While central Japan sees its peak in late March, Hokkaido is the final stop for the “Sakura Front,” offering a breathtaking late-season experience for those who missed the bloom in Tokyo. We’ve updated our guide for the 2026 season to help you find the best spots in the north!
Cherry blossom forecast for 2026
In Hokkaido, the blossoms arrive much later, typically blooming from late April into early May—just in time for the Golden Week holidays.
- Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC):
- Predicted First Bloom (Sapporo): April 27, 2026
- Predicted Full Bloom (Sapporo): May 1, 2026
- WeatherNews Prediction (Sapporo):
- Predicted First Bloom: April 28, 2026
- Predicted Full Bloom: May 2, 2026
Note: Hakodate typically blooms a day or two earlier than Sapporo, while eastern areas like Kushiro can bloom as late as mid-May.
Note that the best viewing period is based on last year’s data.
Goryokaku Park
Goryokaku is a star-shaped pentagon fort and is symbolic of Hakodate. It was the location of the Boshin War, a war during the Meiji era between the new government’s forces and the old shogunate forces of the Edo era, and was where the old shogunate forces finally fled into. The Goryokaku, which is open to the public as a park today, is also known as a famous sakura spot. There are over 1,600 sakura trees blooming and soothing the hearts of those that come to see them. From the tower that overlooks Hakodate with a 360-degree view, the beautiful sakura that decorate the Goryokaku can be seen.
Illuminations take place every night from 19:00 until 21:00 during the sakura season. The Goryokaku Tower is a recommended place, from where you can see the beautifully lit up sakura. The pentagon shining in a pale pink light steals the hearts of its spectators.
Hokkaido Jingu
Hokkaido Jingu (shrine) was built under the command of the Meiji Emperor in 1872; its location was selected after careful research as part of the city planning. It is also a good location from the view point of Feng Shui, and is regarded as one of the most powerful spiritual places in Hokkaido. After the severe winter, spring in Hokkaido comes in a rush. Plum blossoms are usually in full bloom in early spring in other areas in Japan while cherry blossoms in mid spring. But in Hokkaido, they are in full bloom at the same time: you can see deep pink plum blossoms and pale pink cherry blossoms at once in the shrine area. They are at their best around the end of April to the middle of May every year.
Matsumae Park
Matsumae Park is a large area consisting of Matsumae Castle and a theme park Matsumae-Han Yashiki. It has many historic traces and is also a renowned sakura spot. The area surrounding Matsumae Castle has 10,000 sakura trees of 250 species and is selected as one of the 100 top sakura spots in Japan.
The park also has a rose and a peony garden as well as many flowers other than sakura, such as hydrangea and camellia. During sakura season, the Matsumae Sakura Festival is held, during which there are various specialty stands and events.
Super Convenient Google Map List
Worried about getting lost in this massive city? We’ve made a special cherry blossom viewing list on Google Maps! Add the list to your own google maps and enjoy basking in the glory of cherry blossoms.
