Every spring, cherry blossoms grace us with their stunning beauty. While pink and white blossoms are famous, have you ever heard of "green cherry blossoms"? Known as "Gyoiko-zakura," these cherry blossoms boast a unique beauty all their own. This article will introduce the characteristics of Gyoiko-zakura and highlight spots where you can see them in Ebetsu, as well as in Sapporo and Otaru.

Gyoiko-zakura are a type of cherry blossom characterized by their green petals, unlike typical cherry trees. These blossoms are known for opening slowly. When they first bloom, they are a strong green color, which gradually mixes with pink over time. In Ebetsu, they usually start blooming in late April and reach their peak in mid-May, although they are expected to bloom earlier this year.

This photo was taken on May 13, 2023. You can already see some pink flowers.

On the same Gyoiko cherry tree, this flower had turned almost entirely pink.

In Ebetsu, you can see Gyoiko-zakura at the Ebetsu Public Health Center in Nopporo. It's about a 17-minute walk from JR Takasago Station, or right next to the Chuo Bus "Hokensho-mae" bus stop. The cherry trees are on the premises, but you can fully enjoy their beauty from the sidewalk.

The Gyoiko cherry tree is just a stone's throw from the bus stop.

When this photo was taken, a magnificent cherry tree was also in bloom next to it.

Besides Ebetsu, you can also see Gyoiko-zakura in other areas like Sapporo and Otaru. In Sapporo, Maeda Forest Park and Hoshimi Ryokuchi Park in Teine Ward are well-known spots. In Otaru, you can find them in Otaru Park. Additionally, there are Gyoiko-zakura at Usu Zenkoji Nature Park in Date City and in the Noboribetsu Onsen town.

This spring, why not seek out these "green cherry blossoms" and experience a different side of the season?

Check these out too!