[spring][ Hokkaido Matsumae Town] Cherry Blossom Viewing at Matsumae Park
Matsumae Park is known as Hokkaido's best cherry blossom viewing spot, with about 250 varieties of cherry blossoms planted. As the trees bloom in order from early to late, you can enjoy a variety of cherry blossoms for about a month from mid-April to early May. This long cherry blossom viewing season is a rare feature nationwide. The specific types of cherry blossoms and their flowering schedules are as follows: Early-blooming cherry blossoms: Oyamazakura (best viewing time: April 17th to 24th), Nandono (best viewing time: April 21st to 28th) Mid-blooming cherry blossoms: Amayado (best viewing time: April 22nd to 29th), Ukin (best viewing time: April 27th to May 4th) Late-blooming cherry blossoms: Sekiyama (best viewing time: April 30th to May 7th), Fugenzo (best viewing time: May 1st to 8th) There is a "Sakura Sample Garden" in the park, where you can enjoy 140 types of cherry blossoms collected from all over Japan at once. This will make it a tourist spot that also has educational value and will attract visitors.
wide variety of cherry blossoms and a long cherry blossom viewing season
Matsumae Park is known as Hokkaido's best cherry blossom viewing spot, with about 250 varieties of cherry blossoms planted. As the trees bloom in order from early to late, you can enjoy a variety of cherry blossoms for about a month from mid-April to early May. This long cherry blossom viewing season is a rare feature nationwide. The specific types of cherry blossoms and their flowering schedules are as follows: Early-blooming cherry blossoms: Oyamazakura (best viewing time: April 17th to 24th), Nandono (best viewing time: April 21st to 28th) Mid-blooming cherry blossoms: Amayado (best viewing time: April 22nd to 29th), Ukin (best viewing time: April 27th to May 4th) Late-blooming cherry blossoms: Sekiyama (best viewing time: April 30th to May 7th), Fugenzo (best viewing time: May 1st to 8th) There is a "Sakura Sample Garden" in the park, where you can enjoy 140 types of cherry blossoms collected from all over Japan at once. This will make it a tourist spot that also has educational value and will attract visitors.
Historical cherry blossoms and cultural events
Matsumae Park is famous not only for the beauty of its cherry blossoms, but also for the many famous cherry trees with historical value scattered throughout the park. In particular, the "Kechimyaku Sakura", "Ezo Kasumi Sakura" and "Meoto Sakura" are known as the Three Great Famous Trees of Matsumae and boast a history spanning more than 300 years. These trees demonstrate that cherry blossoms are not just a part of the scenery, but also a part of the history and culture of the region. In addition, the park holds the "Matsumae Sakura Festival" every year, so in addition to appreciating the cherry blossoms, you can enjoy a variety of cultural events. Cherry blossom illumination at night (sunset to 9:00 p.m.): The area is lit up with LED lighting specially designed for cherry blossoms, allowing you to enjoy the fantastical scenery of the cherry blossoms at night. Cherry blossom viewing stand: You can enjoy the cherry blossoms while tasting local specialties. Various stage events:There is a wide range of activities that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, such as local folk performing arts, music concerts, stamp rallies, etc. One of the great attractions of Matsumae Park is that you can experience the local culture and traditions through these cultural events along with the cherry blossoms.
Convenient access and a spectacular view of Matsumae Castle and cherry blossoms
One of the biggest attractions of Matsumae Park is the beautiful scenery created by Hokkaido's only castle, Matsumae Castle, and the cherry blossoms. The collaboration between the castle and the cherry blossoms is very photogenic, and many visitors are moved by its beauty. In addition, since Matsumae Park faces the sea, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the cherry blossoms, blue sea, and sunset. When the wind blows, the falling cherry blossom petals create a fantastical sight that deeply impresses all visitors. parking:There is parking for 500 cars (charges apply during the Sakura Festival). Nearby facilities: Matsumae Park is also home to the Matsumae Castle Museum and the Matsumae Domain Residence, so you can learn about Japanese history and culture while admiring the cherry blossoms.
[ Flower viewing and nature appreciation]Other recommended spots
Cherry Blossom Viewing at Matsumae Park
Hokkaido Matsumae Town
Take the Hakodate Bus bound for Matsumae from JR Kikonai Station and get off at the "Matsushiro" bus stop after about 90 minutes. It is about a 3-minute walk from the bus stop to the park entrance.
Lake Mashu: Cherry blossoms and a stroll along the clear lake surface
Hokkaido Teshikaga Town
Bus from JR Mashu Station: Take the Akan Bus regular route bus to Lake Mashu, it takes about 20 minutes. Bus from JR Kawayu Onsen Station: Take the Akan Bus regular route bus to Lake Mashu, it takes about 40 minutes. Train from JR Kushiro Station: Take the JR Senmo Line, it takes about 90 minutes.
Cherry blossom viewing at the lakeside of Onuma Park
Hokkaido Nanae Town
From JR Hakodate Station: Hokuto Express: Approx. 20 minutes, Local train: Approx. 50 minutes
Goryokaku Park Cherry Blossom Illumination
Hokkaido Hakodate City
Streetcar: Take the train from "Hakodate Station" to "Goryokaku Park" (approximately 16 minutes, 230 yen). After getting off, walk for about 15 minutes. Bus: Take the train bound for "Goryokaku" or "Goryokaku Park Entrance" (approximately 20 minutes, 280 yen). After getting off, walk for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Spring Nature Walk at Shiretoko Five Lakes
Hokkaido Shari Town
Access from JR Shiretoko-Shari Station Bus: Take the "Shari Bus Shiretoko Line" and arrive at the "Shiretoko Goko" bus stop in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Car: About 40 km from Shiretoko-Shari Station (approximately 1 hour). Parking is available (paid, 100 spaces). Taxi: Available directly from the station, but the fare is more expensive than the bus.
Koshimizu Primeval Flower Garden: Spring alpine plant viewing
Hokkaido Koshimizu Town
JR Gensei-kaen Station: A temporary station that operates for a limited time from May 1st to October 31st. It is about a 1-minute walk from the station to the Gensei-kaen. JR Hamakoshimizu Station: Accessible by walking for about 5 minutes. From Abashiri Station: About 32 minutes by bus.
Otaru Canal Spring cherry blossoms
Hokkaido Otaru City
About 10 to 15 minutes walk from JR Otaru Station.
Hakodateyama Observatory Cherry blossoms and night view
Hokkaido Hakodate City
Take the tram from Hakodate Station and get off at the "Jujigai" stop. From there, walk up Nanbuzaka for about 7 minutes to arrive at Mount Hakodate Ropeway Sanroku Station.
Trappist Monastery: Cherry Blossoms and Historical Walking
Hokkaido Hokuto City
Dounan Isaribi Railway Oshima Tobetsu Station: Approximately 20 minutes on foot. Leave the station and head straight towards the monastery to arrive. Local bus (from Hakodate city): Get off at the "Trappistine Iriguchi" bus stop and walk for about 5 minutes. From JR Hakodate Station: Approximately 40 minutes by car (you can also use a taxi or bus).