[spring][ Hokkaido Matsumae Town] Matsumae Sakura Festival Cherry blossoms and cultural experience
The Matsumae Sakura Festival is a popular festival held every spring in Matsumae Park, known as one of Japan's best cherry blossom viewing spots. This festival is a special event where you can enjoy about 250 varieties and 10,000 cherry trees in Matsumae Town, Hokkaido, allowing visitors to fully experience the arrival of spring. The cherry blossoms in Matsumae Park are available in a wide range of varieties, from early to late blooming, so visitors can enjoy the view of cherry blossoms in full bloom for about a month. The early-flowering varieties begin to bloom in late April, followed by the mid-flowering and late-flowering varieties, which bloom in a relay-like manner, allowing you to enjoy the cherry blossoms until the end of May. Among them, the variety called "Matsumae Usubeni" has beautiful petals unique to Matsumae that cannot be found anywhere else, and is especially popular with photography enthusiasts and nature-loving tourists. The park is equipped with walkways and benches, so you can enjoy the cherry blossoms at your leisure. In addition, from the high ground in the park, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the townscape of Matsumae Town and the sea, and you should not miss the light-up events at night as well as during the day. The cherry blossoms illuminated in fantastic light have a different feel from daytime. The nature in the park is also attractive. In addition to strolling along the rows of cherry blossom trees, there are also gardens and historical buildings where you can experience the culture of Matsumae. Matsumae Park is a space where nature and culture come together, providing visitors with unforgettable memories.
The appeal of the Matsumae Sakura Festival: A spectacular view of 250 varieties of cherry blossoms
The Matsumae Sakura Festival is a popular festival held every spring in Matsumae Park, known as one of Japan's best cherry blossom viewing spots. This festival is a special event where you can enjoy about 250 varieties and 10,000 cherry trees in Matsumae Town, Hokkaido, allowing visitors to fully experience the arrival of spring. The cherry blossoms in Matsumae Park are available in a wide range of varieties, from early to late blooming, so visitors can enjoy the view of cherry blossoms in full bloom for about a month. The early-flowering varieties begin to bloom in late April, followed by the mid-flowering and late-flowering varieties, which bloom in a relay-like manner, allowing you to enjoy the cherry blossoms until the end of May. Among them, the variety called "Matsumae Usubeni" has beautiful petals unique to Matsumae that cannot be found anywhere else, and is especially popular with photography enthusiasts and nature-loving tourists. The park is equipped with walkways and benches, so you can enjoy the cherry blossoms at your leisure. In addition, from the high ground in the park, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the townscape of Matsumae Town and the sea, and you should not miss the light-up events at night as well as during the day. The cherry blossoms illuminated in fantastic light have a different feel from daytime. The nature in the park is also attractive. In addition to strolling along the rows of cherry blossom trees, there are also gardens and historical buildings where you can experience the culture of Matsumae. Matsumae Park is a space where nature and culture come together, providing visitors with unforgettable memories.
Experience the history and charm of Matsumae through cultural experiences
At the Matsumae Sakura Festival, not only can you enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms, but also a number of events are held that allow you to experience the history and culture unique to Matsumae Town. This area was once called the "Little Kyoto of the North" and is characterized by its historical streetscape centered around Matsumae Castle, the only castle in Hokkaido. During the festival, you can feel the rich history of Matsumae Town by visiting Matsumae Castle and touring the surrounding historical buildings. At the festival venue, there are exhibitions of local traditional performing arts and crafts, as well as workshops. For example, demonstrations of kendo and kyudo with the theme of "Bushido of the Matsumae Domain" allow tourists to visually experience the samurai culture of the Matsumae Domain. In addition, Matsumae lacquerware, a local traditional craft, and handmade souvenirs are sold and are popular with tourists. In addition, a special tea ceremony is held during the festival, giving you the opportunity to experience Japanese culture firsthand. At this tea ceremony, which is held in a teahouse in the park, authentic matcha made with local tea and Japanese sweets are served, allowing you to enjoy the taste along with the spring scenery. Such cultural events give tourists visiting Matsumae Town an opportunity to learn more about the traditions and charms of the region. Another highlight of the festival is the illumination of Matsumae Castle. At night, Matsumae Castle is beautifully lit up, and the cherry blossoms surrounding it create a fantastic atmosphere. The combination of cherry blossoms and historical architecture will leave a strong impression on visitors of the traditional beauty of Japan.
travel plan to make the most of the Matsumae Sakura Festival
When visiting the Matsumae Sakura Festival, we recommend that you plan your trip in advance to enjoy it efficiently. Matsumae Town is located in the southwestern part of Hokkaido, so it takes a little time to get there, but it is well worth it. It is about two and a half hours by car or bus from Hakodate, and you can enjoy scenic views along the way. We recommend that visitors plan to arrive early in the morning. By enjoying the cherry blossoms in the silence of the morning, you can avoid the crowds and enjoy cherry blossom viewing at your leisure. In addition, during the festival, a food court is set up where you can taste local specialties, such as Matsumae tuna and sakura mochi. Matsumae pickles are particularly delicious and are popular as souvenirs. If you are traveling with an overnight stay, it is a good idea to use a hot spring inn in Matsumae Town or nearby. At Matsumae Onsen, you can enjoy dishes made with local ingredients while soothing your travel fatigue. Some hot spring inns are located close to Matsumae Park, so you can easily stay overnight after watching the cherry blossoms light up at night. To enjoy the festival to the fullest, don't forget to wear comfortable clothes and take measures against the cold. Even in spring, Matsumae Town can get chilly at night and in the early morning, so you'll need to dress warmly. Bringing a camera will also add to the fun of taking photos of the beautiful cherry blossoms and historical buildings. The Matsumae Sakura Festival is an event that offers a special experience that combines cherry blossoms and culture. Visitors are sure to enjoy spring in Japan while experiencing the unique charms of Matsumae Town. Why not visit the Matsumae Sakura Festival this spring and create some unforgettable memories?
[Spring festivals and local events]Other recommended spots
Matsumae Sakura Festival Cherry blossoms and cultural experience
Hokkaido Matsumae Town
Take the Hakodate Bus from Kikonai Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line to the Matsushiro bus stop, then walk for about 7 minutes to reach Matsumae Park.
Abashiri Spring Festival: Experience local culture and specialties
Hokkaido Abashiri City
Train: About 7 minutes by taxi from Abashiri Station on the JR Sekihoku Main Line or Senmo Main Line
Hakodate Port Festival A spring event in the port town with cherry blossoms
Hokkaido Hakodate City
Hakodate Park: Take a bus or walk for about 15 minutes from JR Hakodate Station. Goryokaku Park: Take the tram from JR Hakodate Station to the Goryokaku Park-mae tram stop and walk for about 15 minutes.
Shiraoi Beef Festival Specialty Products Event
Hokkaido Shiraoi Town
The nearest station is JR Shiraoi Station, about a 3-minute walk (approximately 200 meters) from the north exit.
Sapporo Lilac Festival Spring flower event
Hokkaido Sapporo City
Odori venue: Immediately after getting off at Odori Station on the Subway Namboku Line, Tozai Line, or Toho Line. Kawashita venue: Take the Chuo Bus "Shiro 24 Kawashita Line" from Shiroishi Station on the Subway Tozai Line and get off at "Kawashita Park Mae", then walk for 1 minute.