Undiscovered Hanami spots in Hokkaido: Explore Japan’s tranquil cherry blossom paradises

Japan looks forward to the yearly spectacle of cherry blossoms, or sakura, spreading their delicate petals over the countryside as winter ends and spring arrives. This is when the goal of seeing Japan’s famous “hanami” (flower gazing) comes true for a great number of tourists.

While visiting places like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka is highly recommended for seeing the sakura, for a more peaceful and calm experience, consider traveling to Hokkaido, the northernmost island in Japan. It’s possible to enjoy springtime without the typical chaos.

The cherry blossom season in Hokkaido lasts from late April until mid-May. Peak viewing times for the wave vary around the island, with Hakodate and Matsumae blooming in late April, Sapporo peaking in early to mid-May, and cherry blossoms farther east remaining beautiful until early June. The wave sweeps from south to north. The beauty and peace of Hokkaido’s secret hanami treasures will capture you whether you are an experienced traveler or a first-timer to Japan.

Nestled in the charming hamlet of Matsumae, Matsumae Castle has an astonishing collection of over 10,000 cherry trees, with up to 250 different types. Visitors may revel in the splendor of nature at this breathtaking location. The yearly Matsumae Sakura Festival, which takes place in late April, together with the castle’s rich historical atmosphere combine to provide an amazing experience.

Situated at the base of the stunning Mount Hakodate, Hakodate Park is a more family-friendly destination. There are around 360 cherry blossom trees there, the most common being the Somei Yoshino kind.

Park Shibazakura Takinoue
A beautiful place to spend the cherry blossom season is Goryokaku Park, which is tucked away among the remains of the old and significant Goryokaku Fort. The park offers visitors a mesmerizing experience with its outstanding collection of over 1,600 sakura trees placed in a distinctive star-shaped arrangement. Climb the neighboring 107-meter-high Goryokaku Tower for a panoramic view of the cherry blossoms and the breathtakingly gorgeous surroundings if you want to take your cherry blossom watching to the next level.

The Sapporo area is ideal for trips to see the sakura in the city. Locals choose Maruyama Park as a place to see the cherry blossoms since it has over 160 cherry blossom trees. Another well-known location for sakura viewing is the nearby Hokkaido Jingu Shrine, where cherry and plum blossoms coexist in harmony. Located in the center of Sapporo, Nakajima Park has over 400 cherry blossom trees and offers a number of beautiful viewing locations. Sakura lovers will find a mesmerizing scene in the park’s many settings, where cherry blossoms are arranged against the tranquil background of a blue pond.

Perched atop a charming hill in Otaru’s northern region, Temiya Park offers amazing views of the gorgeous harbor and more than 700 cherry blossom trees. With the peaceful background of Otaru’s harbor city, this peaceful park provides the ideal environment for tourists to take in the splendor of cherry blossoms in full bloom. Minami Otaru Station is the place to go if you’re searching for a distinct touch of vintage charm. Here, gorgeous cherry blossoms decorate the charming railway bridge, creating an eye-candy display. Another peaceful location to see the sakura is the Tenjoji Temple, which is just a short distance away. Beautiful cherry blossom trees around the temple, contributing to its overall splendor.