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

This cherry blossom festival is held in Matsumae Town, Hokkaido's only castle town. The venue, Matsumae Park, is home to approximately 10,000 cherry trees of about 250 varieties, allowing visitors to enjoy flower viewing over an extended period. The sight of Matsumae Castle against the backdrop of cherry blossoms is breathtaking and full of historical atmosphere. During the festival, you can enjoy local folk performances, product fairs, and gourmet food stalls, making for a perfect spring outing.

2 Featuring Nighttime Illuminations and Fun-filled Participatory Events: The 77th Morimachi Sakura Festival (Mori Town)

The 'Morimachi Sakura Festival,' which brightens the spring in Southern Hokkaido, is held for about two weeks to coincide with the peak cherry blossom season. It offers a variety of events, including song shows, taiko drum performances, and participatory activities. There are also plenty of family-friendly attractions, such as a T-Rex race where participants compete in Tyrannosaurus costumes, and inflatable play equipment. At night, the illuminated cherry blossoms create a magical atmosphere.

3 The Lakeside Forest of Lake Shikotsu Becomes a Fantastical Space with Light and Sound: Lake Shikotsu ILLUMINA HISTORIA (Chitose City)

'Lake Shikotsu ILLUMINA HISTORIA,' an event weaving together light and sound, is being held for the first time at Lake Shikotsu. Set in the lakeside forest, projection mapping and light displays create a fantastical space. Leading creators are involved in the story supervision and musical direction, and special concerts featuring readings and live music will be held during the event. This experience, where nature and art merge, is perfect for a spring evening outing.

4 Handmade Creations by Artists from Across Japan Gather in One Place: Sapporo Handmade Marche 2026 (Sapporo City)

Approximately 1,200 booths by artists from all over Japan will line the venue, showcasing a diverse array of handmade items such as accessories, general goods, and baked treats. One of the charms is being able to chat directly with the creators while choosing your items. Additionally, there are plenty of workshops that even beginners can easily join, allowing you to experience the 'joy of making' as well as buying.

5 Enjoy Sake Tasting at Kobayashi Sake Brewery and Savor Local Delicacies: Kuriyama Shinise Matsuri 2026 (Kuriyama Town)

This festival in Kuriyama Town has become established as Hokkaido's earliest spring festival. Several events are held simultaneously: at Kobayashi Sake Brewery, the 'Kita no Nishiki Sakagura Matsuri' opens the brewery to the public for tasting limited-edition sake and comparative flights; at Tanida Seika, the 'Tanida Seika Kibi Dango Matsuri' offers kibi dango factory tours and chopstick sales; and the 'Furusato Inaka Matsuri' brings together gourmet foods from neighboring regions. At this one festival, you can enjoy Kuriyama's sweets and sake, as well as proud culinary gems from the surrounding areas.

6 Two Days Packed with Railway Charm, Featuring Train Goods and Models: Railway Model Train Fes in Abira D51 Station (Abira Town)

The popular 'Railway Model Train Fes' will be held at the Michi-no-Eki (roadside station) 'Abira D51 Station' in Abira Town. A diverse range of vehicles, from Shinkansen and limited express trains to nostalgic classic models, 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 Kanjiki 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 where you can connect with nature's bounty in the early spring forest. It begins with the Ainu ritual 'Kamuy-nomi,' a prayer of thanks to the gods, and features a diverse program including birch sap tapping experiences, kanjiki snowshoeing, and kite flying. Another highlight is the chance to listen 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 unique arrival of spring in the region.

8 A One-Night-Only Event to Savor Tokachi's Flavors and Local Sake: 'Savoring Spring at Kamikawa Taisetsu Shuzo. An Evening of Tokachi Sake, Beer, and Food ' (Obihiro City)

A one-night-only dinner event, 'Tokachi, Spring Banquet,' will be held at the Kamikawa Taisetsu Shuzo brewery in Obihiro. Guests can enjoy a buffet featuring sake from 'Kamikawa Taisetsu Shuzo,' beer from the Hokkaido organic craft beer brand 'RIKKA,' and dishes from 'Nakamura Shokudo' made with local ingredients. This is a recommended spring event for adults, offering a chance to experience the charm of Tokachi with all five senses in a relaxed atmosphere.

9 Also Featuring Food Trucks and General Goods Stalls: 'Haru yo Koi' in Miyama-toge Art Park (Kamifurano Town)

Miyama-toge Art Park is hosting 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 Ferris wheel ride and a cheese tart, as well as gourmet food from kitchen cars and a handmade market. Workshops and performances will also take place.

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

'Keiryu Koinobori' is a spring tradition held in Jozankei Onsen, known as Sapporo's 'back parlor.' Approximately 400 colorful koinobori (carp streamers) dance in the sky above the hot spring town, bringing vibrant color to the snow-melted valley. Another charm is the changing scenery, which transitions with cherry blossoms, fresh green leaves, and spring foliage depending on the time. The streamers used are collected from households that no longer need them, creating a heartwarming scene connected by the memories each one holds.