While most of Japan’s famous cherry blossom season happens in March and April, Hokkaido blooms later — usually from late April to early May, making it one of the last places in Japan to enjoy sakura in full glory.
Whether you’re chasing hanami (flower viewing) or planning a scenic spring trip north, Hokkaido has some truly unforgettable sakura spots — from lakeside parks to historic forts and long tree-lined roads. Here are the best places to see cherry blossoms in Hokkaido:
🌸 1. Matsumae Park — Hokkaido’s Sakura Capital
Known as the “sakura capital of Hokkaido,” Matsumae Park is the island’s most famous cherry blossom destination. The park features around 10,000 cherry trees across more than 250 varieties, creating one of the longest blooming periods in Hokkaido.
🌸 Why Go:
The park surrounds Matsumae Castle, Hokkaido’s only traditional Japanese castle, offering classic views of cherry blossoms combined with historic architecture.
📍 Location: Matsumae Town, Hokkaido
🌸 Best Season: Late April – Early May
🌸 2. Goryokaku Park (Hakodate) — Star-Shaped Sakura Views
Goryokaku Park is a former star-shaped fortress turned public park, famous for its 1,600 cherry trees and unique layout. During peak bloom, the entire fort is surrounded by soft pink blossoms.
🌸 Why Go:
Visit Goryokaku Tower for a breathtaking panoramic view of the star-shaped park covered in sakura. Boat rides along the moat also offer a peaceful way to enjoy the flowers.
📍 Location: Hakodate City, Hokkaido
🌸 Best Season: Late April – Early May
🌸 3. Maruyama Park & Hokkaido Shrine (Sapporo) — Classic City Hanami
Located near central Sapporo, Maruyama Park is one of the city’s most popular cherry blossom spots. It sits next to Hokkaido Shrine, making it a meaningful place to enjoy both nature and culture.
🌸 Why Go:
This is a favorite spot for locals, with picnic-style hanami, food stalls during peak season, and a lively spring atmosphere.
📍 Location: Chuo Ward, Sapporo
🌸 Best Season: Late April – Mid May
🌸 4. Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick Building) — Sakura in the City
Right in downtown Sapporo, the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building is surrounded by about 1,000 cherry trees, including late-blooming varieties like Yaezakura.
🌸 Why Go:
The contrast between soft pink blossoms and the historic red brick architecture makes this one of the most photogenic sakura spots in the city.
📍 Location: Central Sapporo
🌸 Best Season: Early – Late May
🌸 5. Nakajima Park (Sapporo) — Cherry Blossoms with Water Views
Nakajima Park offers a quieter hanami experience just minutes from downtown. The park features ponds, walking paths, and a traditional Japanese garden.
🌸 Why Go:
Enjoy cherry blossoms reflected on the water, along with elegant weeping cherry trees and a relaxed, scenic atmosphere.
📍 Location: Sapporo
🌸 Best Season: Early – Mid May
🌸 6. Shizunai Nijukken Road — One of Japan’s Most Beautiful Sakura Roads
This famous cherry blossom road stretches for about 7 kilometers and is lined with over 3,000 cherry trees, creating a tunnel of pink in spring.
🌸 Why Go:
Perfect for walking, cycling, or driving, this spot is often listed among Japan’s top cherry blossom avenues and is less crowded than major city parks.
📍 Location: Hidaka Region, Hokkaido
🌸 Best Season: Early – Mid May
🌸 7. Kiyokawa Senbonzakura (清川千本桜) — A Hidden Countryside Gem
Located in Date City, Kiyokawa Senbonzakura is a scenic rural hanami spot where around 1,000 cherry trees line the Kiyokawa area, creating a peaceful spring landscape.
🌸 Why Go:
This is a lesser-known cherry blossom spot, ideal for travelers who want to enjoy sakura away from crowds, with open views of the countryside and mountains.
📍 Location: Date City, Hokkaido
🌸 Best Season: Late April – Early May
🌸 When Is Sakura Season in Hokkaido?
Because Hokkaido is far north and cooler than the rest of Japan, cherry blossoms here bloom later than in places like Tokyo or Kyoto — typically from late April into early May, and sometimes even into mid-May depending on weather.
This timing makes Hokkaido one of the last places in Japan to see sakura each year, giving travelers a second chance to enjoy hanami after other regions have finished.
🌸 Tips for Planning Your Hokkaido Hanami Trip
🌸 Check bloom forecasts — Hokkaido’s sakura timing can vary with weather.
🌸 Dress warmly — nights and early mornings can still be cool in spring.
🌸 Explore local food stalls — hanami season often brings festival snacks and seasonal specialties.
🌸 Combine hanami with sightseeing — add historical spots, parks, lakes, or mountain views to your itinerary.
🌸 Final Thoughts
Hokkaido’s cherry blossom season is a magical time — later, cooler, and quieter than much of Japan’s sakura season, yet no less beautiful. From urban parks in Sapporo to historic fort parks in Hakodate and serene countryside roads, there’s hanami magic waiting for every type of traveler.
🌸 If you’re dreaming about a magical cherry blossom escape with a Hanami experience but don’t know where to start, I can help!
I offer personalized tour coordination—from guiding you to the most iconic sakura spots with castle backdrops, to arranging local cultural experiences, scenic drives, and even cozy accommodations. That way, you can simply relax and enjoy Japan’s most breathtaking spring scenery without worrying about the details.
