Complete Guide to Furano Lavender Light-up 2025: Dates, Access, and Family Tips

15/07/2025

Chapter 1 Introduction

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1-1. What Is the Furano Lavender Light-up?

The Furano Lavender Light-up is one of Hokkaido’s most enchanting summer events. Held at Hinode Park (Hinode Koen) in Kamifurano Town, this annual festival transforms vast fields of blooming lavender into a magical nighttime spectacle.

During the event, thousands of lavender plants are softly illuminated, creating a breathtaking purple landscape under the night sky. Families, couples, and photographers from around the world come to experience this unforgettable view.

In addition to the lights, the event features soap bubble effects that float through the air, adding a dreamy atmosphere that children especially love.

1-2. Why Visit in 2025?

The 2025 edition of the Furano Lavender Light-up promises to be better than ever, thanks to updated lighting displays and improved access for international visitors.

Here are a few reasons to plan your visit this year:

✅ Limited-time event: Only held for about 10 days in July, when the lavender is at its peak bloom.

✅ Family-friendly atmosphere: Open spaces, stroller-accessible paths, and plenty of photo opportunities.

✅ Special performances: On the first day, a lighting ceremony and fireworks show create a festive mood.

✅ Enhanced facilities: More multilingual signage and travel information for overseas guests.

If you’re planning a summer trip to Hokkaido, the Furano Lavender Light-up is a must-see highlight that will make your visit truly special.

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Chapter 2 Event Overview and Schedule

2-1. Event Dates and Opening Hours

The 2025 Furano Lavender Light-up is scheduled to take place from July 12 to July 21, 2025.

🌿 Daily Opening Hours:

Light-up starts at 7:30 PM
Lights turn off at 9:30 PM

On the opening day (July 12), there will be a special lighting ceremony followed by a small fireworks display, making it the most popular night of the event.

2-2. Best Time to Visit the Lavender Fields

Lavender in Furano reaches its peak bloom between early and mid-July, depending on the weather.

For the most vibrant colors and beautiful scent:

✅ Plan your visit between July 12–17

✅ Arrive before sunset (around 6:30–7:00 PM) so you can enjoy the transition from daylight to night illumination

✅ Weekdays are less crowded compared to weekends

2-3. Special Features: Light Show and Soap Bubble Effects

Besides the soft illumination of the lavender fields, the event features soap bubble effects that make the scenery even more magical.

✨ What to expect:

Soap bubbles are released about every 10 minutes during the light-up hours
They drift across the paths and lights, creating fantastic photo opportunities
Children love chasing them, so it’s a fun highlight for families

On the opening night, the combination of lights, bubbles, and fireworks makes for an unforgettable experience.

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Chapter 3 How to Get There

3-1. Access by Car: Parking, Directions, and Tips

Driving is one of the easiest ways to reach Hinode Park, especially for families with young children.

🚗 Parking Information:

Free parking lots are available near the park entrance and the observation hill
Capacity: about 150 cars
Weekend evenings (7–8 PM) are the busiest times, and parking often fills up quickly

✅ Tips for Drivers:

Arrive before 6:30 PM to secure a parking spot
Use a GPS navigation app—search for “Hinode Park Lavender Garden” (日の出公園ラベンダー園)
Be careful driving at night, as some rural roads are not well-lit

3-2. Access by Public Transport: Train and Taxi Options

If you don’t have a car, you can also reach the event by train and taxi.

🚉 By Train:

Take the JR Furano Line and get off at Kami-Furano Station (上富良野駅)
From the station, it’s about 15 minutes on foot (the path includes uphill sections)

🚖 By Taxi:

A taxi from Kami-Furano Station to Hinode Park takes about 5 minutes
Estimated fare: 700–1,000 yen one way
Tip: Taxis can be hard to find after 9 PM, so arrange pickup in advance if possible

✅ Family Tip:

If you’re traveling with small children or elderly family members, taking a taxi is much easier and safer than walking at night.

3-3. How to Travel Safely with Children

Here are a few tips to make your trip more comfortable and safe:

👶 Family Safety Tips:

Bring a stroller, but note that some paths are steep—a baby carrier may be better for the observation deck
Carry a small flashlight or use your smartphone light—the park can get very dark after sunset
Always hold your child’s hand when walking uphill or in crowded areas
Keep an extra jacket or blanket handy for the cool night temperatures

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Chapter 4 What to Expect: Crowds and Atmosphere

4-1. When Is It Most Crowded?

The Furano Lavender Light-up is a popular summer event, so expect some crowds—especially on weekends.

🔍 Busiest Times:

Saturdays and Sundays between 7:00–8:30 PM
The opening night with fireworks (July 12) is the most crowded
After 8:30 PM, many families start to leave, and it becomes less busy

✅ Tip:

If you prefer a quieter experience, plan your visit on a weekday evening, ideally arriving around 7:00 PM to watch the transition from daylight to night.

4-2. Family-Friendly Tips to Avoid the Rush

Here are some simple ways to avoid the biggest crowds:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Crowd-avoidance Tips:

Arrive early (before 6:30 PM) to explore and take photos while it’s still light
Visit on weekdays, when local crowds are much smaller
If you stay until after 9:00 PM, many visitors will have left
Use less crowded paths near the middle slopes, instead of the observation deck during peak times

4-3. Photography Etiquette and Safety

The illuminated lavender fields are incredibly photogenic, but please be mindful of others while taking pictures.

📷 Photography Tips:

Turn off your camera flash, as it can disturb other visitors
Use a tripod carefully to avoid blocking walkways
Stay on designated paths—walking into the flower beds is not allowed
Watch out for children running after soap bubbles in the dark

✅ Safety Reminder:

At night, it can be very dark between lights. Always use a flashlight and watch your step to prevent accidents.

Chapter 5 What to Bring and Wear

5-1. Weather and Temperature at Night

Even in July, Furano evenings can be surprisingly cool—especially after sunset.

🌡️ Typical Temperatures:

Daytime: 20–25°C (68–77°F)
Nighttime: 12–17°C (53–63°F)

✅ Tip:

If you plan to stay until the event ends, dress in layers and bring warm clothing, especially for young children.

5-2. Clothing and Essentials for Children

To make sure your family stays comfortable, here are some recommended items:

👕 What to Wear:

A light jacket or fleece for everyone
Long pants and closed shoes (the ground gets cold)
A hat or beanie for kids if they get cold easily

🎒 Essentials for Children:

Blanket or extra layers for strollers
Small flashlight or glow sticks for fun and safety
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
Snacks and drinks (the food options are very limited)

5-3. Must-Have Items for a Comfortable Visit

Here’s a checklist of useful items to pack for the evening:

✅ Recommended Items:

Insect repellent—some areas have mosquitoes
Camera or smartphone with low-light mode
Portable battery charger (photos and navigation can drain your phone)
Reusable water bottles (vending machines sometimes run out)
Cash (some small vendors don’t accept credit cards)

By preparing ahead, you can fully enjoy the magical atmosphere without any worries.

Chapter 6 Highlights and Photo Spots

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6-1. Panoramic View from the Hilltop Observation Deck

The hilltop observation deck is the most popular spot in Hinode Park. From here, you can see:

A sweeping view of the illuminated lavender fields
The town lights of Kamifurano in the background
The silhouette of the Tokachi Mountain Range on clear evenings

✅ Tip:

Arrive before sunset to find a good spot, as this area gets crowded quickly.

6-2. Best Photo Locations in the Park

For unique and memorable photos, try these recommended spots:

📸 Top Photo Spots:

1️⃣ Hilltop Observation Deck – for the best panoramic shots

2️⃣ Heart-shaped flower bed – a cute backdrop for family photos

3️⃣ Middle slope pathway – less crowded, great depth in photos

4️⃣ Benches along the walkway – perfect for natural portraits

5️⃣ Entrance sign area – ideal for commemorative pictures

✅ Photography Tip:

Use your camera’s night mode or a small tripod to avoid blurry images.

6-3. The Magical Soap Bubble Show

One of the highlights that children love is the soap bubble show.

✨ What makes it special:

Soap bubbles are released approximately every 10 minutes during the light-up hours
The bubbles reflect the colored lights, creating a fairytale atmosphere
They drift across the paths, and many families enjoy taking photos or simply watching them float by

✅ Family Tip:

Keep an eye on children—many love chasing bubbles, and it can get crowded in some areas.

Chapter 7 Food and Facilities

7-1. On-Site Food Options (Limited)

Food options inside Hinode Park during the event are very limited.

🍟 What You’ll Find:

A small food truck selling French fries
Occasional vendors offering drinks

✅ Important Tip:

There is no full restaurant or cafe inside the park. If you need a proper meal, eat before arriving or bring snacks with you.

7-2. Recommended Restaurants Nearby

If you’d like to dine before or after the event, here are some family-friendly options within a 5–10 minute drive:

✅ Cafe nokka

Cozy cafe serving curry, omelets, and local vegetable dishes
Kid’s menu and high chairs available

✅ Farm Restaurant Aze Michi Yori Michi

Farm-to-table meals with fresh produce
Scenic terrace seating

✅ Convenience Stores

Several 7-Eleven and Lawson stores nearby, perfect for picking up drinks and snacks

7-3. Restrooms, Baby Facilities, and Accessibility

🚻 Restrooms:

There are public restrooms available near the parking lot and main paths
Some restrooms may not have baby changing tables

👶 Baby Facilities:

No dedicated nursing rooms inside the park
Consider bringing a portable changing mat if you’re visiting with a baby

♿ Accessibility:

Most paths are paved and stroller-friendly, though the slope to the observation deck is steep
If you use a wheelchair, the middle area of the park is the easiest to navigate

✅ Tip:

Bring cash—some vending machines and small vendors don’t accept credit cards.

Chapter 8 Nearby Attractions to Combine with Your Trip

8-1. Farm Tomita Lavender Fields

🌿 Farm Tomita is one of the most famous lavender farms in Hokkaido and is only about 20 minutes by car from Hinode Park.

✨ Highlights:

Vast fields with multiple lavender varieties
Beautiful seasonal flower gardens
Shops selling lavender products and soft-serve ice cream

✅ Tip:

Visit in the afternoon before the light-up event to enjoy the fields in daylight and avoid crowds.

8-2. Furano Wine Factory

🍷 Furano Wine Factory is a great stop for adults who enjoy local wine tasting.

🎯 What to Do:

Take a free self-guided tour of the production facilities
Sample a variety of Furano wines (non-alcoholic grape juice is available too)
Purchase unique souvenirs

✅ Family Tip:

Kids can enjoy grape juice and the vineyard scenery.

8-3. Other Scenic Spots in the Area

If you have more time, consider these spots:

🏞️ Blue Pond (Aoiike)

About 1 hour by car
Famous for its surreal blue water and reflection of trees

🌸 Shikisai no Oka

A colorful flower park near Biei
Great for family photos and tractor rides

🛍️ Ningle Terrace

A charming collection of small artisan shops in Furano
Magical atmosphere, especially in the evening

✅ Tip:

Plan your route carefully to make the most of your day without feeling rushed.

Chapter 9 Reviews and Visitor Experiences

9-1. What Families Say About the Event

Here are some real comments from families who visited the Furano Lavender Light-up:

💬 Visitor Reviews:

“The illuminated lavender fields were so beautiful! My kids loved chasing the soap bubbles.”

“It was much colder than we expected, so I’m glad we brought warm jackets.”

“We arrived early to avoid the crowds, and it made the evening so relaxing.”

✅ Common Impressions:

The atmosphere is magical and unforgettable
Warm clothing is essential, even in July
Parking can fill up quickly, so early arrival is recommended
The event is great for kids and families

9-2. Tips from Past Visitors

Here are a few practical tips shared by past visitors:

🌟 Top Tips:

Bring snacks and drinks—food options are very limited in the park
Use a baby carrier instead of a stroller if you plan to climb to the observation deck
Stay until after 9 PM for a quieter experience
Keep a flashlight handy for walking back to your car or the train station
Charge your phone—you’ll take more photos than you expect!

✅ Tip:

Follow the event’s official Instagram or website for the latest updates on weather and schedule changes.