Tomita Melon House: A Furano Melon Dessert Cafe

Tomita Melon House (とみたメロンハウス) is a seasonal cafe in Nakafurano dedicated entirely to the region's famous melons. Located next to the popular Farm Tomita lavender fields, it has become a landmark for visitors seeking the authentic taste of fresh Furano melon. The shop offers a wide range of melon-based treats, from simple, perfectly ripe slices to an extensive bakery line.

The signature item, praised by countless visitors, is a half red-meat (orange) melon filled with a generous swirl of melon-flavoured soft-serve ice cream. Reviewers consistently describe the fruit as exceptionally sweet and juicy. Other popular items include the melon pan (a sweet bun with a cookie-like crust) filled with real melon cream, and a unique melon 'omelette' cake. Many appreciate the sheer variety, which also includes parfaits, smoothies, and shakes.

However, the shop's popularity comes with drawbacks. Visitors frequently mention long queues during the summer peak season, with popular items often selling out by mid-afternoon. Some reviewers find the prices high compared to other local fruit stands, and a few have reported receiving melon slices that were slightly overripe. The soft-serve also melts very quickly in the summer heat.

For a taste of the experience, reviewers recently paid around ¥490 for a melon soft-serve cone and ¥400 for a red-meat melon pan. A cut melon set with two pieces was reported between ¥1,500 and ¥1,800, while the signature half-melon with ice cream can cost ¥3,500–¥4,000. While not cheap, most visitors feel it's worth the price for a memorable taste of Hokkaido's famous produce.

• Getting There: The cafe is a 10-minute walk from the seasonal Lavender Farm Station or a 20-minute walk from Nakafurano Station.
• Booking: Walk-in only; reservations are not accepted. Expect to queue, especially during summer.
• Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, Amex, Diners), electronic money (Suica, etc.), and QR code payments are accepted. However, as some reviewers noted individual counters could be cash-only, bringing some cash is advisable.
• Children: Children of all ages are welcome.
• Seating: There are 150 seats, including an open terrace.
• Smoking: Smoking is not permitted inside, but an outdoor smoking area is provided.
• Parking: A large car park with 300 spaces is available.
• Good to Know: The shop is open seasonally from May to mid-October. Hours can vary, and items sell out, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended.