Hokkaido Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival – Admire Flowers and Savor Thousand-Person Hot Pot

This year, due to the cold wave, Japan's cherry blossoms have bloomed exceptionally beautifully. The cherry blossom front has already moved to the Kanto and Hokuriku regions, and even the northernmost part of Hokkaido is awaiting the arrival of the sakura season. From late April to early May is the cherry blossom season in Hokkaido. Although the blooming period is relatively short, you can avoid the peak overseas cherry blossom viewing season that usually floods Japan in April—especially under the nurturing of the northern climate, the cherry blossoms here are even more vibrant and stunning.

For those chasing cherry blossoms in Hokkaido, due to transportation considerations, it’s recommended to focus on a centralized area. Why not make southern Hokkaido’s Hakodate your base? Both Goryokaku to the north of the city center and the renowned Matsumae Park to the south are great choices. In particular, the picturesque Matsumae Park, filled with rare cherry varieties, allows you to enjoy about 250 types and nearly 10,000 cherry trees, mostly double-flowered cherry blossoms, making it arguably Hokkaido’s premier cherry blossom destination.

Located at the southern tip of Hokkaido, closest to Honshu, the town of Matsumae is known as the “hometown of cherry blossoms.” Matsumae Castle and its surroundings are famous cherry blossom spots in Japan. Matsumae Park is renowned for both its abundance and variety of cherry blossoms. Cherry trees can be found throughout every corner of the park, including one weeping cherry tree that is over 200 years old. The park's scenery is especially enchanting when the blossoms are in full bloom. Especially during the “Matsumae Cherry Blossom Season” from late April to early May, when the cherry blossoms are at their most resplendent, the stunning sight of petals falling like snow is definitely worth the trip.

This year’s “Matsumae Cherry Blossom Season” is the 63rd edition, held from April 29 to May 16. In addition to admiring the blossoms, the event also features temple treasure exhibitions, local performing arts festivals, and complimentary servings of the Matsumae Thousand-Person Hot Pot. Those wanting to enjoy a spectrum of cherry colors—red, white, and yellow—should seize the blooming period to experience the beauty of a northern spring.

Hokkaido Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival
Event Period: April 29 to May 16
Event Location: Matsumae Park, Matsumae Town, Hokkaido
Transportation: Take a bus from JR Kikonai Station for about 1 hour and 40 minutes, get off at “Matsumaejo,” then walk about 5 minutes to reach the park.

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