Romantic Shibazakura Season: Eastern Motodo Park in Hokkaido Gains Popularity

By MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network Editorial Department, compiled and reported

Competing with the two major Shibazakura festivals in the Kanto region—Fuji Shibazakura and Chichibu Shibazakura—is the Eastern Motodo Shibazakura Festival in Oketo Town, Hokkaido. Slightly later than those in Kanto, the event runs from early May to early June, with peak blooming occurring around May 20th. The 2014 Oketo Mountain Shibazakura Festival kicked off on May 3rd and ended on June 8th. A special nighttime illumination event was held on the weekend of May 23rd–25th, featuring fireworks every evening at 8:30 PM over those three days, adding even more romance to the nights in Abashiri.

Eastern Motodo Park also offers facilities such as an observation deck, a park-guided shuttle bus, and electric carts within the grounds for visitors to use. There’s also a full range of local specialties and foods themed around Shibazakura, among which the light pink Shibazakura ice cream is a must-buy favorite among many visitors. There’s also the Yamatsuri Shrine, a spot not to be missed—its pink torii gate is very eye-catching, and the surrounding area is also planted with Shibazakura, making it arguably the most pastel and dreamy shrine in all of Japan.

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

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