Romantic Shibazakura Season in Hokkaido: Eastern Mokoto Gains Popularity

By MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network Editorial Team

Competing with the two major Shibazakura festivals in the Kanto region—Fuji Shibazakura and Chichibu Shibazakura—is the Eastern Mokoto Shibazakura Festival in Okhotsk, Hokkaido. Slightly later than those in the Kanto area, the event runs from early May to early June, with peak blooming around May 20. The 2014 Mokotoyama Shibazakura Festival started on May 3 and ended on June 8. During the weekend of May 23–25, there was a special evening light-up event, with fireworks displays at 8:30 p.m. each night, adding even more romance to the nights in Abashiri.

Eastern Mokoto Park also offers facilities such as observation decks, a park-guided tour bus, and electric carts within the park for visitors to use. There is also a full range of local specialties and foods themed around Shibazakura, among which the pale pink Shibazakura ice cream is particularly popular among visitors. The park also features Yamatsuri Shrine, a must-visit spot where the pink torii gate is especially eye-catching. Shibazakura flowers are planted around the shrine, making it arguably the most dreamy and pastel-hued shrine in all of Japan.

To reach Eastern Mokoto Park in Okhotsk, you can take the JR train to Abashiri Station and then transfer to a bus (about 50 minutes). Alternatively, take the JR to Eastern Mokoto Station in Okhotsk and then a taxi (about 5–6 minutes). Local specialties and foods to try here include cheese, fresh milk, Shibazakura strawberries, Okhotsk beef, and Shibazakura tsukemen. Don’t forget to experience and shop for these when you visit. The Ginga Water within Eastern Mokoto Shibazakura Park is one of Japan’s Top 100 Famous Waters; the entire Mokoto Mountain area boasts beautiful scenery, with Mount Shari being one of Japan’s renowned 100 mountains. Nearby, you can also soak in the Kawayu Onsen hot springs. Here, you can enjoy the beauty of Shibazakura flowers, along with great food and nature.

To reach Eastern Mokoto Park in Okhotsk, you can take the JR train to Abashiri Station and then transfer to a bus (about 50 minutes). Alternatively, take the JR to Eastern Mokoto Station in Okhotsk and then a taxi (about 5–6 minutes). Local specialties and foods to try here include cheese, fresh milk, Shibazakura strawberries, Okhotsk beef, and Shibazakura tsukemen. Don’t forget to experience and shop for these when you visit. The Ginga Water within Eastern Mokoto Shibazakura Park is one of Japan’s Top 100 Famous Waters; the entire Mokoto Mountain area boasts beautiful scenery, with Mount Shari being one of Japan’s renowned 100 mountains. Nearby, you can also soak in the Kawayu Onsen hot springs. Here, you can enjoy the beauty of Shibazakura flowers, along with great food and nature.