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[2025 Edition] 20 recommended cherry blossom spots in the Hakodate and Southern Hokkaido areas! Enjoy cherry blossom viewing in Hokkaido before anyone else
The southern Hokkaido area near Hakodate is home to many of Hokkaido's most famous cherry blossom viewing spots. In this article, we will introduce 20 cherry blossom viewing spots in the southern Hokkaido area near Hakodate that are perfect for this coming season. This is an area where spring arrives early even within Hokkaido, so why not enjoy cherry blossoms and cherry blossom viewing a little early?
Cherry blossom forecast for 2025 in the Hakodate and southern Hokkaido areas
Bloom date: Around April 18th last year / Around April 28th in an average year (as of April 10th) *Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan Meteorological Agency website
- Goryokaku Park (Hakodate City) - A star-shaped structure bordered in cherry blossoms seen from the tower
- A spectacular row of cherry blossom trees leading to the jin'ya at the "Matsumae Clan Hekiriji Jin'ya Ruins (Hokuto City)"
- Take a leisurely stroll under a tunnel of cherry blossoms at "Cherry Blossom Line Along the Ohno River (Hokuto City)"
- The 300-year-old weeping cherry tree "Hoki-ji Temple Weeping Cherry Tree (Hokuto City)" is as beautiful as a Japanese painting
- Late-blooming cherry blossoms can be seen in southern Hokkaido at the Trappist Monastery (Hokuto City)
- "Kiyokawa Senbonzakura (Hokuto City)" - A row of cherry trees that makes driving even more enjoyable
- Cherry blossom viewing camping under the cherry blossoms at Kamiiso Dam Park (Hokuto City)
- Hachironuma Park (Hokuto City): A luxurious place to relax and enjoy the cherry blossoms by the swamp
- Matsumae Park (Matsumae Town) is a living cherry blossom picture book where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms that were born in Matsumae.
- Ryuun-in Temple (Matsumae Town) is a famous tree that can only be seen here.
- The legendary cherry blossoms that are still talked about today: Kozenji Temple (Matsumae Town)
- A large panoramic view of cherry blossom trees and the Tsugaru Straits at Shigenai Shrine and Shigenai Observatory (Chiriuchi Town)
- A variety of cherry blossoms blooming in a historic park: Aobagaoka Park (Morimachi)
- Sawara Flower Road (Morimachi) - A flower road where you can enjoy double cherry blossoms and flowers of all seasons
- Oniushi Park (Morimachi): A great place to take a break and enjoy the cherry blossoms
- A beautiful contrast between the sea and weeping cherry blossoms at "Hokkeji Temple (Esashi Town)"
- The cherry blossoms reflected on the water are fantastic at "Oshamanbe Park Tomino Forest (Oshamanbe Town)"
- Saranbe Park (Yakumo Town): Relax and enjoy cherry blossom viewing in a park where you can also enjoy park golf
- The contrast between daffodils and cherry blossoms at Tamagawa Park (Setana Town)
- Imakanecho Comprehensive Park (Imakanecho) is a popular, idyllic spot where you can enjoy a panoramic view of cherry blossoms and the countryside.
1
Goryokaku Park (Hakodate City) - A star-shaped structure bordered in cherry blossoms seen from the tower
In spring, about 1,500 cherry trees bloom in Goryokaku Park. At the end of the season, the falling cherry blossoms cover the surface of the moat with petals, creating a "flower raft," which offers a different view from when the trees are in full bloom. In addition to cherry blossoms, there are also wisteria, azalea, water lilies, and other flowers, and the 1,800-meter promenade around the perimeter of the moat is recommended for jogging and walking.
■Opening hours: April to October 5:00 to 19:00 / November to March 5:00 to 18:00 ■ Fee: Free in the park (some facilities require admission fees) ■Address: 44 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate City Click here for details and maps of Goryokaku Park
2
A spectacular row of cherry blossom trees leading to the jin'ya at the "Matsumae Clan Hekiriji Jin'ya Ruins (Hokuto City)"
The Tokugawa shogunate ordered the Matsumae clan to build this jin'ya to strengthen the defense of Ezo when Hakodate Port was opened. The beautiful tunnel lined with cherry trees that leads to the remains of the jin'ya is known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. It has been developed as a historic park, and you can stroll around the inner sanctum, which still retains the appearance of the time, and enjoy the scenery that changes with the seasons.
■Address: 44 Nozaki, Hokuto City For more information and maps about the Matsumae Clan Tokiriji Jinya Ruins, please click here
3
Take a leisurely stroll under a tunnel of cherry blossoms at "Cherry Blossom Line Along the Ohno River (Hokuto City)"
About 100 cherry blossom trees, mostly Somei Yoshino cherry trees, line both sides of the town road Hongo Kawaramachi Dori Line, which runs north and south along the Ono River. From late April to early May, a 300m cherry blossom tunnel is created from Honmachi Seseragi Park to the Sports Center. A stroll surrounded by the sweet scent of cherry blossoms is a special experience.
■Location: Honmachi, Hokuto City, along the Ono River Click here for details and maps of "Cherry Blossom Trees Along the Ohno River"
4
The 300-year-old weeping cherry tree "Hoki-ji Temple Weeping Cherry Tree (Hokuto City)" is as beautiful as a Japanese painting
The weeping cherry tree in the grounds of Houkiji Temple blooms beautifully in spring. It is said to be over 300 years old and is about 12 meters tall, making it very rare and valuable to see a weeping cherry tree that has grown this large in Hokkaido. As it is a cherry tree that cannot be found in the surrounding area, many people come from far away to see the cherry blossoms. The branches are well shaped, and the sight of the flowers blooming all over the drooping branches is a sight worth seeing.
■Location: 1-14-13 Mukono, Hokuto City For details and maps of "Hokiji Temple Weeping Cherry Blossoms", please click here
5
Late-blooming cherry blossoms can be seen in southern Hokkaido at the Trappist Monastery (Hokuto City)
At the Trappist Monastery, you can enjoy the late-blooming cherry blossoms. Although it is located in the southern part of Hokkaido, where spring arrives earlier than anywhere else in Hokkaido, the monastery is planted with late-blooming cherry blossom varieties, so they begin to bloom after all the other famous cherry blossom spots in the city have finished blooming. You can see cherry blossoms at Naden, Fugenso, Amayadori, and other monasteries.
■Location: 392 Mitsuishi, Hokuto City Click here for details and maps of the "Trappist Monastery"
6
"Kiyokawa Senbonzakura (Hokuto City)" - A row of cherry trees that makes driving even more enjoyable
The cherry blossom-lined road stretches for about 1.8 kilometers along Route 96. 1,000 Somei-Yoshino and wild cherry trees were planted as part of a greening initiative with the participation of local residents to create a famous cherry blossom spot, and the area is filled with blossoms. It is a great place to take a leisurely stroll, and many drivers enjoy the cherry blossoms as a driving course.
■Location: 148 Nakano, Hokuto City Click here for details and maps of "Kiyokawa Senbonzakura"
7
Cherry blossom viewing camping under the cherry blossoms at Kamiiso Dam Park (Hokuto City)
The cherry blossom season at Kamiiso Dam Park is usually from early May to the end of May. During the season, many kinds of cherry blossoms, including Oyamazakura, Somei Yoshino, Kanzan, Naden, Fugenso, and Ukon, are in full bloom. The park can also be used as a campsite, and the colorful hydrangea flowers that bloom around August are also popular.
■Opening hours: Campground: Saturday, April 12, 2025 - Friday, October 31, 2025 ■ Fee: Tent site is free ■Location: Nozaki, Hokuto City For details and maps of "Kamiiso Dam Park", please click here.
8
Hachironuma Park: A luxurious place to relax and enjoy the cherry blossoms by the swamp
A place of relaxation filled with nature and the gentle fragrance of cherry blossoms blooming in the park in spring. It is a famous cherry blossom spot where families can enjoy a leisurely cherry blossom viewing. In early spring, kobushi flowers begin to bloom, followed by cherry blossoms and azaleas, and from early summer to autumn, when the greenery stands out, water lilies bloom in full glory.
■ Business hours: April 11th (Friday) 8:30 to November 3rd (Monday) (tentative) *This may change depending on snowfall and weather conditions. ■Location: 132 Mukono, Hokuto City For details and maps of "Hachironuma Park", please click here.
9
Matsumae Park (Matsumae Town) is a living cherry blossom picture book where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms that were born in Matsumae.
Matsumae Park is a large park that includes Matsumae Castle, Teramachi, and the tourist facility "Matsumae Clan Residence." It is a famous cherry blossom spot with 10,000 cherry trees of about 250 varieties that decorate the park. It is a spot that cherry blossom lovers cannot miss, with the beautiful combination of the castle and the cherry blossoms, the "Sakura Sample Garden" that can be said to be a living cherry blossom picture book, and the "Sakura Museum" that is open during the Sakura Festival.
■Location: Matsushiro, Matsumae-cho, Matsumae-gun Click here for details and maps of "Matsumae Park"
10
Ryuun-in Temple (Matsumae Town) is a famous tree that can only be seen here.
Ryuun-in Temple is the only temple that escaped burning during the Battle of Hakodate. There is a famous cherry tree called "Ezo Kasumi Sakura" in the temple grounds. Kasumi Sakura can be found all over Japan, but Dr. Misao Tatewaki, a botanical taxonomist and former professor at Hokkaido University, named the Kasumi Sakura in the grounds of Ryuun-in Temple "Ezo Kasumi Sakura" for historical reasons.
■Address: 305 Matsushiro, Matsumae-cho, Matsumae-gun For details and maps of "Ryuun-in Temple", please click here.
11
The legendary cherry blossoms that are still talked about today: Kozenji Temple (Matsumae Town)
Kozenji Temple is said to have been bestowed its mountain title and priest's robes by Emperor Gomizunoo. The "Kechimyaku Sakura" located within the temple grounds is a famous Nanden tree with a legend surrounding the spirit of the cherry tree. The tree is estimated to be over 300 years old and is the parent tree of "Nanden," a cherry tree that represents Matsumae.
■Address: 303 Matsushiro, Matsumae-cho, Matsumae-gun Click here for details and map information on "Kozenji Temple"
12
A large panoramic view of cherry blossom trees and the Tsugaru Straits at Shigenai Shrine and Shigenai Observatory (Chiriuchi Town)
From Ochouchi Shrine and the Ochouchi Observatory, you can get a panoramic view of the Ochouchi Plains, the Tsugaru Straits, etc. In spring, you can enjoy a grand panorama centered on about 500 cherry blossom trees in full bloom, lined up along a straight road about 3 km long.
■Location: Shigenai, Shinai-cho, Kamiiso-gun Click here for details and maps of "Okinai Shrine and Okinai Observatory"
13
A variety of cherry blossoms blooming in a historic park: Aobagaoka Park (Morimachi)
Aobagaoka Park is home to approximately 1,000 cherry trees of 717 varieties, including Yoshino cherry, and endemic species such as Morikomachi. The Cherry Blossom Festival, held every May, attracts over 100,000 visitors every year. In addition to the cherry blossoms, the park's Kayabe Chestnut Forest is a designated natural monument of Hokkaido.
■Address: Morimachi, Kiyosumi-cho 12 Click here for details and maps of "Aobagaoka Park"
14
Sawara Flower Road (Morimachi) - A flower road where you can enjoy double cherry blossoms and flowers of all seasons
The Flower Highway stretches for about 4km along National Route 278. Starting with the double cherry blossoms in late May, the marigolds and salvias bloom one after another, and lavender blooms in summer. The flowers continue to bloom until late October, pleasing the eyes of many passersby.
■Location: Morimachi Sahara City Area, Sahara National Route 278 Click here for details and maps of "Sawara Flower Road"
15
Oniushi Park (Morimachi): A great place to take a break and enjoy the cherry blossoms
A vast urban park where about 500 cherry trees bloom in the flowering season. It also has a roadside station, and is a popular rest stop for drivers as it is located along the national highway. From the Observatory Plaza in the park, you can see not only Funka Bay but also Mt. Yotei and Mt. Usu.
■Address: 326 Kamidaicho, Morimachi For details and maps of "Oniushi Park", please click here.
16
A beautiful contrast between the sea and weeping cherry blossoms at "Hokkeji Temple (Esashi Town)"
There is a large weeping cherry tree in the grounds of Hokkeji Temple, and every year around Golden Week, the entire tree is in full bloom. Because it is located on high ground, it is a popular spot with a beautiful contrast between the sea and the mountain gate of the Hiyama Magistrate's Office, the oldest structure in Hokkaido.
■ Business hours: 9:00-17:00 ■Price: High school students and above 300 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 150 yen ■Address: 71 Honmachi, Esashi-cho, Hiyama-gun Click here for details and maps of "Hokkeji Temple"
17
The cherry blossoms reflected on the water are fantastic at "Oshamanbe Park (Oshamanbe Town)"
In spring, cherry blossoms and azaleas bloom, and in summer, the waterside of the pond surrounded by natural stones is decorated with beautiful water lilies and irises. This is a vast general park adjacent to the "Tominono Forest" walking trail with a wonderful view where you can enjoy forest bathing, as well as playground equipment and sports facilities such as tennis courts.
■Address: 243-21 Tomino, Oshamanbe-cho Click here for details and map information on "Oshamanbe Park"
18
Saranbe Park (Yakumo Town): Relax and enjoy cherry blossom viewing in a park where you can also enjoy park golf
Sarambe Park is a place of relaxation and walking for the residents of Yakumo Town. In spring, it is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot with about 2,500 cherry trees in full bloom. In addition, there is a pond, an outdoor stage, a park golf course, and more, making it a great place for families to enjoy cherry blossom viewing.
■Address: 1-12 Sakaemachi, Yakumo-cho, Futami-gun Click here for details and maps of "Sarambe Park"
19
The contrast between daffodils and cherry blossoms at Tamagawa Park (Setana Town)
Tamagawa Park is located on a small hill overlooking the lush rice paddy landscape and Mt. Yurakubu. In addition to cherry blossoms, it is a famous spot for daffodils, with about 300,000 daffodils of about 30 varieties, the flower of Setana Town, planted. The best time to see the "Daffodil Square" is from late April to mid-May, so if you time it right, you can enjoy the contrast between the daffodils and the cherry blossoms.
■Address: 14-63 Niwa, Kitahiyama-ku, Setana-cho, Kuon-gun Click here for details and maps of "Tamagawa Park"
20
Imakanecho Comprehensive Park (Imakanecho) is a popular, idyllic spot where you can enjoy a panoramic view of cherry blossoms and the countryside.
Imakane-cho General Park, located on the hill behind the elementary school, is known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms and azaleas, and is also a place of relaxation for the townspeople. From the observation facility in the park, you can get a panoramic view of the townscape and rural landscape of Imakane-cho.
■Opening hours: Observation facility 9:00-17:00 *Closed from November 1st to April 30th ■Address: 48-1 Imakane, Imakane-cho, Setana-gun For details and maps of "Imakanecho Comprehensive Park", please click here.
*When enjoying cherry blossom viewing, please follow the rules established by each facility and area so that everyone can enjoy themselves! *The flowering dates are as of the time of publication. Please be sure to check the latest information before visiting the area.