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 useful inns, and transportation choices.
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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 yow will discover over 1,600 cherry timber.
The park can get crowded throughout sakura season, so arrive early to safe a spot. The La Jolie Motomachi gives lovely views of town and easy accessibility to Goryokaku Park. To attain Hakodate, take a flight or trip the shinkansen from Tokyo, or take a prepare 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, positioned close to the Hokkaido Shrine.
While the world 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 simple entry to transportation and town middle. To get to Sapporo, take a direct flight or trip 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 varied cherry tree species.
While crowds may be average, arriving early ensures a main viewing spot. The Richmond Hotel Obihiro Ekimae gives handy entry to the park and Obihiro Station. To attain Obihiro, take a flight or prepare 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 shocking view of the ocean. While the world can get crowded, the park is spacious sufficient to benefit from the surroundings.
Stay on the Hotel Route-Inn Muroran for a snug expertise and easy accessibility to the park. To get to Muroran, take a prepare 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 average throughout sakura season, so arrive early to safe a main spot.
The Asahikawa Toyo Hotel gives snug lodging and easy accessibility to the park. To get to Asahikawa, take a flight or prepare from Sapporo.
Abashiri
First bloom: 4/28, Full blossom: 5/1
Abashiri’s sakura season is enriched by 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 yow will discover varied 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 prepare or bus from Sapporo or Asahikawa.
Wakkanai
First bloom: 5/1, Full blossom: 5/4
Wakkanai, the northernmost metropolis in Japan, gives a later sakura season. The serene metropolis has an extended 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 useful. The Dormy Inn Wakkanai is a well-liked resort alternative, that includes snug rooms and an on-site scorching spring. To attain Wakkanai, take a flight or prepare from Sapporo.
Kushiro
First bloom: 5/2, Full blossom: 5/5
Kushiro’s sakura season might be your final likelihood for the 2023 season in Japan. Its sakura historical past may be traced again to the early twentieth century. The high spot for cherry blossom viewing is Nusamai Bridge, which gives a lovely view of the Kushiro River.
The La Vista Kushirogawa is a highly-rated resort close to the river. To get to Kushiro, take a flight or prepare 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 great 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 town and climate situations every year. 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 function meals stalls, leisure, and illuminated cherry timber, offering a festive ambiance for guests.
Can I take pleasure in 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 preferrred settings for picnics beneath the cherry blossoms. Just keep 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 result 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 singular backdrop for cherry blossom viewing.
Are there any particular cherry blossom varieties distinctive to Hokkaido?
While Hokkaido is residence 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 taken with exploring the varied world of cherry blossoms.