Hokkaido's cherry blossoms can be enjoyed until May! 13 cherry blossom viewing spots in 4 areas of Hokkaido
The climate in the large island of Hokkaido differs from area to area, resulting in a variety of cherry blossom viewing times and types. Ezo-yamazakura and chishimazakura cherry trees bloom robustly in the cold northern and eastern areas, someiyoshino cherry trees bloom brightly in the relatively warm southern areas and around Sapporo, and yaezakura cherry trees are at their best in mid-May, when spring is in full bloom. Why not follow the cherry blossom front as it slowly moves northward on its journey through spring in Hokkaido?
Asahikawa/Biei/Furano Area
- 1 Asahiyama Park
- 2 Tokiwa Park
- 3 Kaguraoka Park
- 4 Row of cherry trees by the University of Tokyo Arboretum
Sapporo/Otaru Area
Noboribetsu/Toya Area
Donan/Hakodate Area
Asahikawa/Biei/Furano Area
1Asahiyama Park
Cherry blossom viewing spots adjacent to Asahiyama Zoo
Asahiyama Park" is located next to the popular "Asahiyama Zoo" and is spread out on the slopes of a hill named "Asahiyama". There are 3,500 Ezo Yamazakura cherry trees in the park, especially from the parking lot of the park to the Azumaya in the middle of the hillside. From the entrance, you can look up at the mountain softly tinted in light pink, and if you climb a gentle slope and look back, you can see a panoramic view of Asahikawa city over the cherry blossoms.
The best time to view the cherry blossoms is usually from early to mid May, when the "Night Cherry Blossom Festival" is held every year. Since the use of fire is permitted from the blooming of cherry blossoms until the end of May, many people enjoy barbecues and Genghis Khan.
Blooming season] Usually from late April to early May.
Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Usually from early May to mid-May.
Cherry blossom type: Ezo-yamazakura (Cherry trees of the Ezo Yamazakura genus)
▼ Asahiyama Park Night Cherry Blossom Festival
Schedule: April 29 - May 3, 2025 Schedule
- Asahiyama Park
-
Kuranuma, Higashi Asahikawa-cho, Asahikawa-shi, Hokkaido MAP
20 min. by car from JR Asahikawa Station
From JR Asahikawa Station, take the Asahikawa Electric Railway bus No. 41, 42, or 47 bound for Asahiyama Zoo. 15 min. walk from Zoo Main Gate stop.
0166-52-1934 (Asahikawa Parks and Greenspace Association), 0166-36-6811 (garden reception)
Free of charge
2Tokiwa Park
Within walking distance from Asahikawa Station. A great place to stop by while sightseeing.
Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2016, Jouban Park is the oldest park in Asahikawa and has been selected as one of the "100 Best Urban Parks in Japan. The park is also close to the city center, making it an attractive place to visit while sightseeing in Asahikawa.
In addition to about 200 Ezo-yamazakura cherry trees in the park, weeping cherry trees and Ezomurasaki azalea flowers bloom around Chidorigaike Pond, which looks beautiful against the green lawn. The reflection of weeping cherry blossoms on the surface of the pond is unbelievably beautiful. Boating is also popular, where visitors can view the surrounding cherry blossoms from the top of the pond.
The blossoms of the large, white, northern pampas grass begin to bloom around the end of April, followed by the Ezo-yamazakura, weeping cherry, and Ezo-murasaki azalea in early to mid-May, making for a spectacular season.
Flowering season: Usually from late April to early May.
Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Usually from early May to mid-May.
Cherry blossoms: Ezo-yamazakura, weeping cherry, someiyoshino
- Tokiwa Park
-
Tokiwa Park, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido MAP
15 min. walk from JR Asahikawa Stn.
0166-52-1934(Asahikawa City Parks and Greenspace Association)
Free of charge
3Kaguraoka Park
Enjoy cherry blossom viewing with Hokkaido squirrels in a park full of nature.
Kaguraoka Park, located 3 km southeast of the center of Asahikawa City, also boasts a history of over 100 years. The park is characterized by its natural terrain, and the forests where small animals and wild birds such as Ezo squirrels and red woodpeckers live are ideal for walks and picnics.
There are about 200 cherry trees in the park, mainly Ezo-yamazakura, and the cherry blossom viewing season is from early to mid May. It is nice to sit on the green grass and leisurely view the cherry blossoms spreading above you, but since many of the cherry trees are taller than those in other parks and bloom higher, you can enjoy more gorgeous scenery by viewing them from a little distance.
Blooming season] Usually from late April to early May.
Best viewing time: Usually early to mid May.
Ezo-yamazakura (Cherry Blossom) and others.
- Kaguraoka Park
-
Kaguraoka Park, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido MAP
20 min. walk from JR Asahikawa Sta.
From JR Asahikawa Station, take the Asahikawa Electric Railway Bus No. 82 bound for Minami High School or No. 84 bound for Hijirino 1-1. 10 min. walk from Kamikawa Jinja-mae Bus Stop.
0166-52-1934 (Asahikawa Parks and Greenspace Association), 0166-65-5553 (Green Center)
Free of charge
4Cherry blossom trees by Todai Arboretum
The rows of cherry trees look beautiful against the backdrop of lingering snow in the mountains.
The University of Tokyo Arboretum in Furano City is a Property owned by the University of Tokyo for forestry research. It is open to the public, and visitors can see a variety of trees, including Ezo spruce, larch, beech, and poplar.
Cherry trees can be seen inside the park, but the most famous cherry blossom viewing spot is outside the arboretum, along Route 38, where a row of 600 Ezo-yamazakura cherry trees stretches for about 500 meters. The pink cherry trees lining both sides of the road, the blue sky, and the snow-capped mountains are the very essence of spring in Hokkaido. The area is also a popular photo spot, attracting many people who drive here around mid-May, when the cherry blossoms are at their best.
Blooming season] Usually from late April to early May.
Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Usually from early May to mid-May.
Cherry blossom type: Ezo-yamazakura (Cherry trees of the Ezo Yamazakura genus)
- Row of cherry trees by the University of Tokyo Arboretum
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Yamabe Ichi Naebutsu, Furano-shi, Hokkaido MAP
Approx. 20 min. by car from JR Nemuro Main Line Yamabe Furano Station
Approx. 10 min. by Furano Bus from JR Nemuro Line Yamabe Station, approx. 1 min. walk from "Naebu" bus stop.
0167-23-3388(Furano Tourist Association)
Free of charge
Sapporo/Otaru Area
5Moerenuma Park "Sakura no Mori
A colorful fusion of light red cherry blossoms and colorful artwork
Moerenuma Park, designed by world-renowned artist Isamu Noguchi, is located on the outskirts of Sapporo and is loved by many as a park where nature and art are in perfect harmony.
The best place to visit at this time of year is an area called "Sakura-no-mori" (cherry blossom forest). The cherry trees bloom from late April to early May, in order: the Ezo-Yamazakura cherry tree, the slightly smaller Kasumi cherry tree, the Chishimazakura cherry tree, and the Yaezakura cherry tree with its lovely ruffled petals. The pink gradation of the cherry blossoms and the blue blossoms of the cherry trees are all in full bloom. The contrast between the pink gradation of the cherry blossoms, the blue sky, and the colorful playground equipment makes for a beautiful artistic space.
Blooming season] Usually from late April to early May.
Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Usually from early May to mid-May.
Cherry blossom types: Ezo-yamazakura, kasumi zakura, chishima zakura, and yae-zakura.
- Moerenuma Park
-
1-1 Moerenuma Park, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido MAP
Approx. 30 min. from JR Sapporo Station by car
7:00-22:00 (varies according to each Property in the park)
No holidays (some properties in the park are closed on certain days)
011-790-1231
Free of charge
Some areas are undergoing renovation and are not available for use.
Winter Sports Equipment Rental
Period: January 6, 2026 (Tue) to mid-March) *Closed on Mondays (Tue if the Monday is a national holiday)
Hours: 10:00 - 16:00 (last return time)
Rental location: Glass Pyramid 1F Shop *Present your ID card
6Maruyama Park
Enjoy cherry blossoms and Genghis Khan at a recreational spot for Sapporo citizens
Maruyama Park, a vast site with a baseball stadium and a stadium, is known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Sapporo. The area around the park management office and where the Sakashita Baseball Stadium is located are home to approximately 150 Ezo-Yamazakura cherry trees, Someiyoshino cherry trees, Yae-zakura cherry trees, weeping cherry trees, and other cherry trees.
The cherry blossoms open around G.W., when the Ezo-Yamazakura cherry trees are in full bloom. The Ezo-Yamazakura cherry trees bloom first, followed by other cherry trees such as Someiyoshino cherry trees. In addition, since fires are permitted in the park when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, you can see many Genghis Khan parties.
Blooming season] Usually from late April to early May.
Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Usually from early May to mid-May.
Cherry blossoms: Ezo-yamazakura, Someiyoshino, Yae-zakura, and Shidare-zakura (weeping cherry).
- Maruyama Park
-
Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, etc. MAP
5 minutes walk from Maruyama Koen Station on the Subway Tozai Line
Take JR bus from Maruyama Koen Sta. on the Subway Tozai Line, and get off at Zoo-mae, Sogo Ground-mae, or Maruyama Nishimachi 2-chome.
011-621-0453
None
7Nakajima Park
An urban oasis where you can enjoy a spectacular and photogenic view
Located at the southern end of Susukino, Hokkaido's largest downtown area, this urban park is within walking distance from the city center. The greenery of the trees along the waterfront and the chirping of wild birds make you forget the hustle and bustle of the city, and it is a garden of relaxation for the citizens of Sapporo. It is also a popular sightseeing spot for Sapporo tourists, and is home to important cultural properties such as "Toyohirakan," the official residence of Emperor Meiji, and "Hachimono-an," a tea house built in the early Edo period (1603-1868).
In late April, about 400 cherry trees, including Ezo-yamazakura, are at their best, and the park is covered with bright shades of pink. There are various spots where visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, such as the rows of cherry trees stretching from the park's north entrance into the park, and the collaboration between the retro-modern Toyohirakan and the yaezakura cherry trees. The weeping cherry tree in the Japanese garden adjacent to Hachimonian is a spectacular sight that you should definitely capture on your camera.
Flowering season: Usually from late April to early May.
Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Late April to early May.
Cherry blossom types: Ezo-yamazakura, Someiyoshino, Shidare-zakura, Yae-zakura, and Chishimazakura (Chishima-zakura).
- Nakajima Park
-
1 Nakajima Koen, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido MAP
Short walk from Nakajima Koen Sta. on the Namboku Subway Line.
Free *Tennis court is charged.
011-511-3924 (Nakajima Park Management Office)
No parking (use nearby toll parking)
8Temiya Park
A spectacular view of Otaru Port and cherry blossoms in full bloom
Located on a small hill in the northern part of Otaru City, this comprehensive park offers a panoramic view of Otaru Port and the city. There is a chestnut forest, which is said to be the northern limit of natural forests, and the "Temiya Arboretum," where many people take a leisurely stroll. Approximately 690 cherry trees are planted in the park, and the best time to view them is from early to mid-May.
The sloping topography of the park allows you to see the expressive cherry blossoms from various angles, which is only possible in Otaru, a town of slopes. The curve a little further down from the park parking lot is a viewing spot where you can see Otaru Port below. On a clear day, the pink color of the cherry blossoms stands out vividly against the blue of Otaru's sea and sky, and you cannot help snapping your shutter.
Temiya Arboretum is also known for its azaleas, and in mid-May, you can enjoy the collaboration of early-blooming azaleas and yaezakura (cherry blossoms).
Flowering season: Usually from late April to mid-May.
Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Usually early to mid May.
Cherry blossom types: Ezo-Yamazakura, Somei-Yoshino, etc.
- Temiya Park
-
2-5 Temiya, Otaru City, Hokkaido MAP
Approximately 7 minutes from JR Otaru Station by car
Take a bus from JR Otaru Station, get off at Temiya, and walk 10 min.
Temiya Arboretum 9:00-17:00
Temiya Arboretum: November 1 - mid-April
0134-32-4111 (Parks and Greenery Division, Construction Project Office, Otaru City)
Free of charge
Noboribetsu/Toya Area
9Usu Zenkoji Temple
Enjoy cherry blossom viewing at Hokkaido's oldest flower temple.
With a history of over 1,200 years, this is Hokkaido's oldest historic temple. It is known as a "temple of flowers" where cherry blossoms, azaleas, buttons, hydrangeas, and other flowers adorn the temple grounds each season. The hill behind the temple grounds leads to a nature park, where nearly 1,000 cherry trees of various kinds bloom one after another in spring, making it a popular place to enjoy cherry blossom viewing over a long period of time.
The contrast between the thatched roof of the atmospheric main hall and the over 200 year old cherry blossom trees is quite picturesque. The famous "Ishiwari-zakura" (stone-wari cherry blossoms) are particularly captivating, with their strong roots and spreading branches breaking through the huge rocks. The large cinders of Mt. Usu scattered on the hillside and the cherry blossoms, as well as the cherry blossom tunnel and weeping cherry trees near the parking lot in the park, provide many photo-worthy spots.
Blooming season: Usually from late April to mid-May.
Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Usually early May.
Cherry blossom types: mountain cherry, someiyoshino, yaezakura, weeping cherry, etc.
- Usu Zenkoji Temple
-
124 Usu-cho, Date-shi, Hokkaido MAP
Approx. 4 min. by car from JR Usu Station
Approx. 20 min. walk from JR Usu Station
Zenkoji Nature Park 9:00-17:00 (mid-April to late October)
Zenkoji Treasure Museum 9:00-17:00 (reservation required)
Open daily *Please note that the museum may be closed for certain reasons.
Zenkoji Treasure Museum 500 yen for adults, 400 yen for high school students and younger
0142-25-2722(NPO Datotourist Association)
Free (1,000 yen per bus)
10Cherry Blossom-lined Trees under Bokoi Fuji
A tunnel of cherry blossoms carefully preserved in Muroran, a town of hills
Muroran City is located in the southwestern part of Hokkaido. As its name derives from the Ainu word "mo-ruelani" (small, downhill road), it is a town with many slopes.
Muroran's most famous cherry blossom viewing spot, the "rows of cherry trees under the Mt. Fuji" is located in a residential area near Momoshi Station, one stop before Muroran Station on the JR Muroran Main Line. About 130 cherry trees of 29 varieties bloom as if they were enveloping the gently sloping road. Among them are rare cherry trees such as the Shiogama cherry tree, a national natural treasure, which was transplanted to Shiogama Shrine in Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture, after three years of work to obtain permission. When the cherry trees are in bloom, lanterns are lit, creating a fantastic night view of cherry blossoms. Parking is not available in the surrounding area, as it is a residential area. Please be considerate of the residents while enjoying the cherry blossoms.
Flowering season: Usually from early May to early June.
Best time to view the cherry blossoms: Usually from early May to mid-May.
About 29 varieties of cherry trees, including Someiyoshino and kanzan cherry trees.
- Cherry blossom trees lined with cherry blossoms under the Haha Koi Fuji
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1 Homoikitamachi, Muroran City, Hokkaido MAP
Approx. 3 min. walk from JR Hahaikoi Station
0143-23-0102(Muroran Tourist Association)
None
Donan/Hakodate Area
11Matsumae Park
Enjoy the relay of 10,000 blooming cherry trees in Hokkaido's only castle town
Located at the southern tip of Hokkaido, Matsumae-cho is the northernmost castle town in Japan. Fukuyama Castle (Matsumae Castle), the only Japanese-style castle in Hokkaido, was rebuilt in 1960, and offers an Edo-style scenery that is rare in Hokkaido.
Matsumae Park, where Matsumae Castle is located, is one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Hokkaido, with 10,000 cherry trees of about 250 varieties. About 80% of the cherry trees are yae-zakura, and a relay of cherry trees of various colors and shapes bloom in early, mid, and late blooms over a period of about a month. The park is also home to the "Three Famous Trees," consisting of the "Kechi-kei" cherry tree at Kozenji Temple, which is said to be over 300 years old, the "Ezo Kasumi" cherry tree at Ryuunin Temple, and the "Meotozakura" couple cherry tree at Tenjinzaka-mon Gate, offering a wide range of attractions. It takes about 2 hours by car from Hakodate City, but it is well worth the trip.
Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival
Date: April 19 (Sat) - May 11 (Mon), 2025
Place: Matsumae Park
Flowering season: Usually from mid-April to late May
Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Usually early May
Somei-Yoshino, Nanden, Itotsuke, etc.
- Matsumae Park
-
Aza Matsushiro, Matsumae-cho, Matsumae-gun, Hokkaido MAP
Approximately 80 minutes from JR Kikonai Station by car
Approx. 10 min. walk from "Matsushiro" bus stop after taking the bus from JR Kikonai Station.
Approximately 2 hours by car from Hakodate City
Matsumae Castle Museum & Matsumae Clan Residence 9:00-17:00
Varies according to Property
Matsumae Castle Museum and Matsumae Clan Residence charge a fee.
0139-42-2275 (Matsumae Town Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division)
Free (fee required during the Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival)
12Goryokaku Park
The star-shaped blossoms framed in pink are a unique and spectacular sight.
Goryokaku" was the stage for the tumultuous period from the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate to the Meiji Era. Goryokaku was developed into a park in the Taisho Period (1912-1926) and is now one of Hakodate's most popular tourist attractions. In spring, approximately 1,500 cherry trees, mostly Someiyoshino, bloom, attracting many flower watchers.
Goryokaku Tower, located next to Goryokaku, is a must-see viewpoint. From the 90-meter-high, 360° glass-walled observation deck, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the star-shaped moat clearly framed by cherry blossoms. We also recommend strolling along the promenade along the moat or enjoying a walk on the water in a rowboat, and viewing the cherry blossoms from various angles. During the cherry blossom viewing period from late April to early May, the cherry blossoms are illuminated by lanterns at night after dark.
Blooming season: Usually from late April to early May.
Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Usually late April.
Someiyoshino cherry trees, yaezakura cherry trees, and weeping cherry trees.
- Goryokaku Park
-
44 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido MAP
Take a streetcar from JR Hakodate Stn. and get off at Goryokaku Koen-mae (Goryokaku Park). 10 min. walk.
Kaku-nai (inside the moat) April-October 5:00-19:00, November-March 5:00-18:00
Goryokaku Tower 9:00-18:00 (observation deck admission until 17:50)
No
Goryokaku Tower Adults 1,200 yen, middle and high school students 900 yen, elementary school students 600 yen
0138-31-5505 (Management Office)
0138-51-4785 (Goryokaku Tower)
No parking (use nearby toll parking)
Light-up schedule must be confirmed.
Reservations and inquiries for Genghis Khan set: 090-6694-7500 (Sun Fresh Service Co., Ltd.)
13Hakodate Park
A garden of relaxation for Hakodate residents with a view of the Tsugaru Straits beyond the cherry blossoms
Located at the foot of Mt. Hakodate, the park is home to approximately 360 cherry trees, mainly Someiyoshino cherry trees. The park preserves the building of the former Hakodate Museum No. 1, which opened in the Meiji period (1868-1912), creating a beautiful contrast between the exotic Western-style building and the pale pink cherry blossoms. The undulating topography of the park makes it attractive for photographing from a variety of viewpoints. Climbing Mt. Meiji in the park, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire park with cherry blossoms in full bloom, as well as Tachimachimisaki and the Tsugaru Straits, and even the Tsugaru Peninsula on a clear day.
During the cherry blossom viewing period, the park is crowded with people enjoying barbecue and nighttime cherry blossom viewing, with stalls and nighttime lights. There is also a mini amusement park with Japan's oldest Ferris wheel and a mini zoo with miniature horses, peacocks, rabbits, and other animals, making it a great place for cherry blossom viewing with small children.
Flowering season: Usually from late April to early May.
Best time to see the cherry blossoms: Late April to early May every year
Someiyoshino cherry trees, Ezo-yamazakura cherry trees, Oshima cherry trees, kanzan cherry trees, etc.
- Hakodate Park
-
17 Aoyanagi-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido MAP
Take a streetcar from JR Hakodate Stn. and get off at "Aoyagi-cho" stop. 3 min. walk from the stop.
Always Property in the park differs from each other.
No Property in the park differs from each other.
Children's Land" playground equipment is available for a fee.
0138-22-6789 (Seibu Park Office)
Only 4 spaces are available for disabled persons.
MAP
- Asahikawa/Biei/Furano Area
- Sapporo/Otaru Area
- Noboribetsu/Toya Area
- Donan/Hakodate Area
- Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby



