Top 4 Cherry Blossom Spots in Hokkaido | Must-See Star-Shaped Sakura Sea at Goryokaku

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Network Editorial Department
 
Cherry blossoms are one of Japan’s most celebrated flowers, and those in Hokkaido typically bloom from April to May. People love to sit leisurely under the cherry trees or enjoy a picnic with family and friends, appreciating the blossoms in their favorite way. Among them, spots like Goryokaku Park and the 20-Meter Road Cherry Blossom Avenue are ideal for cherry blossom viewing—visitors shouldn’t miss them.

● Goryokaku Park
Goryokaku is a uniquely shaped star-shaped fortress and the site of the last battle (the Hakodate War, 1868–1869) between the supporters of the shogunate and the imperial army during the Meiji Restoration, making it an important landmark in Japan’s modern history. The park is densely planted with cherry trees, and when they bloom in spring, it becomes a widely renowned spot for cherry blossom viewing. The main variety here is the Somei Yoshino, and during the cherry blossom festival, around 1,600 cherry trees along the star-shaped fortress burst into bloom. In addition to strolling through the park and enjoying the flowers, visitors can also head to the observation deck of the nearby Goryokaku Tower to gaze down at the entire star-shaped "Goryokaku Ruins" surrounded by pink cherry blossoms.

● 20-Meter Road Cherry Blossom Avenue
The "20-Meter Road Cherry Blossom Avenue," where cherry trees stretching 7 kilometers bloom alongside a 36-meter-wide road, is one of Japan’s premier cherry blossom spots. The rows of cherry blossoms come straight toward you, creating a spectacular view. This avenue has also been selected as one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots” and the “100 Best Japanese Roads.”