Hokkaido’s Cherry Blossom Explosion – A Lazy Guide to Popular Hanami Spots

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 

Japanese cherry blossoms bloom sequentially from south to north, and by late April, spring arrives in Hokkaido — also the much-anticipated flower-viewing season for all locals. For travelers eager to admire the blooms, this is the last and most worthwhile hanami opportunity!

● Goryokaku Park

Goryokaku is an unusually unique star-shaped fortress, the site of the final battle (the Battle of Hakodate, 1868–1869) where supporters of the shogunate resisted 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, becoming a widely renowned hanami destination when the flowers bloom in spring. The varieties are centered around Yoshino cherry, and during the cherry blossom festival, about 1,600 cherry trees burst into bloom along the star-shaped fortress. Aside from strolling and enjoying the flowers within the park, you can also head to the observation deck of the nearby Goryokaku Tower to gaze down at the entire star-shaped “Goryokaku Ruins” enveloped in pink cherry blossoms.

● Matsumae Park
Located within Matsumae Park, Matsumae Castle is Japan’s northernmost, the only one in Hokkaido, and also the latest-built traditional castle in the country. Known as the “Hometown of Cherry Blossoms,” it is one of the most beloved hanami spots among Japanese people and is listed among the Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. The cherry blossoms of Matsumae Castle were planted by wealthy merchants of the castle town and by the feudal lord stationed here from Kyoto. To this day, 250-year-old weeping cherry trees still bloom. To preserve the life of these ancient cherry trees, the residents of Matsumae are enthusiastic about propagating new varieties from the old trees, with 70 new successful varieties to date. Now, Matsumae boasts a total of 250 cherry blossom varieties and over 10,000 trees, mostly double-flowered (yaezakura) types.

● Nijukken Road Cherry Tree Avenue

The “Nijukken Road Cherry Tree Avenue,” where cherry trees stretching 7 kilometers bloom along a width of 36 meters, is one of Japan’s premier hanami destinations. The rows of cherry trees come straight toward you in a spectacular display. The scenery of the Nijukken Road Cherry Tree Avenue has also been selected for inclusion in the “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots” and the “Top 100 Japanese Roads.”