The Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Hokkaido
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| The Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Hokkaido |
Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, may not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of cherry blossoms, but the island offers some of the most stunning and unique sakura (cherry blossom) spots in Japan. From bustling urban parks to peaceful rural locales, Hokkaido’s cherry blossoms create breathtaking scenes each spring. As a family that has visited all 179 municipalities of Hokkaido, we've explored both well-known spots and hidden gems across the island.
Here’s a guide to
some of the best cherry blossom viewing locations in Hokkaido—places where you
can experience the full beauty of the season.
1. Maruyama Park (札幌市円山公園) – Sapporo City
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| Maruyama Park |
Located in Sapporo City, Hokkaido’s
capital, Maruyama Park is one of the most famous spots for cherry
blossom viewing. With over 1,000 cherry trees, this park transforms into a sea
of delicate pink flowers each spring. The park also features Hokkaido Shrine,
adding a cultural element to your visit. The cherry blossoms typically bloom in
late April to early May, and the park becomes especially lively with locals
enjoying picnics and "hanami" (cherry blossom viewing parties). Don’t
miss the Maruyama Park Night Lights, where the cherry blossoms are
illuminated at night.
Why Visit:
- Easy access from Sapporo’s city center.
- A lively atmosphere with picnics and local
celebrations.
- Nighttime cherry blossom illuminations.
2. Matsumae Castle (松前城) – Matsumae
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| Matsumae Castle |
Located in Matsumae, a historical
town on the southern tip of Hokkaido, Matsumae Castle offers one of the
most picturesque cherry blossom spots in Hokkaido. The castle grounds are home
to around 10,000 cherry trees of various varieties, including the famous Somei
Yoshino and Edohigan. The cherry blossoms here bloom in mid to late
April, earlier than most other parts of Hokkaido due to the warmer coastal
climate. The historic Matsumae Castle provides a perfect backdrop to the
sakura, and you can also enjoy a traditional Japanese castle experience while
surrounded by beautiful flowers.
Why Visit:
- Over 10,000 cherry trees are in full bloom.
- Historic Matsumae Castle as a scenic backdrop.
- Early blooming cherry blossoms (mid to late April).
3. Goryokaku Park (五稜郭公園) – Hakodate City
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| Goryokaku Park |
In Hakodate City, Goryokaku Park is
one of the most iconic cherry blossom locations in Hokkaido. The park is a
star-shaped fort with over 1,000 cherry trees, offering an incredible contrast
between the pink sakura and the unique fort layout. The best time to visit is
typically late April to early May, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
The Goryokaku Tower, which overlooks the park, offers stunning aerial
views of the fort surrounded by cherry blossoms, making for an unforgettable
experience.
Why Visit:
- Unique star-shaped fort surrounded by cherry
blossoms.
- Panoramic views from Goryokaku Tower.
- Early blooming sakura (late April to early May).
4. Yushun Sakura Road (勇春桜並木) – Urakawa
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| Yushun Sakura Road |
Located in Urakawa, on the southern
coast of Hokkaido, Yushun Sakura Road is one of the island's best-kept
secrets for cherry blossom viewing. This scenic road is lined with over 1,000
cherry trees that bloom in mid to late April, offering a picturesque and
peaceful environment for visitors. The road winds through lush fields and rural
landscapes, with the cherry blossoms creating a stunning contrast against the
green hills. It’s a fantastic spot for a leisurely drive or walk while taking
in the beauty of Hokkaido’s rural countryside.
Why Visit:
- Tranquil, off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spot.
- Over 1,000 cherry trees line a scenic road.
- Peaceful, rural setting perfect for quiet
contemplation.
5. Kamuiiwa Park (神居岩総合公園) – Rumoi City
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| Kamuiiwa Park |
In Rumoi City, Kamuiiwa Park is another lesser-known cherry blossom spot that offers a peaceful
atmosphere. The park features more than 1,500 ezoyamazakura and yaezakura, with their delicate
blooms creating a serene environment perfect for a relaxing hanami experience.
The trees typically bloom in early to mid-May, making it a great choice for
those looking to avoid the crowds at larger parks. The park's quiet charm and
scenic beauty make it a hidden gem for cherry blossom lovers.
Why Visit:
- Off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spot.
- Quiet park ideal for a peaceful hanami.
- Has a golf course and a nearby onsen.
- 2-Day illumination of sakura trees.
6. Sakurayama Park (桜山公園) – Fukagawa City
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| Sakurayama Park |
Sakurayama Park in Fukagawa City is a natural park renowned for cherry blossom viewing. It features around 800 cherry trees, including Ezoyamazakura and Chishimazakura varieties. The park also offers a park golf course and the Sakurayama Power Up running course.
Why Visit:
- Lesser-known sakura viewing spot.
- Has preserved SL D5132 and C58 98.
- Less crowded compared to other major spots.
- Has a park golf course.
7. Ono River Sakura
Corridor (大野川桜並木) – Hokuto City
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| Ono River Sakura Corridor |
The Ono River Sakura Corridor in Hokuto City
is one of Hokkaido’s most scenic cherry blossom spots. The river is lined with
over 1,000 cherry trees, creating a stunning corridor of pink blossoms that
stretch along the riverbanks. The cherry trees bloom in mid to late April, and
the view of the blossoms with the river flowing beneath is simply breathtaking.
This location is especially popular for photographers and nature lovers who
want to capture the perfect shot of sakura against the serene river backdrop.
Why Visit:
- Over 1,000 cherry trees line both sides of the road parallel Ono River.
- Perfect for photography, with a stunning river view.
- Peaceful and less crowded, offering a relaxing
cherry blossom experience.
- Illumination with live music at night.
8. Shibazakura Takinoue Park (芝ざくら滝上公園) – Takinoue
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| Shibazakura Takinoue Park |
In Takinoue, located in eastern
Hokkaido, Shibazakura Takinoue Park is famous for its unique combination of Shibazakura
(moss phlox) and cherry blossoms. The cherry trees bloom in mid to late May,
later than many other spots in Hokkaido. During this time, the park is awash in
pink cherry blossoms and vibrant moss phlox, making for a truly striking spring
landscape. The park offers scenic walking trails, perfect for those who want to
take in the full beauty of the flowers.
Why Visit:
- Unique combination of shibazakura and cherry
blossoms.
- Late-blooming cherry trees (mid to late May).
- Ideal for nature walks and photography.
9. Omonai Shrine (重内神社) – Shiriuchi
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| Omonai Shrine |
Omonai Shrine in the town of Shiriuchi is a peaceful and historically significant site surrounded by natural beauty. One of its highlights is the hill behind the shrine, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the Shiriuchi Sakura Road, a picturesque stretch lined with cherry trees that bloom in late April to early May. The combination of the shrine’s serene atmosphere and the breathtaking cherry blossom scenery makes it a hidden gem for visitors seeking a tranquil hanami experience.
Why Visit:
- A quiet and culturally rich shrine surrounded by nature.
- Elevated viewpoint overlooking the stunning Shiriuchi Sakura Road.
- Ideal for a peaceful cherry blossom viewing away from the crowds.
10. Nijukken Road (二十間道路の桜並木) – Shinhidaka
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| Nijukken Road |
Nijukken Road in Shinhidaka is one of Hokkaido’s most famous cherry blossom avenues, stretching approximately 7 kilometers and lined with around 3,000 cherry trees. During peak bloom in mid-May, the road transforms into a breathtaking pink tunnel, attracting visitors for scenic drives and leisurely walks under the blossoms. This historic road, originally developed as part of an imperial farm, offers a serene and picturesque setting for hanami (flower viewing).
Why Visit:
- One of Hokkaido’s longest and most stunning cherry blossom roads.
- Best visited in mid-May for peak bloom.
- Ideal for scenic drives, cycling, and photography.
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