1 Enjoy a Cherry Blossom Festival in Hokkaido's Only Castle Town: "The 78th Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival" (Matsumae Town)

A cherry blossom festival held in Matsumae, Hokkaido's only castle town. The venue, Matsumae Park, is home to 10,000 cherry trees of about 250 varieties, allowing visitors to enjoy flower viewing over a long period. The sight of Matsumae Castle against the cherry blossoms is breathtaking, with a rich historical atmosphere. During the festival, there will be local folk performances, a local products fair, and food stalls, allowing you to fully enjoy a spring day.

2 Plenty of Nighttime Cherry Blossom Illuminations and Interactive Events: "The 77th Morimachi Cherry Blossom Festival" (Mori Town)

The "Morimachi Cherry Blossom Festival," which brightens up the spring in Southern Hokkaido, is held for about two weeks to coincide with the peak blooming season. Visitors can enjoy a variety of events, including singing shows, taiko drum performances, and interactive activities. There are also plenty of family-friendly attractions, such as a T-Rex race where participants compete in tyrannosaurus costumes, and inflatable play structures. At night, the illuminated cherry blossoms create a magical atmosphere.

3 The Forest on the Shores of Lake Shikotsu Becomes a Fantasy World of Light and Sound: "Lake Shikotsu ILLUMINA HISTORIA" (Chitose City)

"Lake Shikotsu ILLUMINA HISTORIA," an event weaving together light and sound, will be held for the first time at Lake Shikotsu. Set in the forest on the lake's shore, projection mapping and light displays will create a fantastical space. Top creators are involved in the story supervision and music direction, and special concerts with live readings and musical performances will be held during the event. This experience, where nature and art merge, is perfect for a spring evening out.

4 Handmade Works by Creators from Across Japan Gather in One Place: "Sapporo Handmade Marche 2026" (Sapporo City)

Approximately 1,200 booths by creators from all over Japan will line the venue, showcasing a wide variety of handmade items such as accessories, miscellaneous goods, and baked treats. One of the charms is being able to chat directly with the creators while choosing items. There are also plenty of workshops that even beginners can easily join, allowing you to experience not just the joy of buying, but also the "joy of making."

5 Enjoy Sake Tasting at Kobayashi Sake Brewery and Savor Local Cuisine: "Kuriyama Old-Established Shops Festival 2026" (Kuriyama Town)

This festival in Kuriyama Town has become established as Hokkaido's earliest spring festival. The "Kita no Nishiki Brewery Festival" will be held at Kobayashi Sake Brewery, where the brewery is opened to the public for enjoying limited-edition sake and tasting flights. At the same time, Tanida Seika will host the "Tanida Seika Kibi Dango Festival," featuring tours of their kibi dango (millet dumpling) production and sales of chopsticks. The "Furusato Inaka Matsuri" (Hometown Countryside Festival) will also be held concurrently, bringing together gourmet food from neighboring areas. At this one event, you can savor Kuriyama's sweets and sake, as well as proud culinary gems from surrounding areas.

6 Two Days Packed with the Charm of Railways, Featuring Goods and Models: "Railway Model Festival in Abira D51 Station" (Abira Town)

The popular "Railway Model Festival" will be held at the roadside station "Abira D51 Station" in Abira Town. A variety of trains, from Shinkansen and limited express trains to nostalgic classics, will run on an approximately 35-meter N-gauge track, making it enjoyable for railway fans and families alike. There will also be a treasure market with railway goods and models, as well as kamishibai (paper-storytelling) and picture book readings.

7 Experience Nature with Birch Sap Tapping and Snowshoeing: "The 28th Bifuka White Birch Sap Spring Festival" (Bifuka Town)

The "White Birch Sap Spring Festival" in Bifuka Town is a hands-on event to connect with the blessings of nature in the early spring forest. Starting with the Ainu ritual "Kamuinomi" to offer thanks to the gods, the festival offers a diverse program including birch sap tapping experiences, walking with traditional kanjiki snowshoes, and kite flying. Another highlight is listening to stories about nature while gathered around a bonfire. There will also be sales of local specialties and folk crafts, allowing you to enjoy the arrival of spring unique to the region.

8 A One-Night-Only Event to Enjoy Tokachi's Flavors and Local Sake: "Savoring Spring at Kamikawa Taisetsu Sake Brewery: A Tokachi Spring Banquet with Sake, Beer, and Food" (Obihiro City)

The one-night-only dinner event "A Tokachi Spring Banquet" will be held at Kamikawa Taisetsu Sake Brewery in Obihiro. Guests can enjoy sake from "Kamikawa Taisetsu Sake Brewery," beer from the Hokkaido organic craft beer brand "RIKKA," and dishes from "Nakamura Shokudo" made with local ingredients, all served buffet-style. This is a spring event recommended for adults, where you can savor the charm of Tokachi with all five senses in a relaxed atmosphere.

9 Featuring Food Trucks and General Goods Stalls: "'Haru yo Koi' (Come, Spring!) in Miyama-toge Art Park" (Kamifurano Town)

Miyama-toge Art Park will host a big event to celebrate the arrival of spring. The Trick Art Museum will be open at a special price, allowing visitors to easily enjoy an art experience. There will also be a special deal that includes a ride on the Ferris wheel and a cheese tart, as well as gourmet food from food trucks and a handmade market. Workshops and performances will also take place.

10 Around 400 Carp Streamers Swim in the Sky: "The 40th Jozankei Onsen Koinobori Streamers" (Sapporo City)

The "Koinobori Streamers" is a classic spring sight at Jozankei Onsen, known as Sapporo's backyard hot spring resort. Approximately 400 colorful carp streamers dance in the sky above the onsen town, adding vibrant color to the thawing valley. Another charm is the changing scenery, with cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, and spring foliage appearing throughout the season. The streamers used are collected from households that no longer need them, creating a heartwarming scene connected by the memories each streamer holds.