You should visit at least once in your lifetime: Hokkaido’s Two Shiba Sakura Festivals in Full Bloom

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network Editorial Team
 

After a long, snowy winter, Hokkaido bursts into a riot of colors as countless flowers bloom across the land. Among them, the most eye-catching floral event from early May to early June is the two major shiba sakura (dwarf lawn cherry blossom) festivals held at Tōmukō and Takinoue Shiba Sakura Parks. In 2015, the Tōmukōyama Shiba Sakura Festival ran from May 3 to June 7, while the Takinoue Shiba Sakura Park Festival was held from May 9 to June 7.The blooming period lasts one to two months!

The 2015 Tōmukōyama Shiba Sakura Festival took place from May 3 to June 7, featuring a special nighttime light-up event on the weekends of May 22–24. During the illuminated nights, fireworks were launched every evening from 7 to 9 p.m., adding even more romance to Abashiri’s nightscape. Tōmukō Park also offers facilities such as an observation deck, a park-guided shuttle bus, and electric carts for visitors. Local specialties and foods themed around shiba sakura are also abundant, including the pale pink shiba sakura ice cream, a popular treat among tourists. One must-visit spot is Yamatsuri Shrine, home to a stunning pink torii gate that stands out brilliantly. The area around the shrine is also covered with shiba sakura, making it arguably Japan’s most adorable and dreamy shrine.