[spring][ Hokkaido Hakodate City]Hakodate Port Festival A spring event in the port town with cherry blossoms
The Hakodate Port Festival is a seasonal event in Hakodate, Hokkaido, that celebrates the arrival of spring. This festival is held mainly in two famous cherry blossom spots, Hakodate Park and Goryokaku Park, and attracts many tourists. In spring, Hakodate, while it is still chilly, offers a special experience with over 1,000 cherry trees in full bloom, which, combined with the romantic atmosphere unique to port towns, offers a special experience. At Hakodate Park, you can enjoy a picturesque landscape where the historical scenery and cherry blossoms blend together. This place is a place of relaxation for locals, but also a great photo spot for tourists. Meanwhile, at Goryokaku Park, the moat surrounding the star-shaped fortress is decorated with cherry blossoms, and the cherry blossoms reflected on the water surface are fantastic. These two spots have different atmospheres and offer a variety of experiences to visitors. One of the features of the Hakodate Port Festival is that you can enjoy the culture and food unique to a port town along with the cherry blossoms. Fresh seafood and local specialties are sold at the food stalls, and meals while watching the cherry blossoms are exceptional. The area is also lit up at night, creating a fantastical landscape that is different from the daytime. This festival is a special event that allows visitors to feel the "Spring in Hakodate" with their whole body.
What is the appeal of the Hakodate Port Festival? A spring spectacle woven together by cherry blossoms and a port town
The Hakodate Port Festival is a seasonal event in Hakodate, Hokkaido, that celebrates the arrival of spring. This festival is held mainly in two famous cherry blossom spots, Hakodate Park and Goryokaku Park, and attracts many tourists. In spring, Hakodate, while it is still chilly, offers a special experience with over 1,000 cherry trees in full bloom, which, combined with the romantic atmosphere unique to port towns, offers a special experience. At Hakodate Park, you can enjoy a picturesque landscape where the historical scenery and cherry blossoms blend together. This place is a place of relaxation for locals, but also a great photo spot for tourists. Meanwhile, at Goryokaku Park, the moat surrounding the star-shaped fortress is decorated with cherry blossoms, and the cherry blossoms reflected on the water surface are fantastic. These two spots have different atmospheres and offer a variety of experiences to visitors. One of the features of the Hakodate Port Festival is that you can enjoy the culture and food unique to a port town along with the cherry blossoms. Fresh seafood and local specialties are sold at the food stalls, and meals while watching the cherry blossoms are exceptional. The area is also lit up at night, creating a fantastical landscape that is different from the daytime. This festival is a special event that allows visitors to feel the "Spring in Hakodate" with their whole body.
Introducing must-see spots! How to enjoy "Hakodate Park" and "Goryokaku Park"
▪️Hakodate Park Hakodate Park is a historic park that has been loved by citizens since the Meiji era, and is home to about 420 Somei Yoshino cherry trees. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the entire park is enveloped in pink petals, and the cherry blossom snow that falls when the wind blows is particularly impressive to visitors. The park also has a small zoo and children's playground equipment, making it a great place for families. The experience of walking through the park and passing through a tunnel of cherry blossoms is truly extraordinary. You can also experience the "cherry blossom viewing culture" where local people enjoy lunch boxes and drinks brought by locals. In addition, taking photos of the Ferris wheel with the cherry blossoms in the background is a popular activity for tourists. At Hakodate Park, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms in the bright light of the day or enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the illuminated trees at night, both of which are worth seeing. ▪️Goryokaku Park Goryokaku Park is one of Hakodate's iconic tourist spots, with about 1,600 cherry trees planted around the star-shaped fortress. This star-shaped design is extremely beautiful when viewed from above, and drone photography and the view from Goryokaku Tower are particularly popular. In spring, the moat is decorated with cherry blossoms, and the cherry blossoms reflected on the water's surface are as beautiful as a mirror. Another enjoyable experience unique to Goryokaku Park is taking a boat tour around the park. Rowing a boat slowly while admiring the cherry blossoms along the moat up close is an activity that is especially recommended for couples and families. In addition, the moat is lit up at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere that is completely different from the daytime.
model sightseeing plan to make the most of the Hakodate Port Festival
On the first day, in the morning, enjoy the cherry blossoms at Hakodate Park and have a snack at a local food stall. In the afternoon, move to Goryokaku Park and enjoy the view from Goryokaku Tower, then enjoy a stroll along the moat. In the evening, the park will be lit up, making it a romantic place to enjoy the cherry blossoms at night. On the second day, enjoy fresh seafood at the Hakodate Morning Market, then stroll around the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse area. In this area, you can purchase local craft beer and souvenirs exclusive to Hakodate. Finally, visit the historical architecture of the Motomachi area and fully experience the atmosphere of the port city, making it the perfect end to your trip to Hakodate.
[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.