Where to see cherry blossoms in Hokkaido? 北海道の桜
sakura flowers
Pixabay
Hanami in Hokkaido: Where to see Sakura in Northern Japan
The northern island of Hokkaido is the last of Japan's regions to enjoy sakura blooms during spring. The latter intervenes there between the end of April and mid-May. If you visit Hokkaido during the hanami, here are the best places to enjoy the splendid cherry blossoms...
The vast island of Hokkaido extends over more than 83,000 km2 and is covered with forests on 75% of its territory... There are therefore many places to admire the cherry blossoms and indulge in hanami.
In Hokkaido, the flowering comes late, the latter first starting in southern Japan in mid-March, before gradually rising along the archipelago. It is therefore generally around the beginning of May - during the golden week period - that you will have the chance to admire the beautiful pink flowers of the sakura in this region.
- Read also: Successful hanami in Japan
Here are several well-known and recommended spots, the majority of which are easily accessible by public transportation.
Where to see cherry blossoms in Sapporo
Sapporo is the political and economic capital of Hokkaido, home to two million people. In spring, it shines with its parks in which hundreds of sakura trees are planted: ideal for strolling under the pink foliage and enjoying picnics under the flowers, in the style of the Japanese.
- Read also: Top 3 places for hanami in Sapporo
Maruyama Park
The huge Maruyama Park covers 68 hectares, in the heart of Sapporo. More than 1500 cherry trees are planted there, which makes it a privileged place for the hanami with the inhabitants. Many of them settle under the branches of cherry blossoms on sunny days.
The park also houses a zoo, two stadiums, and the Hokkaido-jingû shrine, built at the top of the mountain. Take the large driveway that leads there, to enjoy the cherry trees that line them, as well as the view.
Address: 3 Miyagaoka, Chuo, 064-0959 Sapporo
Cherry blossoms in Sapporo
Flickr MIKI Yoshihito
Alley of cherry blossoms at Hokkaidô Jingû
Wikipedia
Nakajima Park
Nakajima Park is a small park right in the city center, not far from the Toyohira River. In particular, it is home to a large lake, streams, numerous groves, and lawns, which makes its visit particularly pleasant in the spring. If it is very popular for its red maples during the koyo, it is also famous for its pleasant flowery walks during the hanami.
Address: Nakajima-koen 1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Moerenuma Park
Located on the outskirts of Sapporo, Moerenuma Park is a unique place in Japan: entirely designed by the artist Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988), it is made up of several areas, highlighted by different installations and monuments. Among them is the “cherry forest” with its 2600 trees, where families like to spend time during hanami.
Address: 1-1 Moerenuma-koen, Higashi-ku, Sapporo
Cherry trees in Hakodate
The city of Hakodate is located opposite the island of Honshu and is thus further south of Sapporo.
Goryokaku Park
Goryokaku Park likened to the fort of the same name, is emblematic of the city of Hakodate. The star-shaped plan of the old fort of Garyokaku (completed in 1866) can be admired from the observation tower. Today, the fortress has been destroyed, and thousands of cherry trees have been planted. The walk in the alleys of the park during the hanami is thus particularly famous in the region.
Address: 44-2 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0001
Goryokaku Park in Hakodate
Flickr Yuki Shimazu
The cherry trees in the park and the observation tower
Wikimedia Commons
Matsumae Castle Park
The city of Matsumae, located at the tip of Cape Shirakami, is the only castle on the island of Hokkaido. However, it is surrounded by a vast park, where more than 10,000 cherry trees are planted. Many Japanese come to enjoy hanami in this small town and its famous park. It has also been ranked among the "100 places to admire cherry blossoms in Japan ". You will find a wide variety of cherry trees there, which allows you to enjoy flowering over a long period.
Address: Matsushiro, Matsumae, Hokkaido 049-1511
Hanami in Asahikawa
Asahikawa is located in the heart of the lands of Hokkaido and is the second-largest city in the region after Sapporo. If it is well known for its zoo as well as for its ramen recipe, it also houses a very famous park during the hanami.
Asahiyama Park
This large memorial park located on Mount Asahi is adjacent to the Asahiyama Zoo. Installed on the heights of the city, it welcomes visitors 24 hours a day and you can stroll through real cherry tree forests...
Address: Higashiasahikawacho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 078-8205
To discover: The Asahikawa Winter Festival
