Farm Tomita is the largest lavender farm in Japan. From spring to autumn over 1 million tourists visit the location to view the beautiful lavender and other various flowers. It is a major sightseeing location in Hokkaido.

On the farm, there are a total of 5 lavender fields, which is about 5 hectares. During the peak blooming period of mid to late July, the view of the vivid purple carpet, which covers the farm is magnificent.

If you visit Farm Tomita you must try the original Lavender Soft Cream (cone 400 yen, cup 350 yen), which is only available here. With one bite of the light purple soft cream, the lavender flavor expands in your mouth. The refreshing after taste is perfect for summer. They are sold at various locations in the farm, enjoy the delicious soft cream while you explore the beautiful lavender field.

・Hours: 9 AM ~ 5 PM (may change depending on the season and facility)
・Closed: Open daily
・Access: 25-minute walk from JR Naka-Furano Station

Hokkaido is one of the dominant domestic melon farming areas. The Yubari Melon is a famous Hokkaido melon, however, the melon grown in Furano region taking advantage of temperature difference is starting to make a name for itself. The Popura Farm in Nakafurano Town is famous for the dynamic use of melons for its sweets. They cut a melon in half and add a topping of soft cream, which is called Santa no Hige (Santa’s beard).

This had attracted the attention of many tourists, as people were then able to enjoy two flavors of Hokkaido ice creams at once. They have two sizes of a quarter cut small size (from 1,000 yen), and a half-cut large size (from 1,800 yen), which is perfect for sharing with your friends or family. The melons sweetness and the sweet cream provides a fantastic taste.

They also have other styles such as Santa de Melon (large from 1,900 yen) with Hokkaido melon ice cream served on melon, and Godzilla no Hige (Godzilla’s Beard) (large from 1,900 yen) with chocolate topping. We strongly recommend stopping by if you are in the area.

Biei Town is famous for its unique hilly landscape dotted with flowers - the most famous of which known as Patchwork Hill. That is why it Biei is called “Oka no Machi” - the town of hills.

However, there is one place we can’t forget, the Shirogane Blue Pond - a.k.a. Aoiike. When the aluminum-rich water from Shirahige Waterfall flows into Biei River, a colloid is created. With this, the reflection of the sun looks blue to the human eye. The view of dried trees sticking out of the blue surface is majestic.

The Aoi Ike Soft (380 yen) is only sold at Biei Mino no Eki Oka no Kura from July to September. The blue soft ice cream with a vibrant color like the pond has a refreshing yogurt flavor. The mixed flavor with Biei Milk Soft (380 yen) is super trendy. Having this Hokkaido ice cream after visiting the Blue Pond will enhance the taste - and your memory of the Hokkaido Blue Pond area.

Toma Town, located next to Asahikawa City, started growing the Densuke Watermelon from 1984; it is now a local specialty of Toma Town and well-known throughout the nation.

It is a mixed breed of the European black skinned watermelon and the Japanese striped watermelon. It has a black-colored skin and the inside is bright red; it has an extremely high sugar content and the texture is very crisp. Due to this it is highly praised and is a popular gift.

At Michi no Eki Bussankan Desuke no Ie (Toma roadside station) sells the watermelon flavored soft cream Suika Soft Cream (320 yen) between July and August.

With its vivid pink color, the refreshing watermelon sweetness and cream flavor match. The refreshing aftertaste will make you want more. The Densuke Watermelon colors are red and black, which is used in other product packagings such as cider, jelly, and rice cakes.

Next to Chitose Airport is Eniwa City, which is known as a flower town with a thriving production of agricultural products. The regional soft cream here is the Ebisu Kabocha Soft (350 yen) made from the popular local Ebisu Kabocha (Japanese pumpkin).

It is sold at Michi no Eki Hana Road Eniwa (Hana Road Eniwa Rest Area), which is surrounded in various colorful flowers.

The light gold-colored soft cream mixed with the soft-textured sweet local specialty Ebisu Kabocha that’s blended with rich cream. The unique-looking soft cream blends superbly with the deep rich milk and soft sweet pumpkin flavors perfectly.

The soft Hokkaido ice cream comes with pumpkin flakes topping, which is a perfect touch that brings out the deliciousness of the pumpkin. Some other popular items are the various breads baked with Ebisu Kabocha at the bakery. Enjoy your Kabocha Soft Cream while gazing out at the wonderful view of the flowers.

Hamanasu no Oka Park is located in Ishikari City, which is about a 50-minute drive from central Sapporo, the park has many seasonal flowers such as hamanasu (beach roses).

This popular sightseeing spot has a red and white striped lighthouse, the Ishikari Lighthouse, which is the oldest lighthouse in Hokkaido and also a symbol of Ishikari City. At the park where the Ishikari River meats the Sea of Japan, hamanasu are in full bloom from mid-June to early July. Hamanasu also offers rose hips and is edible, this is used to create the local specialty Hamanasu Soft Cream (350 yen).

The light pink colored soft cream is popular for taking pictures for SNS. Along with the hamanasu flavor, there is a fresh bittersweet aroma with a cool sensation and sweetness that spreads in your mouth.

They also have the Hamanasu Mix (300 yen) mixed with milk soft cream. The second-floor terrace seats offer a wonderful view of Ishikari River and Ishikari Bay, while you enjoy your delicious treat.

Hokkaido still has many unique soft-serve ice creams such as squid ink, kombu (kelp), oyster sauce, strawberry, cheese, wine, and more. In any case, you will have to head over to try these unique flavors. Let’s see what kind of unique flavors you come across during your travels in Hokkaido.