[spring][ Hokkaido Otaru City] Otaru Canal Spring cherry blossoms
In spring, about 1,500 Yoshino cherry trees bloom in full bloom along the Otaru Canal, welcoming visitors along the two-kilometer-long line. These beautiful rows of cherry trees, combined with the cherry blossoms reflected on the canal's waters, create a breathtaking sight. The contrast between the stone warehouses and the cherry blossoms is a special sight that evokes a historical atmosphere and the breath of spring, attracting many tourists and photography enthusiasts. In addition, from dusk to night, 63 gas lamps along the canal are lit, enveloping the cherry blossoms in a soft light. This illumination creates a fantastic atmosphere that is different from daytime, providing visitors with a special and once-in-a-lifetime experience. A special experience on the Otaru Canal CruiseOne recommended activity for the spring cherry blossom season is the Otaru Canal Cruise. On the 40-minute cruise, you can view the cherry blossoms along the canal from the boat, and the illuminated cherry blossoms at night are particularly spectacular. During the cruise, you can hear an explanation about the history of the canal and the beautiful warehouses, so you can learn about Otaru's history as well as appreciating the cherry blossoms. Must-visit viewing spots Near Chuo Bridge: This is the center of the cherry blossom-lined streets, where you can enjoy the view of the entire canal. Around Canal Plaza: This is a spectacular spot where the stone warehouses and cherry blossoms harmonize together, and is also ideal for taking photos. Near the Otaru Canal Terminal: This is near the departure and arrival point for cruises, and the contrast between the cherry blossoms, canal, and boats is fascinating. In this way, the cherry blossom-lined streets of Otaru Canal in spring are a special spot that allows visitors to feel the fusion of the changing seasons and history.
The contrast between the magnificent cherry blossom trees and the canal
In spring, about 1,500 Yoshino cherry trees bloom in full bloom along the Otaru Canal, welcoming visitors along the two-kilometer-long line. These beautiful rows of cherry trees, combined with the cherry blossoms reflected on the canal's waters, create a breathtaking sight. The contrast between the stone warehouses and the cherry blossoms is a special sight that evokes a historical atmosphere and the breath of spring, attracting many tourists and photography enthusiasts. In addition, from dusk to night, 63 gas lamps along the canal are lit, enveloping the cherry blossoms in a soft light. This illumination creates a fantastic atmosphere that is different from daytime, providing visitors with a special and once-in-a-lifetime experience. A special experience on the Otaru Canal CruiseOne recommended activity for the spring cherry blossom season is the Otaru Canal Cruise. On the 40-minute cruise, you can view the cherry blossoms along the canal from the boat, and the illuminated cherry blossoms at night are particularly spectacular. During the cruise, you can hear an explanation about the history of the canal and the beautiful warehouses, so you can learn about Otaru's history as well as appreciating the cherry blossoms. Must-visit viewing spots Near Chuo Bridge: This is the center of the cherry blossom-lined streets, where you can enjoy the view of the entire canal. Around Canal Plaza: This is a spectacular spot where the stone warehouses and cherry blossoms harmonize together, and is also ideal for taking photos. Near the Otaru Canal Terminal: This is near the departure and arrival point for cruises, and the contrast between the cherry blossoms, canal, and boats is fascinating. In this way, the cherry blossom-lined streets of Otaru Canal in spring are a special spot that allows visitors to feel the fusion of the changing seasons and history.
Fusion of local culture and events
The Otaru Canal in spring is not only a place to enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms, but also local culture and events. The Otaru Cherry Blossom Festival in particular is a popular event that brings together many tourists and local residents to celebrate the arrival of spring along with the cherry blossoms. How to enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival During the festival, food stalls selling local specialties and gourmet foods will line the canal. Fresh seafood dishes and Hokkaido sweets are special treats that can only be enjoyed during this season. There will also be live performances by local artists and traditional dances, providing tourists with a great opportunity to experience Otaru culture. Experience art and historyOtaru Art Village is dotted along the canal, welcoming visitors with its unique art galleries and workshops. Here you can see special spring exhibits by local artists, as well as artworks themed around cherry blossoms. In addition, the Otaru City Museum has exhibits that teach you how the canal has contributed to the development of Otaru, allowing you to enjoy the historical background and beauty of the cherry blossoms at the same time. In this way, spring at Otaru Canal is a special place that offers not only beautiful cherry blossoms, but also encounters with local culture and history.
Best time to see cherry blossoms and easy access
The cherry blossoms at the Otaru Canal are usually at their best from late April to early May. During this season, when the Siberian cherry and Somei Yoshino cherry trees are in full bloom, the whole of Otaru is enveloped in the joy of spring. In addition to the Otaru Canal, the nearby Otaru Park is also a popular spot where you can enjoy the approximately 650 cherry trees. Check the flowering situation and make plans The flowering period may vary slightly depending on the weather and temperature, so we recommend checking the latest flowering information before visiting. Also, in early spring, there is a large difference in temperature between morning and evening, so it is a good idea to prepare warm clothes. Convenient accessOtaru Canal is located within walking distance of JR Otaru Station, making it an extremely accessible spot for tourists. There are many shops and cafes dotted along the way from the station to the canal, so you can enjoy a stroll along the way to your destination. Famous tourist spots such as the Otaru Music Box Museum and Kitaichi Glass are also located around the canal, so you can enjoy sightseeing in Otaru while also admiring the cherry blossoms. Enjoy gourmet food and shopping Around the Otaru Canal, there are restaurants where you can enjoy local seafood dishes and cafes offering sweets made with ingredients from Hokkaido. Spring is especially good, as many ingredients are in season, making it the perfect season to enjoy fresh flavors. There are also many shops selling local specialties and crafts, so you can enjoy shopping 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).