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Cherry blossoms, known as “sakura” in Japanese, are a beautiful and iconic symbol of spring in Japan. While many people associate cherry blossom viewing with locations like Tokyo or Kyoto, Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is also a fantastic place to enjoy this natural spectacle. Hokkaido is known for its scenic beauty, natural hot springs, and delicious cuisine, making it a perfect destination for travelers looking to experience Japan’s unique culture and nature.
Hokkaido Cherry Blossom Spot①: Goryokaku Park
Goryokaku Park in Hokkaido is a must-visit destination for those looking to witness the stunning beauty of cherry blossoms. Every year in late April, the park transforms into a sea of pink and white as over 1,600 cherry blossom trees come into bloom. The expansive and meticulously maintained park is designed in the shape of a star, a unique feature that adds to the charm of the cherry blossom viewing experience.
Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the moats and through the park’s spacious lawns while taking in the intoxicating fragrance and breathtaking sights of the cherry blossoms. At night, the park is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere that is not to be missed. Whether you’re a seasoned cherry blossom enthusiast or a first-time viewer, Goryokaku Park is the perfect place to experience the beauty of Hokkaido in the springtime.
Viewing period: Late April to early May
Access: 13-minute walk from Hakodate Station
Address: 44 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate
Ranking: ★★★★★
Hokkaido Cherry Blossom Spot②: Matsumae Park
Matsumae Park, located in the town of Matsumae in Hokkaido, is a hidden gem for those seeking to experience the beauty of cherry blossoms in a tranquil setting. The park is home to around 10,000 cherry blossom trees of various types, with the most common being the Ezo-yamazakura variety. The park is especially known for its rare weeping cherry blossom trees, which create a stunning canopy of pink and white petals that hang down like a beautiful waterfall.
The cherry blossoms bloom in late April to early May and visitors can take a stroll along the park’s walking paths while admiring the beautiful scenery and the old castle ruins, which date back to the 17th century. With fewer crowds compared to some of the more popular cherry blossom viewing spots, Matsumae Park offers a peaceful and relaxing experience that is not to be missed.
Viewing period: Late April to early May
Access: 95-minute bus ride from Kikonai Station
Address: Matsushiro, Matsumae, Matsumae District, Hokkaido 049-1511
Ranking: ★★★★★
Hokkaido Cherry Blossom Spot③: Asahiyama Park
Asahiyama Park, built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Sapporo, is a beautiful and picturesque location to enjoy the cherry blossoms in springtime. The park is home to over 1,000 cherry blossom trees, mostly of the Somei Yoshino variety, which bloom in early May. The hilltop park also has a large pond, which adds to the serene and tranquil atmosphere of the park. At night, the cherry blossoms are illuminated, creating a magical and romantic ambiance that is perfect for couples.
Viewing period: Late April to early May
Access: 15-minute walk from central Sapporo
Address: Sakaigawa 4-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Ranking: ★★★★☆
Hokkaido Cherry Blossom Spot④: Moerenuma Park
Moerenuma Park in Sapporo, is a unique and modern park that offers a stunning cherry blossom viewing experience. The park was designed by renowned Japanese artist and architect, Isamu Noguchi, and is home to over 3,000 cherry blossom trees that bloom in late April to early May. The park’s wide-open spaces and futuristic structures provide a unique backdrop to the beautiful cherry blossoms.
The park also features a large artificial mountain, a pond, and a glass pyramid that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Moerenuma Park is a great place to experience the beauty of cherry blossoms in a modern setting.
Viewing period: Late April to early May
Access: 25-minute bus ride from Kanjodor-higashi Station
Address: 1-1 Moerenumakoen, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 007-0011
Ranking: ★★★★☆
Hokkaido Cherry Blossom Spot⑤: Morimachi Oniushi Park
Morimachi Oniushi Park in the town of Mori features a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy the beauty of nature. With over 1,000 cherry blossom trees that bloom in late April to early May, Oniushi Park lives up to its Ainu name, which means “place with plenty of trees”.
Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the park’s walking paths and admire the beautiful cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the surrounding hills and mountains. The park also has a small stream that runs through it, adding to the serene and tranquil atmosphere of the park.
Viewing period: Late April to early May
Access: A short walk from Osakajokoen Station
Address: 326 Uwadaicho, Mori, Kayabe District, Hokkaido 049-2311
Ranking: ★★★★☆
Hokkaido Cherry Blossom Spot⑥: Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park in Sapporo, Hokkaido, is a popular destination for cherry blossom viewing in Hokkaido. The park is home to a many types of cherry trees, including the iconic weeping cherry blossom variety, which creates a stunning canopy of pink and white petals that hang down like a beautiful waterfall. The cherry blossoms bloom in late April to early May, and the park is filled with visitors and locals enjoying the beautiful views of the cherry blossoms.
In addition to cherry blossoms, the park also features a large pond, a shrine, and a small zoo. At night, the cherry blossoms are illuminated, creating a romantic and magical atmosphere. Maruyama Park is a great place to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms in a festive and lively setting.
Viewing period: Late April to early May
Access: A short walk from Maruyama-Koen Station
Address: 3 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Miyagaoka 064-0959
Ranking: ★★★☆☆
Hokkaido Cherry Blossom Spot⑦: Noboribetsu Onsen Flower Tunnel
Noboribetsu is a charming hot spring town located in southwestern Hokkaido, Japan. It is one of the most popular destinations for hot spring enthusiasts and nature lovers, with its geothermal features and scenic surroundings. In spring, the road to Noboribetsu Onsen is famous for cherry blossoms which create a tunnel of pink blossoms that visitors can drive through. After a long day of gazing at the cherry blossoms, visitors can relax in the soothing waters of this hot spring town in Hokkaido.
Viewing period: mid-May
Access: Take a car from Noboribetsu Station
Address: Nakanoboribetsucho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0463
Ranking: ★★★☆☆
Hokkaido Cherry Blossom Spot⑧: Shizunai Nijukken Road
Shizunai Nijukken Road is also famous for vibrant tunnels of blooming cherry trees. Visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms lining the road for seven kilometers. Shizunai Nijukken Road is a beautiful cherry blossom-lined street that runs for 7 kilometers through the Shizunai area of southern Hokkaido. The street is known as one of the best places in Hokkaido to view cherry blossoms, with over 4,000 cherry blossom trees that bloom in early May. The pink and white petals create a stunning contrast against the surrounding fields and mountains, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers.
Viewing period: Late April to early May
Access: Take the bus from Shizunai Station to Sakuragaoka ka, walk for 15 mintues
Address: Shizunaitahara, Shinhidaka, Hidaka District, Hokkaido 056-0144
Ranking: ★★★★★
Hokkaido Cherry Blossom Spot⑨: Nakajima Park
Nakajima Park in Sapporo is a beautiful urban park that offers a stunning cherry blossom viewing experience. The park is located on a small island in the middle of a lake and is home to over 2,000 cherry blossom trees that bloom in late April to early May. Visitors can rent a boat to paddle around the lake, or visit the small aquarium on the island among the flowering trees. The cherry blossoms are also illuminated at night, creating a magical and romantic ambiance.
Viewing period: Late April to early May
Access: A short walk from Nakajima-Koen Station
Address: 1 Nakajimakoen, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0931
Ranking: ★★★★☆
Hokkaido Cherry Blossom Spot⑩: Asahigaoka Park, Furano
Furano is a beautiful town in central Hokkaido that is well known for its lavender fields and skiing resorts. However, the town is also a great place to enjoy cherry blossom viewing in Hokkaido. In mid-May, you can delight in the sight of 3,000 cherry blossom trees in full bloom. The panoramic vistas of downtown Furano and the nearby mountains are also breathtakingly picturesque.
Viewing period: mid-May
Access: Take the bus from Furano Station and get off at Kisen
Address: Furano City, Hokkaido Shimogoryo 076-0017
Ranking: ★★★★☆
