AugustHakodate Port Festival
Hokkaido ・ Hakodate
Usually August 1–5 (fireworks on the first day, parades on the 2nd and 3rd)
Cherry Blossoms · Hokkaido
Matsumae Park
MatsumaeCastle🌸 Typical peak: Late Apr – Mid May✦ Night sakura
Overview
Overview
A cherry blossom spot centered on Matsumae Castle in Matsumae, Hokkaido’s only castle town. About 10,000 cherry trees of some 250 varieties are planted here, and because the varieties bloom one after another from early to late, you can enjoy hanami over a long period.
- Address
- Matsushiro, Matsumae-cho, Matsumae-gun, Hokkaido
- Time needed
- About half a day (including a walk around the temple district)
- Official website
- https://www.hakobura.jp/spots/359
Area weather
HakodateWeather and what to wear in Hakodate →Tours & tickets for this areaPR
Peak Time
When to See the Blossoms
Typical peakUsually late April to mid-May (until late May for some varieties)
March
April
May
Each variety blooms at a different time, so the cherries you can see change with the period. Check Matsumae Town and tourism association information for the latest bloom conditions
Peak times are typical guides. Blooming and full bloom shift with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights
Highlights
Cherry blossoms against the castle keep are the iconic view. The “Meoto-zakura” (Married Couple Cherry) at the Tenjinzaka Gate is an unusual tree that bears two varieties, Somei-yoshino and Nanden, on one trunk, and the “Kechimyaku-zakura” at Kozenji Temple is an old tree said to be the parent of Nanden, Matsumae’s signature variety. The “Ezo Kasumi-zakura” at Ryuun-in Temple is a variety whose flowers and leaves open at the same time, and there is also a “Cherry Sample Garden” collecting varieties from old ones to newly developed ones.
📷 Best views
Matsumae Castle and cherry blossoms
Matsumae’s signature view, with the castle keep as a backdrop
Meoto-zakura (Tenjinzaka Gate)
Somei-yoshino and Nanden blooming on a single tree
Kechimyaku-zakura (Kozenji Temple)
An old tree about 300 years old, said to be the parent of Nanden
Cherry Sample Garden
A garden collecting varieties from old to new
Illumination
Night illumination
- Period
- Usually during the cherry blossom festival
The cherry trees and castle are illuminated at night
Hours
Opening hours
Matsumae Castle Museum and Matsumae Clan Yashiki9:00–17:00
The park is open to all
Hours can change during the cherry blossom season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
Admission
Admission
ParkFree
Matsumae Castle Museum and Matsumae Clan Yashiki are paid
Parking (during the cherry blossom festival)¥500 per entry
Free outside the festival period
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓With so many varieties blooming at different times, you may still be able to enjoy late-blooming cherries after the Somei-yoshino are over
- ✓By public transportation it’s about 90 min by route bus from Kikonai Station. For a day trip from Hakodate, plan with plenty of time to spare
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Matsushiro bus stopAbout a 7 min walkAbout 90 min by bus from JR Kikonai Station (Hokkaido Shinkansen)
- From major stations & airports
- Hakodate: By car (About 2 hours)
- JR Kikonai Station: Route bus (About 90 min)
- By car & traffic restrictions
- Parking available (about 150 spaces). Paid during the cherry blossom festival (¥500 per entry)
- Getting back
- Buses to Kikonai Station are limited, so check the time of your return bus in advance
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- Weekends and Golden Week during the cherry blossom festival
Weather
Temperature & what to wear
- Typical temperatures
- Hakodate normals: April high 12.0°C, low 2.8°C; May high 17.0°C, low 8.0°C (JMA). Matsumae is a seaside town some distance southwest of Hakodate
- What to wear & bring
- The sea wind tends to make it feel colder, so bring a warm, windproof jacket
Events
Events & festivals in Hakodate
August
DecemberHakodate Christmas Fantasy
Hokkaido ・ Hakodate
Usually starts in late November to early December and runs until December 25
2026: Dec 1 (Tue) – Dec 25 (Fri)
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossoms in Hokkaido
Park
Park
Park
Avenue & old townShizunai Nijukken Road Cherry Blossom Avenue
Hokkaido ・ Shinhidaka
🌸 Typical peak: Early May – Mid May
ParkPeak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Bloom conditions and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-06
