While the cherry blossom season in Hokkaido arrives a bit later than in other parts of Japan, it brings with it an unrivaled beauty that can compete with any cherry blossom viewing in the country. From late April to early May, various locations across Hokkaido transform into picturesque landscapes awash with the soft pink hues of cherry blossoms. This guide explores the best places in Hokkaido to enjoy these fleeting moments of spring beauty.
Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine
Experience: In Sapporo, Maruyama Park is a prime spot for cherry blossom viewing, or hanami, with its hundreds of cherry trees that create a stunning canopy of pink. Adjacent to the park is the Hokkaido Shrine, where the festive atmosphere is amplified during the cherry blossom season with food stalls and picnickers.
Highlight: Enjoy a traditional hanami experience by laying down a picnic sheet under the cherry trees and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Learn More: Maruyama Park
Moerenuma Park
Experience: Designed by the world-renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, Moerenuma Park is a masterpiece of landscape art and park design. In spring, its vast grounds are dotted with cherry blossoms, adding a soft contrast to the park’s modern art installations and architecture.
Highlight: Climb the Mount Moere, a man-made hill, for a panoramic view of the park’s cherry blossoms intertwined with the artistic structures.
Visit Moerenuma Park: Moerenuma Park Information
Goryokaku Tower and Park
Experience: Goryokaku, a star-shaped fort in Hakodate, is famous for its cherry blossoms that outline the fort’s moats. Viewed from Goryokaku Tower, this historical site turns into a spectacular view resembling a cherry blossom-filled nebula.
Highlight: Ascend Goryokaku Tower for a breathtaking aerial view of the cherry blossoms encircling the historic fort.
Explore Goryokaku: Goryokaku Tower Official
Matsumae Park
Experience: Home to over 10,000 cherry trees of about 250 different varieties, Matsumae Park offers one of the longest cherry blossom viewing periods in Japan. Located at the site of the historical Matsumae Castle, the park provides a splendid backdrop of feudal architecture and blossoms.
Highlight: Walk through the park’s cherry tree varieties, which bloom at different times, ensuring a prolonged season of color and beauty.
Learn More about Matsumae: Matsumae Tourism
Nijukken Road
Experience: Located near Shizunai, Nijukken Road is famous for its 7-kilometer-long avenue lined with over 3,000 cherry trees. It’s one of the most unique and stunning cherry blossom sites in Japan, creating a seemingly endless road framed by pink blossoms.
Highlight: Drive or cycle down this breathtaking avenue, ideally in the late afternoon when the sunlight softens, casting a warm glow over the blossoms.
Discover Nijukken Road: Nijukken Road Cherry Blossoms
Conclusion
Hokkaido’s cherry blossom spots offer serene and spectacular views, making them perfect destinations for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to experience Japan’s renowned spring beauty in a quieter setting.
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