The season to see cherry blossoms in full bloom has finally arrived in the northern land of Hokkaido!
Here are five spots where you can see beautiful cherry blossoms in Hokkaido.

■ Goryokaku Park (Hakodate City)

Goryokaku Park is a famous castle ruin known for its star-shaped pentagonal moat, making it a popular spot year-round. In spring, it becomes even more beautiful with 1,600 Yaezakura (double-flowered) and Somei Yoshino cherry trees blooming magnificently. This stunning view can also be enjoyed from the top of Goryokaku Tower. The best time to see them is from late April, making it a perfect addition to your Golden Week holiday plans. It's a bit of a walk from JR Goryokaku Station, so if a 20-minute walk is too much, taking a bus is convenient. Due to the influence of COVID-19 this year, parties and picnics are prohibited, but entry is allowed, so taking a stroll under the cherry blossoms is a great idea.

▼For more details, please see the Domingo spot page
Goryokaku Park

■ Odori Park (Sapporo City)

Home to landmarks like the Sapporo TV Tower, Odori Park is a popular destination for tourists. Located in the heart of Sapporo City, this 1,500-meter-long park offers the charm of enjoying lush nature amidst a bustling metropolis. It becomes even more beautiful during the cherry blossom season, which usually arrives around Golden Week. It's just one subway stop from Sapporo Station, but if you don't have much luggage, it's a pleasant 15-minute walk. We recommend accessing it on foot while enjoying the Sapporo cityscape. As it is a public park in the city center, parties are not allowed, but sitting on a bench under the cherry trees and gazing up at the blooming flowers will surely make you feel a sense of tranquility, forgetting you're in a big city.

▼For more details, please see the Domingo spot page
Odori Park

■ Maruyama Park (Sapporo City)

Located near the center of Sapporo, Maruyama Park allows visitors to enjoy a variety of beautiful plants and is one of Hokkaido's most representative cherry blossom spots. The best time to visit is from late April to mid-May. Maruyama Park is also very conveniently located, just a 3-minute walk from Maruyama-Koen Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway. Due to the impact of COVID-19 this year, the use of open flames is prohibited. Furthermore, visitors are asked to refrain from having parties on picnic sheets and to visit during less crowded times and days. Although there are some restrictions on how you can enjoy the park, the beauty of the cherry blossoms remains unchanged from previous years, so why not consider it as one of your cherry blossom viewing destinations?

▼For more details, please see the Domingo spot page
Maruyama Park

■ Asahiyama Park (Asahikawa City)

Adjacent to the famous Asahiyama Zoo, one of Hokkaido's leading zoos, Asahiyama Park is also a representative cherry blossom spot in Hokkaido. Located at the foot of Mt. Asahi at an altitude of just over 200 meters, the park offers beautiful views. The peak viewing season lasts from early to mid-May, and during this time, the cherry blossoms are lit up at night. The illuminated night cherry blossoms have a different, very magical atmosphere compared to the daytime. You can access the park by bus from JR Asahikawa Station. Using a rental car is also recommended.

■ Kitami Shrine (Rishirifuji Town)

Lastly, we introduce a cherry blossom spot on Rishiri Island, a remote island located near the northernmost part of Hokkaido. Since it's a shrine, parties are not allowed, but it is famous for being one of the last places in Japan where you can enjoy cherry blossoms. The best time to see them is, surprisingly, from late May. Around the time the rainy season begins on the mainland, cherry blossoms are in full bloom on Rishiri Island. Besides cherry blossoms, Rishiri Island is home to many other beautiful flowers growing wild, making it a must-visit island. You can reach the island via a 100-minute ferry ride from Wakkanai.