2018 Japan Hokkaido Cherry Blossom Forecast And Best Viewing Spots!

The Japanese cherry blossom or Sakura are the symbols of springtime in Japan and it has long been adored by people across the globe. “Hanami” (Japanese: the act of cherry blossom viewing) has become a very popular activity in Japan for both locals and tourists during the spring season. So, are you ready to fly to Japan for these stunning white or pink flowers?  

Photo credit:  GaijinPot Blog

Generally, the cherry blossom trees blooming time can vary widely based on the geographical location within the country. Blooms usually open first in the southern region and blooming progresses northward, but the average time for appearing cherry blossom may vary depending on the weather conditions. 

Today, we share the 2018 cherry blossom forecast and best viewing spots in Hokkaido with you!

Hokkaido (Sapporo): Cherry Blossoms Start from Early May

2017: First day of blossoms (28-04-2017), Full bloom (03-05-2017)

2018: First day of blossoms -Early May (01-05-2018), Full bloom (estimated day): Early May (03 to 10 May)

Hokkaido is Japan’s most popular islands, and because it’s the northernmost island in Japan, it has the latest cherry blossom season. If you are planning to see the “Hanami” in Hokkaido, don’t miss out these popular sakura viewing spots.

Matsumae Park, Matsumae

Photo credit: good-hokkaido

Matsumae Park is known for Matsumae Castle, and this place is so famous for its cherry blossoms! Here reside about 250 species growing on about ten thousand cherry trees. Each species bloom according to their own cycle, so visitors are given a whole month for viewing the cherry trees here, starting from the end of April until mid of May.

Matsumae Park Official Website

Address: Matsushiro, Matsumae, Matsumae District, Hokkaido

By public transportation: From JR Kikonai Station, take a bus bound for Matsumae and get off at Matsushiro (bus takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes). The park is about seven minutes on foot from the bus stop.

Phone: 0139-42-2726 (Matsumae Tourist Association)

Shizunai Nijukken Highway, Hidaka

Photo credit: Japanphototrip

The cherry blossoms along Shizunai Nijukken Road are often said to be the best row of cherry trees in Japan, you’ll be so enjoyed with a seven-kilometer span of cherry trees.  This spot is on the list of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots and also part of the Hokkaido Heritage site.

Shinhidaka Tourism Association Official Website

Address: Shizunaimizono・Shizunaitahara, Shinhidaka, Hidaka District, Hokkaido

Directions by car: From the Hidaka-Mombetsu Interchange of the Hidaka Expressway, follow National Route 235 for one hour

Phone: 0146-42-1000 (Shinhidaka Tourist Association)

5. Maruyama Park (Sapp

Goryokaku Tower, Hakodate

Photo credit: Worldation.com

Goryokaku Tower is located in Hakodate, this park is a famous observatory in Hokkaido. The cherry blossoms at Gorykaku consist of about 1600 Yoshino cherry trees, their small pale flowers are a rarity in Hokkaido.

From the tower, you can look out over star-shaped Goryokaku park with stunning cherry blossoms view, at that time, the entire landscape is painted pink. 

Goryokaku Tower Official Website

Address: Goryokaku Park, Goryokaku, Hakodate, Hokkaido

Hours: 5 AM to 7 PM (April to October), 5 AM to 6 PM (November to March)

Moerenuma Park, Sapporo

Photo credit: Naverまとめ

Moerenuma Park is located in Sapporo, there is an area called “Sakura Forest” in the park, it’s the place where 2,300 trees spread out over 130,000 square meters. It is one of the largest numbers of cherry blossom trees in Hokkaido!

 The Moerenuma park was designed by the famous interior designer, Isamu Noguchi. Even the facilities and playground equipment in the park look like works of contemporary art, if you visit with your family, children would be happy at this place with unexpected playground equipment.

Moerenuma Park Official Website

Address Moerenuma-koen 1-1, Higashi-ku, Sapporo

Hours 7:00-22:00 (Park entrance closed at 21:00)

Telephone 011-790-1231 (Japanese only)

Triplisher.com Recommended trip

Hokkaido Cherry Blossom tour



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