Over ten thousand cherry blossoms burst into full bloom at the Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival in Hokkaido

Written by the MOOK Scenic Spots Travel & Lifestyle Network Editorial Team

 

Now is the best time to visit Japan for cherry blossom viewing. Matsumae Park, ranked among Japan’s “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots” and the top such destination in Hokkaido, will host the “Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival” from April 26 to May 18. During the festival, over 10,000 cherry blossoms of 250 varieties will bloom in vibrant colors. Those wishing to admire the spectrum of pink, white, and yellow cherry blossoms should make the most of this flowering season to experience the beauty of spring in northern Japan.

Located within Matsumae Park, Matsumae Castle is the northernmost traditional castle in Japan, the only one in Hokkaido, and also the latest-built among Japan’s historic castles. Officially named “Fukuyama Castle,” it is known as the “hometown of cherry blossoms” and is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots among Japanese people, also listed among the top 100 cherry blossom scenic sites. The cherry blossoms at Matsumae Castle were planted by wealthy merchants in the castle town and by the feudal lord stationed here from Kyoto. Even now, an ancient weeping cherry tree that is 250 years old still blooms. To preserve the life of these ancient cherry trees, the residents of Matsumae are enthusiastic about propagating new varieties from them, having successfully developed 70 new types to date. Today, there are 250 varieties of cherry blossoms in Matsumae, with over 10,000 trees, most of which are double-flowered cherry blossoms. Among the various types of Matsumae cherry blossoms, the most unique is the “Bloodline Cherry” located in Kōzenji Temple at the foot of Matsumae Castle. Legend has it that the spirit of the cherry tree resides within the tree.

 

 

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