Hokkaido offers plenty of spots to enjoy cherry blossoms. You’ll never run out of places to explore!
Although cherry blossoms bloom throughout Japan, from Okinawa to Hokkaido, the sakura season in Hokkaido comes later in 2025 due to its northern location, peaking in May.
If you missed the March-April sakura season in other regions, you can still enjoy the beauty of falling cherry blossoms in Hokkaido in May!
Here are the 6 best recommended places to see cherry blossoms in Hokkaido.
1. Goryokaku Park
Goryokaku Park is a historic site that once served as a battlefield during the Battle of Hakodate.
Around 1,600 cherry trees bloom along its star-shaped moat, creating a breathtaking view.
The best time to visit and enjoy the cherry blossoms here is from late April to early May. At night, illuminated cherry blossoms create a magical atmosphere, offering a unique “night sakura” experience.
In some areas of the park, visitors can even enjoy Genghis Khan (Mongolian barbecue) while admiring the cherry blossoms.
As the season ends, cherry petals fall into the moat, forming a stunning pink carpet on the water. For a spectacular view of this star-shaped park, head up to Goryokaku Tower!
📍 Location Details
- Best Blooming Time: Late April – Early May
- Japanese Name: 五稜郭公園 (Goryokaku Park)
- Address: 44 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
- Access: From JR Hakodate Station, take the city tram to “Goryokaku Koen-mae” stop, then walk about 15 minutes.
- Contact: 0138-31-5505
- Opening Hours: 5:00–19:00 (April–October), 5:00–18:00 (November–March)
- Admission: Free
2. Nijukken Road
Nijukken Road is a stunning 7-km-long cherry blossom corridor.
The name “Nijukken” comes from the 36-meter distance between the trees on both sides of the road.
This place is listed among, 100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan, 100 Best Roads in Japan, and Hokkaido Heritage Sites.
Around 70% of the cherry trees here are Ezoyama-zakura, a wild cherry blossom species native to Hokkaido. Many trees are over 80 years old.
The best time to visit is at midday, when the sunlight enhances the pink hues of the blossoms.
📍 Location Details
- Best Blooming Time: Early May – Mid-May
- Japanese Name: 二十間道路桜並木 (Nijukken Road Sakura Namiki)
- Address: Shizunai-Tahara & Shizunai-Misono, Hidaka District, Hokkaido
- Access: From JR Shizunai Station, take the Donan bus to “Noya” and get off at “Sakuraoka Elementary School,” then walk about 15 minutes.
- Contact: 0146-42-1000
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Admission: Free
3. Matsumae Park
Matsumae Park, surrounding Matsumae Castle, is home to 250 cherry blossom varieties and around 10,000 trees!
With an area of 213,500 m², this park is as large as 11 Taipei Arena stadiums!
It is famous for its three legendary cherry trees, Bloodline Sakura at Kōzen-ji Temple (over 300 years old), Ezo Kasumi Sakura at Ryūun-in Temple, and Meoto Sakura at Tenjin-zaka Gate.
📍 Location Details
- Best Blooming Time: Late April – Mid-May
- Japanese Name: 松前公園 (Matsumae Park)
- Address: Matsushiro, Matsumae Town, Matsumae District, Hokkaido
- Access: From JR Kikonai Station, take a bus to Matsumae, get off at “Matsushiro” stop, then walk about 7 minutes.
- Contact: 0139-42-2726
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Admission: Free
Read:
7 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Kanto 2025!
4. Noboribetsu Sakura Tunnel
In 1934, locals planted thousands of cherry trees along an 8-km road from JR Noboribetsu Station to the hot spring area to commemorate the birth of the Japanese Emperor.
Today, this has become one of Japan’s most famous sakura tunnels. If you’re driving, park nearby and take a leisurely stroll through the breathtaking pink corridor!
📍 Location Details
- Best Blooming Time: Early May – Mid-May
- Japanese Name: 登別桜並木 (Noboribetsu Sakuranamiki)
- Address: Nakanoboribetsu-cho, Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido
- Access: From JR Noboribetsu Station, take the Donan bus to “Noboribetsu Onsen” and get off at “San-ai Hospital” stop (about 7 minutes).
- Contact: 0143-84-3311
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Admission: Free
5. Moerenuma Park
Moerenuma Park is a world-class artistic landscape designed by renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi.
Its geometric layout combines nature and modern art, creating a harmonious scenery.
📍 Location Details
- Best Blooming Time: Early May – Mid-May
- Japanese Name: モエレ沼公園 (Moerenuma Park)
- Address: 1-1 Moerenuma Park, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Access: Take Chuo Bus No. 69, get off at “Moerenuma Park East Entrance”, then walk about 15 minutes.
- Contact: 011-790-1231
- Opening Hours: 7:00–22:00 (Last entry 21:00)
- Admission: Free
6. Temiya Ryokuka Botanical Gardens
Located in Otaru, Temiya Ryokuka Botanical Gardens experiences a slightly later sakura season due to its northern location.
The garden’s higher elevation provides an amazing view of cherry blossoms and Otaru Port.
Its hilly landscape adds to the charm, making it a perfect hanami (flower viewing) spot.
📍 Location Details
- Best Blooming Time: Late April – Early May
- Japanese Name: 手宮公園（手宮緑化植物園）(Temiya Park)
- Address: 5-10-1 Hanazono, Otaru City, Hokkaido
- Access: From JR Otaru Station, take a bus to “Temiya” stop, then walk about 10 minutes.
- Contact: 0134-32-4111
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
- Admission: Free
