If you’ve missed the sakura season in different elements of Japan, don’t fear – Hokkaido’s sakura season is simply getting began.
With cooler temperatures, the northernmost island of Japan blooms barely later than the remainder of the nation, providing a second likelihood for guests to expertise the great thing about cherry blossoms.
In this text, we’ll introduce you to eight cities in Hokkaido, highlighting their sakura historical past, greatest viewing spots, crowd ranges, really helpful lodges, and transportation choices.
Disclosure: This article incorporates affiliate hyperlinks, which implies we might make a fee in case you make a purchase order. Affiliate hyperlinks doesn’t price you something, and helps hold our content material free. See extra information right here.
Hakodate
First bloom: 4/16, Full blossom: 4/20
Hakodate, one in every of Hokkaido’s most well-known cities, has a wealthy sakura historical past courting again to the late 1800s. The greatest location for cherry blossom viewing is Goryokaku Park, the place you could find over 1,600 cherry timber.
The park can get crowded throughout sakura season, so arrive early to safe a spot. The La Jolie Motomachi affords stunning views of the town and quick access to Goryokaku Park. To attain Hakodate, take a flight or experience the shinkansen from Tokyo, or take a practice from Sapporo.
Sapporo
First bloom: 4/17, Full blossom: 4/21
Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido Prefecture. The metropolis’s hottest spot for cherry blossom viewing is Maruyama Park, situated close to the Hokkaido Shrine.
While the realm can get crowded, the park is spacious sufficient to accommodate guests. For a extra peaceable expertise, go to Moerenuma Park or Nakajima Park.
Stay on the JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo for straightforward entry to transportation and the town heart. To get to Sapporo, take a direct flight or experience the shinkansen from Tokyo.
Obihiro
First bloom: 4/21, Full blossom: 4/23
Obihiro’s sakura season is steeped in historical past, courting again over a century. The greatest place to view cherry blossoms in Obihiro is Midorigaoka Park, a spacious space with numerous cherry tree species.
While crowds could be reasonable, arriving early ensures a chief viewing spot. The Richmond Hotel Obihiro Ekimae affords handy entry to the park and Obihiro Station. To attain Obihiro, take a flight or practice from Sapporo.
Muroran
First bloom: 4/21, Full blossom: 4/27
Muroran is a coastal metropolis in Hokkaido. The hottest spot for cherry blossom viewing is Chuo Park, which boasts a surprising view of the ocean. While the realm can get crowded, the park is spacious sufficient to benefit from the surroundings.
Stay on the Hotel Route-Inn Muroran for a cushty expertise and quick access to the park. To get to Muroran, take a practice from Sapporo or Hakodate.
Asahikawa
First bloom: 4/24, Full blossom: 4/27
In Asahikawa, probably the most well-known location for cherry blossom viewing is Tokiwa Park, recognized for its picturesque surroundings and calm ambiance. Crowds are reasonable throughout sakura season, so arrive early to safe a chief spot.
The Asahikawa Toyo Hotel affords comfy lodging and quick access to the park. To get to Asahikawa, take a flight or practice from Sapporo.
Abashiri
First bloom: 4/28, Full blossom: 5/1
Abashiri’s sakura season is enriched by the town’s deep connection to cherry blossoms, which started within the early 1900s. The greatest location for viewing sakura is the Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park, the place you could find numerous species of cherry timber.
Crowds are minimal, making it a peaceable vacation spot. Stay on the Dormy Inn Abashiri for a handy location and comfy rooms. To attain Abashiri, take a practice or bus from Sapporo or Asahikawa.
Wakkanai
First bloom: 5/1, Full blossom: 5/4
Wakkanai, the northernmost metropolis in Japan, affords a later sakura season. The serene metropolis has a protracted historical past of cherry blossoms, with one of the best viewing spot at Cape Noshappu.
Although not as crowded as different cities, early arrival is really helpful. The Dormy Inn Wakkanai is a well-liked lodge selection, that includes comfy rooms and an on-site scorching spring. To attain Wakkanai, take a flight or practice from Sapporo.
Kushiro
First bloom: 5/2, Full blossom: 5/5
Kushiro’s sakura season could possibly be your final likelihood for the 2023 season in Japan. Its sakura historical past could be traced again to the early twentieth century. The high spot for cherry blossom viewing is Nusamai Bridge, which affords a fantastic view of the Kushiro River.
The La Vista Kushirogawa is a highly-rated lodge close to the river. To get to Kushiro, take a flight or practice from Sapporo.
Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Hokkaido’s Unique Cherry Blossom Season
Don’t let lacking the sakura season in different elements of Japan get you down – Hokkaido’s cherry blossoms provide a second likelihood to expertise the breathtaking fantastic thing about this time-honored custom. With choices for each traveler, Hokkaido’s cities present distinctive alternatives to immerse your self within the gorgeous sakura season.
Hokkaido’s Cherry Blossom Season FAQs
When is one of the best time to go to Hokkaido for cherry blossoms?
The cherry blossom season in Hokkaido typically begins in mid-April and lasts till early May. However, the precise timing varies relying on the town and climate circumstances annually. Keep a watch on cherry blossom forecasts to plan your journey accordingly.
Are there any particular cherry blossom festivals in Hokkaido?
Yes, there are a number of cherry blossom festivals in Hokkaido, such because the Hakodate Goryokaku Cherry Blossom Festival and the Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival. These occasions characteristic meals stalls, leisure, and illuminated cherry timber, offering a festive ambiance for guests.
Can I get pleasure from hanami (cherry blossom viewing events) in Hokkaido parks?
Absolutely! Hanami is a well-liked exercise throughout sakura season all through Japan, together with Hokkaido. Many parks in Hokkaido provide very best settings for picnics below the cherry blossoms. Just bear in mind to observe native customs and clear up after your self.
How does Hokkaido’s cherry blossom season differ from the remainder of Japan?
Hokkaido’s cherry blossom season usually happens later than the remainder of Japan as a consequence of its cooler local weather. This offers a second likelihood for guests who missed the sakura season in different elements of the nation. Additionally, Hokkaido’s huge landscapes and pure magnificence create a novel backdrop for cherry blossom viewing.
Are there any particular cherry blossom varieties distinctive to Hokkaido?
While Hokkaido is dwelling to the favored Somei Yoshino cherry timber discovered all through Japan, it additionally options distinctive native varieties such because the Ezoyamazakura and Jindai Akebono. These timber provide a particular expertise for guests fascinated by exploring the various world of cherry blossoms.