[spring][ Hokkaido Hakodate City] Goryokaku Park Cherry Blossom Illumination
Goryokaku Park is a historic park with around 1,600 cherry trees planted, with the Somei-Yoshino variety being particularly prevalent. In spring, the entire park is painted pink with cherry blossom petals, creating a fantastic nighttime scene that is different from the bright atmosphere of the daytime. When the cherry blossoms are lit up, the star-shaped moat, the restored Hakodate Magistrate's Office, and the cherry blossoms all come together to create a special atmosphere. The illuminated cherry blossoms are reflected on the water's surface, making it feel as if you are walking through a dreamscape. Recommended viewing spots・Goryokaku Tower Observation Deck: From the observation deck, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the star-shaped Goryokaku and the illuminated cherry blossoms. ・Promenade along the moat: Paper lanterns and illuminations are set up along the approximately 1,800-meter promenade, and the cherry blossoms reflected on the water's surface create a fantastic sight. ・Around Hakodate Magistrate's Office: Historical buildings and cherry blossoms blend together in harmony, making this the perfect spot for photography. In this way, the illuminated cherry blossoms at Goryokaku Park provide a special experience that combines historical background and natural beauty, leaving a deep impression on visitors.
A fantastic night view interwoven with history and nature
Goryokaku Park is a historic park with around 1,600 cherry trees planted, with the Somei-Yoshino variety being particularly prevalent. In spring, the entire park is painted pink with cherry blossom petals, creating a fantastic nighttime scene that is different from the bright atmosphere of the daytime. When the cherry blossoms are lit up, the star-shaped moat, the restored Hakodate Magistrate's Office, and the cherry blossoms all come together to create a special atmosphere. The illuminated cherry blossoms are reflected on the water's surface, making it feel as if you are walking through a dreamscape. Recommended viewing spots・Goryokaku Tower Observation Deck: From the observation deck, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the star-shaped Goryokaku and the illuminated cherry blossoms. ・Promenade along the moat: Paper lanterns and illuminations are set up along the approximately 1,800-meter promenade, and the cherry blossoms reflected on the water's surface create a fantastic sight. ・Around Hakodate Magistrate's Office: Historical buildings and cherry blossoms blend together in harmony, making this the perfect spot for photography. In this way, the illuminated cherry blossoms at Goryokaku Park provide a special experience that combines historical background and natural beauty, leaving a deep impression on visitors.
A variety of events and experiences to enjoy the cherry blossoms at night
The cherry blossom illuminations at Goryokaku Park are not just a way to view the cherry blossoms. There are a variety of events and experiences to entertain visitors. Main events and experiences・Genghis Khan and Picnic: You can enjoy Genghis Khan in the square, spending a special time dining under the cherry blossoms. ・Nighttime illuminations: Approximately 450 illuminations are placed in the park, creating a fantastic atmosphere together with the illuminated cherry blossoms. ・Rowboat experience: You can enjoy the unique experience of riding a boat around the moat and viewing the illuminated cherry blossoms from the water. ・Local food stalls and food and drink booths: There will be food stalls where you can enjoy delicious Hakodate food and drinks, allowing you to fully enjoy the seasonal scenery of spring. These events are enjoyable for a wide range of people, from families to couples and friends. Music and performances will also be held during the cherry blossom illumination period, further livening up the spring nights.
Great location for photography
The illuminated cherry blossoms at Goryokaku Park are a great spot for photography enthusiasts. The combination of cherry blossoms, historical buildings, and illuminations creates a one-of-a-kind photo. Tips for taking photos: ・Select the time of day: The "blue hour" from dusk to night is the time when the blue of the sky and the pale pink of the cherry blossoms blend beautifully together, making it the perfect time to take some impressive photos.・Compositional ideas: By including not only the cherry blossoms but also Goryokaku Tower and Hakodate Magistrate's Office in the background, you can capture a photo that combines history and nature.・View from the boat:By taking photos while riding a rowboat, you can enjoy a unique perspective of the cherry blossoms reflected on the water's surface up close. Also, using a tripod will allow you to take clear photos, so we recommend bringing it with you as an essential item for taking photos of the cherry blossoms at night. To avoid crowds, it's best to visit early or on a weekday evening.
[ 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).