo city, it is about 2.5 hours drive on the Doo Expressway (exit at the Mikasa IC).

By train, the nearest stations are the Lavender Farm Station and Nakafurano Station. Lavender Farm Station on the JR Furano Line is a 7 minutes walk to Farm Tomita. Nakafurano Station on the JR Furano Line is about a 25 minutes walk or 5 minutes by taxi to Farm Tomita.

“Nakafurano” is the closest bus stop; it is served by Furano Bus.

Visit the Farm Tomita website for detailed access guide.

Farm Tomita

Lavender blooms from late June to early August. During this time the flowers in the garden will be in bloom and a colorful sight can be experienced.

The peak period for lavender fields in Hokkaido is mid to late July. Donโ€™t miss this period if you plan to view the sight of a hill covered in a purple carpet.

Here’s a throwback to Farm Tomita in the autumn in October 2019.

Farm Tomita is about 20 hectares with 12 flower fields.

There is the “traditional lavender field”, which is a slope completely covered in lavender. Besides lavender, there is a field with multicoloured flowers and the flowers grow in a slight curve.

At the entrance of the farm is the Hanabito Field. From early summer to autumn, red and yellow flowers such as marigold and silver cockโ€™s comb start to fill the fields.

Hanabito Field
Hanabito Field

The different fields are: Hanabito Field, Sakiwai Field, Autumn Field, Spring Field, Traditional Lavender Field, Lavandin Field, Lavender Forest Field, White Birch Forest, Hilltop Field, Forest Field, Irodori Field, and Mother’s Garden.

There are also different houses near and around the various fields: Hanabito House, Dried Flower House, Sakiwai House, Sakiwai Trail Petit Shop, Distillery Workshop, Perfume Workshop, Proche House, Potpourri House, Arbre House, Gallery Fleur, Poppy House, Forest House, Flower House, and Rapport House.

Visit the Farm Tomita website for a farm guide and introduction to the flower fields.

Autumn Field

Hanabito House

Hanabito House welcomes you to Farm Tomita. Out front is Hanabito Garden. Out back is Hanabito Field.

Marie, the gift shop on the ground floor, offers gifts produced by Farm Tomita. Cafรฉ Renรฉ, next to Hanabito House, is open in summer. Renรฉ, on the ground floor of the house, operates in autumn. Petit Renรฉ, attached to Cafรฉ Renรฉ, operates between the Golden Week holidays and autumn, offering soft-serve ice cream and drinks. 

Tadao Tomita Museum, on the upper floor, introduces the history of Farm Tomita’s founder. On the same floor are the scent testing room where you can compare the fragrances of different types of lavenders, and displays of distillation apparatuses.

Hanabito House – Scent Experience Room
Hanabito House – Tadao Tomita Museum

Dried Flower House

The house boasts one of the largest display areas of dried flower arrangements in Japan. 

Dried Flower House

Lavender Ice Cream

At Farm Tomita, try the lavender ice cream, made out of Furano’s local vegetables. The sweets, made of natural lavender extract have a wonderful fresh scent.  Have a taste of it while exploring.

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Credits to:

https://www.farm-tomita.co.jp/en/farm/
https://livejapan.com/en/in-hokkaido/in-pref-hokkaido/in-furano_biei_sounkyo/article-a1000089/
https://matcha-jp.com/en/10641
https://www.mystays.com/en-us/attractions-farm-tomita-hokkaido-japan/
https://digjapan.travel/en/blog/id=11636

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Furano Winehouse in Hokkaido

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Located on a hill overlooking the Furano City in Hokkaido is the Furano Winehouse. You can enjoy splendid views of the city, lavender fields, and mountains of Tokachi.

How to Get to Furano Winehouse

Furano Winehouse is about 3km by car from the Furano JR Station, or 2.6km by car from the Gakuden JR Station.

Furano Winehouse

Here, at Furano Wine House, you can enjoy food made with local Furano produce such as milk, cheese and vegetables, while enjoying a bottle of wine straight from the source. Thereโ€™s a wide ranging menu to enjoy for both couples and families, such as Furano Wagyu cooked slowly in red wine, Tokachi beef steak, and cheese fondue, etc. The restaurant has a private room which can be used for dinner functions and seminars.

Furano in October 2019
Furano Wine
Lunch at Furano
Furano in Autumn
Furano in Autumn
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Credits to:

https://www.furanotourism.com/en/spot/spot_D.php?id=399
https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/spot/02301-1500195/
https://en.japantravel.com/hokkaido/wine-house/5785

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Campana Rokkatei, Hokkaido

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Campana Rokkatei is located in the vast vineyard of Shimizuyama in Furano City, Hokkaido. It boasts a view of grapevines sprawling across almost 80,000 square meters of rolling hillsides, as well as Mt. Tokachi from the glass-fronted shop right in front of you. It’s the ideal place for viewing the Daisetsuzan Volcanic Group while savoring sweets available exclusively in Furano. Also eat the grape-flavoured soft-ice-cream and Furano mochi (rice cake), which are popular there.

Don’t miss the iconic bell tower – the symbol of Rokkatei – beside the shop, with its dazzling silver bell.

How to Get to Campana Rokkatei

Campana Rokkatei is about a 10 min taxi ride from Furano Station on the JR Nemuro Main Line, or 4 minutes by car from the Gakuden Station on the Furano Line.

Campana Rokkatei

Bell tower
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Credits to:

https://livejapan.com/en/in-hokkaido/in-pref-hokkaido/in-furano_biei_sounkyo/spot-lj0007859/
https://digjapan.travel/en/spot/id=6904
https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/spot/02301-1500228/

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Hakka Food from Michele’s Kitchen in Damansara Jaya

Looking for traditional, home-cooked Chinese food – Hakka cuisine – to warm your heart and tummy? You don’t want to pass Michele’s Kitchen in Damansara Jaya, Petaling Jaya.

How to Get to Michele’s Kitchen

Michele’s Kitchen is along Jalan SS22/23, just opposite the eastern entrance of Atria Shopping Gallery. It is not hard to miss with it’s purple signage significantly distinguishing itself from the other shops.

The side parking along Jalan SS22/23 is easily filled from day to night. Parking is aplenty in Atria and around the block with more street parking available.

Michele’s Kitchen

Michele’s Kitchen is a 2-storey restaurant. Hence, during peak hours, there’s still tables available for dine-ins. Instead, we did a take-out and picked-up our food after ordering online.

You can order on Grab or online through their website. Ordering online on their website was a smooth experience, as you’re given the option to pay with credit/debit card or via Paypal. After payment is made, you’ll receive an email and SMS to confirm your order and pick-up time.

Click Image to visit their online menu and to order

Michele’s Kitchen top sellers are the Crispy Pork Belly, Nyonya Garoupa Fillet, Bentong Tau Fu Pok, Hakka Yong Tau Fu, and Signature Tau Fu.

For a simple dinner and a small family, we ordered their Nyonya Chicken Series, Sheng Melon Tau Fu, Bittergourd Fried with Salted Egg, and Baby Spinach.

Nyonya Chicken Series (RM24.60)
Sheng Melon Tau Fu (RM20.20)
Bittergourd Fried with Salted Egg (RM17.90)
Baby Spinach (RM11.20)

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1 Day Trip in Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan

โ€˜Otaruโ€™ is one of the leading tourist spots in Hokkaido with high popularity. It is a port city northwest of Sapporo city.

It is a perfect gateway to the seaside from the hustle and bustle of the city. For holiday-goers, the charming Hokkaido port city is renowned for it’s redbrick warehouses, sake distilleries, glassworks, and music boxes.

In summer, green ivy covers the warehousesโ€”a stark contrast to the icicles that adorn the eaves in winter. Autumn paints the distant hillsides in a flurry of colors and spring brings delicate pink cherry blossoms.

JapanTravel

If youโ€™re wondering how to make the most in one day in Otaru, look no further than this perfect one day trip guide in Otaru.

Sankaku Market

You canโ€™t give Sankaku Market a miss when you visit Otaru in Hokkaido. It is a down-to-earth marketplace with vendors selling fruits, veggies, seafood, and prepared seafood dishes in this wet market. Where is Sankaku Market It is the closest tourist attraction (200 meters or about 2 minutes walk) to Otaru JR station. (Continue Reading)

Otaru Canal

Beautiful Canal Lined with Old Warehouses โ€˜Otaruโ€™ is one of the leading tourist spots in Hokkaido with high popularity, and its symbol is the Otaru Canal. But whatโ€™s so special about the Otaru Canal? And how much tourism time should you set aside for it? (Continue Reading)

Sakaimachi Street

Sakaimachi Street is an attractive, preserved merchant street in central Otaru, a short walk from Otaru Canal. Sakaimachi Street is about 900 meters in length. It is here you can find souvenir shops, museums, restaurants, historical buildings, and landmarks. (Continue Reading)

Otaru Tenguyama

From Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway, you can reach the peak of Mount Tengu (Otaru Tenguzan) to enjoy the panoramic view of Otaru Port and Ishikari Bay. On a clear day you can see as far as Mt. Shokanbetsu and the Shakotan Peninsula. The views offered of downtown Otaru and the Sea of Japan are said to be one of the three best night views in Hokkaido. (Continue Reading)

Otaru Walking Tour Map

Otaru-Walking-Tour-Map_FoodyFansDownload

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Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway to Mount Tengu

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From Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway, you can reach the peak of Mount Tengu (Otaru Tenguzan) to enjoy the panoramic view of Otaru Port and Ishikari Bay. On a clear day you can see as far as Mt. Shokanbetsu and the Shakotan Peninsula. The views offered of downtown Otaru and the Sea of Japan are said to be one of the three best night views in Hokkaido.

How to Get to Otaru Tenguyama

It is near the Tenguyama Ropeway bus stop (last stop). 17 min. ride on Hokkaido Chuo Bus bound for Tenguyama Ropeway from Otaru Station on JR Hakodate Main Line.

Otaru Tenguyama

Mount Tengu, also known as Otaru Tenguzan, is located to the SouthWest of downtown Otaru. It is an Otaru landmark and was listed as one star in the “Michelin Green Guide Japan”. Otaru Tenguzan is a symbolic mountain of Otaru at 532 meters above sea level.

Throwback to 2019

The 30-person gondola carries visitors between the mountaintop station and the mountain foot station. In 4 minutes this ropeway travels from the base to the peak of Mount Tengu. See the city laid out in miniature.

View of Otaru from the gondola
View of Asahimachi
Otaru Panorama
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Credits to:

https://digjapan.travel/en/spot/id=6815
https://tenguyama.ckk.chuo-bus.co.jp/…
https://www.tripadvisor.com.my/Attraction_Review-g298153-d14901760-Reviews-Otaru_Tenguyama_Ropeway-Otaru_Hokkaido.html

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Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery

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In Yoichi, a town in the Yoichi District, Shiribeshi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan is one of Japan’s top whisky maker and main distillery: Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery.

Founded by Masataka Taketsuru in 1934, the history of Nikka Whisky began here in Yoichi and the rest is history.

How to get to Yoichi Distillery

The Nikka Whisky Distillery is located just a few steps west of Yoichi Station on the JR Hakodate Line. Yoichi Station can be reached in about 25 minutes by local trains from Otaru or in about one hour from Sapporo.

Yoichi Distillery Tour

You can visit the vast grounds of the distillery, where the original stone buildings of the factory and Taketsuru’s former home still stand. Some of the equipment on display, like the large copper pot still, are still used to this day.

Admission is free. Opening hours are from 9:00am – 5:00pm.

There are guided distillery tours (only in Japanese). Tour hours are from 9:00am – noon and from 1:00pm – 3:30pm. Tour lengths are approximately 70 minutes (tour of the whisky production process and tasting).

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, some restrictions on the distillery tours have been implemented.

Yoichi Distillery

Yoichi Distillery sits on over 132,000 acres of land.

At Latitude 43.2ยฐN. The harsh and rich nature in the north satisfying everything needed for whisky making.

Masataka Taketsuru, the first Japanese who mastered whisky making in Scotland, valued the climate and natural features of the north. Yoichi, the place chosen by Masataka was close to the sea, surrounded by mountains on three sides and in many ways similar to Highland in Scotland. A cold climate with an appropriate humidity, crisp clean air and fresh water – everything necessary for his ideal whisky was available. The proximity to the sea is one of the distinctive features of Yoichi. The sea breeze gives a briny hint to the whisky during the maturation.

Pot stills

Direct coal-fired distillation. The tradition inherited from the foundation.

Masataka set a pot still using direct coal-fire when he built the Yoichi Distillery. This still was similar to pot stills at Longmorn Distillery where Masataka had the first practical training in Scotland. This traditional coal-fired distillation is hardly seen today as it is difficult to control temperature and requires highly skilled craftsmen. However, the distillation process at Yoichi has remained very traditional to this day. The characteristics of Yoichi Single Malt such as boldness and toasty burnt flavors are unique features of this distillation.

Story

In addition to learning about whisky making; during the tour, you can also explore and learn more about the founder and the history of the distillery.

Read about the history of Masataka Taketsuru and Nikka Whisky.

Rita House
Inside the Warehouse

In addition to the Rita House and the former residence of the Taketsurus, the whisky museum exhibits many materials about the history of Masataka & Rita and Nikka Whisky.

Inside Whisky Museum
Inside Whisky Museum

At the end of the tour, stop by the Nikka Kaisan to sample some delicious whisky and more. Visitors are given three samples of various alcoholic beverages. For those who are not of age, apple juice and other non-alcoholic drinks are also available. Finish off your tour with a quick visit to the gift shop where Nikka Whisky chocolates, bottles and memorabilia are for sale.

Distillery Shop and Nikka Kaikan
Sample of Super Nikka, Singlemalt Yoichi, and Apple Wine
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Credits to:

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6707.html
https://travel.gaijinpot.com/yoichi-nikka-whisky-distillery/
https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1928/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoichi_distillery
https://www.nikka.com/eng/distilleries/yoichi/#access
https://www.nikka.com/eng/story/founder/

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Fukidashi Park in Kyogoku, Hokkaido

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Fukidashi Park is a park in Kyogoku town, Niseko located in the southwestern part of Sapporo city, and is well-known for tasty spring water. Perfect for a relaxing stroll in the early morning, visit Fukidashi Park and listen to the water gushing from the grounds. 

Built around the cool spring water, the park is constructed with turning paths leading to the source of spring water which flows into two ponds. The water is refreshingly cold that as visitors approach the spring outlets, the temperature drops to create a naturally air-conditioned area.

Experience Niseko

Fukidashi means “Gushing out” in Japanese.

Fukidashi Park (ใตใใ ใ—ๅ…ฌๅœ’)

How to get to Fukidashi Park

Fukidashi Park is adjacent to road station “Meisui-no-Sato Kyogoku (ๅๆฐดใฎ้ƒทใใ‚‡ใ†ใ”ใ)”. It is about 15 minutes on foot from Kyogoku Bus Terminal. If you’re driving from Sapporo, it is a 90 minutes drive.

Admission is free. The parking lots are also free of charge.

Fukidashi Park

Meisui Plaza, Fukidashi Garden, shops, Cafe Cafe-mocha, gazebos, BBQ House, 33 statues of Goddess of Mercy, public restrooms and parking lots on the site. Meisui Coffee and Meisui Coffee Jelly are also popular there. In addition, Kyogoku Onsen, Isshinan, a convenience store, Three-you-park Park Golf Course, and a camping ground are built near the Fukidashi park, too.

Booking.com Booking.com

Credits to:

https://good-hokkaido.info/en/niseko-…
https://www.experienceniseko.com/news…

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Shugatori Dessert Cafe

Damansara Uptown is no stranger as the place to hang out, eat, and have desserts. If after a plate of Damansara Uptown Hokkien Mee or a meal, and some jalan-jalan in Starling Mall; why not have dessert at Shugatori. Aptly named as SHUGATORI: THE DESSERT CAFE.

How to Get to Shugatori

Shugatori is located along Jalan SS 21/1a in Damansara Utama. It is not hard to miss as it is facing the main road – Jalan SS21/1. If you’re turning in from the SPRINT highway, it is on your right.

Parking may be a challenge during the day and night, as the parking spots tend to be filled with cars by office workers and people who frequent there.

Due to the limited street parking, you can park at Starling Mall or at Uptown 7 (elevated parking). Then walk across to Shugatori.

Shugatori Dessert Cafe

Waffles, croffles, desserts, coffee, macarons, or all? Browse their menu below.

We ate their Biscoff Waffle, Peanut Butter & Jelly, and Razuberi Yoguruto. It was an experience indulging in 3 different types of pastries and desserts together: waffle, croissant, and cake.

Biscoff Waffle (RM23)

Classic waffle with biscoff crumbs, white chocolate, topped with vanilla ice cream dizzled in biscoff sauce.

Peanut Butter & Jelly (RM18)

Buttery croissant served with mascarpone whipped cream, raspberry compote, chocolate chips and two scoops of vanilla ice cream.

Razuberi Yoguruto (RM23)

Charcoal honey castella plated with mascarpone whipped cream, mixed berries compote and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Maxis Deal

If you’re a Maxis user, there is a “RM10 OFF total bill with minimum spend of RM38 & above.”

Open the Maxis app on your smartphone and click Deals at the bottom tab (if you’re iphone user). Type Shugatori or search under Food & Beverage for “Shugatori”. Then “Download Deal” and show it to cashier upon payment.

Shugatori Social

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View Lake Toya from Silo Observatory

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One of Hokkaidoโ€™s leading photography spots – Shikotsu Toya National Park Silo Observatory is an observation deck on the west bank of Lake Toya. It is a great place to have a superb, large panoramic view of Lake Toya as well as Nakajima Island, Mt. Usu, Mt. Showa Shinzan, Toyako town, and Nishiyama Crater.

The silo observatory is full of souvenir of Hokkaido. The Hokkaido souvenir shop is on the first floor. The famous confectionary of Toyako is Wakasaimo. Bokkaโ€™s dairy products are also available. The yoghurt is very tasty and rich. Shiroikoibito, Royce, seaweed, Ramen, and woodcraft are also sold there.

The second floor viewing restaurant is large with 216 seats and has many customers from group tours. You can eat Hokkaidoโ€™s specialty cuisine. There are Ishikarinabe, Teppanyaki and Hokkaido style BBQ.

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Credits to:

https://toyako.biz/english/
https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/a…

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