Image source: Hokkaido Official Tourism Website
Hokkaido’s cherry blossoms are unique for their **later blooming season** and **diverse varieties**. Due to Hokkaido’s lower temperatures, cherry blossoms usually bloom from late April to early May, allowing you to enjoy a variety of blossoms like Somei Yoshino, Ezo-yamazakura, and Chishima-zakura — a perfect choice for late spring flower viewing! The latest Hokkaido cherry blossom forecast is out. Get ready for the 2026 Hokkaido cherry blossom guide, covering blooming times across all regions of Hokkaido and a comprehensive list of the top 10 popular viewing spots!
When Do Hokkaido Cherry Blossoms Bloom in 2026? What Varieties Are There?
Image source: Hokkaido Official Tourism Website
Due to its vast area and unique climate, Hokkaido offers a wide variety of cherry blossoms, including Hokkaido’s endemic Ezo-yamazakura, Japan’s most famous Somei Yoshino, the richly layered Yaezakura, and the latest blooming Chishima-zakura. With such diverse varieties and colors, you can enjoy a romantic scene of light and dark pink hues intertwined.
While cherry blossoms in mainland Japan typically bloom in late March, Hokkaido’s lower temperatures mean its blossoms appear about a month later, usually in late April. They bloom progressively from the southernmost Hakodate region all the way north to Wakkanai, offering beautiful cherry blossom viewing across Hokkaido from late April to late May! Here’s a breakdown of Hokkaido’s cherry blossom season from south to north:
When Do Cherry Blossoms Bloom Across Hokkaido? Blooming Times for 4 Major Regions
Southern Hokkaido: **Late April to Early May**, recommended spots: Goryokaku Park, Hakodate Park, Matsumae Park, Hokkeji Temple
Central Hokkaido: **Early May**, recommended spots: Nijukken Road Cherry Blossom Avenue, Sapporo Maruyama Park, Hokkaido Shrine, Lake Toya area
Northern Hokkaido: **Early May to Mid-May**, recommended spot: Asahiyama Park
Eastern Hokkaido: **Mid-May to Late May**, recommended spot: Seiryuji Temple
*Feb 12: Latest Blooming Forecast Update
On February 12, the 3rd cherry blossom forecast for 2026 was announced. This year, Hokkaido’s cherry blossoms are expected to bloom slightly earlier to noticeably earlier than the average year. Compared to last year, they might bloom around the same time or slightly later. The temperature forecast for April-May, which influences blooming, is expected to be higher than the annual average, thus the cherry blossom season will be slightly to noticeably earlier than usual. The cherry blossom front is predicted to reach Southern Hokkaido in late April, then advance northward to Northern and Eastern Hokkaido in early May. Even the Wakkanai area, which has the latest bloom nationwide, will begin to blossom in early May, marking the official end of the cherry blossom front. Full bloom is expected within approximately 5 days of opening. Hakodate is predicted to reach full bloom on April 28, and Sapporo on April 30. As full bloom is earlier this year than in previous years, it is recommended to plan your cherry blossom itinerary in advance.
Weathernews: Hokkaido Cherry Blossoms Start Blooming in Late April!
Japanese international weather information company Weathernews Inc. released its 2nd cherry blossom forecast for 2026 on January 28, predicting that temperatures from April to May will be higher this year. Therefore, the cherry blossom season may be about a week earlier than usual, expected to begin blooming in Hakodate on April 22 and continue northward until early May.
Hakodate: Cherry blossoms bloom 4/22
Sapporo: Cherry blossoms bloom 4/24
Muroran: Cherry blossoms bloom 4/28
Japan Meteorological Corporation: Hokkaido Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom by Early May!
Image source: Japan Meteorological Corporation
The Japan Meteorological Corporation released its 4th cherry blossom forecast for 2026 on February 5, with slight adjustments to blooming times in some areas compared to the previous forecast. According to the latest information, Sapporo is expected to bloom on April 30, and overall, most areas are predicted to bloom 1-2 days earlier than the last forecast. If you have already planned your cherry blossom trip, it is advisable to continue monitoring subsequent forecast changes to adjust your itinerary in real-time.
Image source: Japan Meteorological Corporation
The Japan Meteorological Corporation also simultaneously released its 2026 cherry blossom forecast on January 22, predicting that temperatures in January and February will be similar to previous years, while March temperatures will be higher. Therefore, the cherry blossom blooming period is expected to be similar to previous years, with Hokkaido’s cherry blossoms predicted to open in late April and reach full bloom in the first week of May.
Hakodate: Cherry blossoms bloom 4/23
Sapporo: Cherry blossoms bloom 4/25
Muroran: Cherry blossoms bloom 4/26
Where to Go for Cherry Blossoms in Hokkaido? Top 10 Spots to Note Down!
Goryokaku Park
Image source: Facebook@Goryokaku Tower
Goryokaku Park, located in Hakodate City in southern Hokkaido, is a Western-style fortress built at the end of the Edo period. Its star-shaped citadel design, meant to defend against foreign invaders, is visually unique and captivating, making it an iconic Hakodate landmark and a popular cherry blossom viewing spot every spring.
The park is home to approximately 1600 Somei Yoshino cherry trees, transforming the star-shaped citadel into a sea of pink. We recommend ascending the 107-meter-tall Goryokaku Tower to admire the entire park from above, resembling a giant pink star – a classic, must-capture scene in Hokkaido during spring!
Cherry Blossom Season: Late April to Early May
Address: 44 Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
Admission: Park is free, but a separate ticket is required to visit Goryokaku Tower (Adults 1000 yen, Middle/High School students 750 yen, Elementary school students 500 yen)
Opening Hours: April to October 5:00-19:00, November to March 5:00-18:00
For more travel tips on Goryokaku Park, please refer to: Goryokaku Park: Transportation, Opening Hours, and Must-See Cherry Blossoms & Million-Dollar Night View!
Hakodate Park
Image source: travel hakodate
Hakodate Park is Japan’s first Western-style park built by a local government, boasting a long history of nearly 150 years. Covering 4.8 hectares, the park features a zoo, amusement park, hiking trails, and various other facilities, making it rich and enjoyable even on regular days, and exceptionally charming during the spring cherry blossom season!
Hakodate Park is planted with approximately 400 Somei Yoshino and Yaezakura cherry trees, which bloom beautifully from late April to early May each year, adorning the entire park with a romantic pink ambiance. During the cherry blossom season, the park also hosts various stalls, snacks, and evening illumination events, adding to the fun and appeal of cherry blossom viewing, making it ideal for families to enjoy together.
Cherry Blossom Season: Late April to Early May
Address: 17 Aoyagi-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Matsumae Park
Image source: ikidane-nippon.com
Matsumae Park is one of Japan’s top 100 famous cherry blossom viewing spots, boasting a staggering 10,000 cherry trees of over 250 varieties, including early, mid, and late-blooming types. You can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms for up to a month.
Besides the common Somei Yoshino cherry trees, there are many precious wild varieties like Edo Higan cherry and Oyama cherry. Set against the historic Matsumae Castle ruins, the park exudes a strong classical ambiance and is a highly popular photography spot! During the cherry blossom season, Matsumae Park also hosts events such as song performances, samurai parades, and evening illuminations, offering a rich traditional Japanese experience.
Cherry Blossom Season: Early May
Address: Matsushiro, Matsumae-cho, Matsumae-gun, Hokkaido
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Hokkeji Weeping Cherry Tree
Image source: Hokkaido Official Tourism Website
Hokkeji Temple is a serene temple located in Hokuto City, Hokkaido. It is most famous for its 12-meter-tall weeping cherry tree, over 300 years old, which is one of Hokkaido’s largest trees and an iconic local symbol. Every spring, the Hokkeji weeping cherry tree bursts into delicate pink blooms, its branches gracefully cascading downwards like a pink waterfall—a spectacular sight rarely seen elsewhere. In late April each year, Hokkeji Temple also holds evening illumination events, making the weeping cherry tree appear even more ethereal under the lights. It’s highly recommended for those who wish to enjoy night cherry blossoms.
Cherry Blossom Season: Late April to Early May
Address: 1-14-13 Mukaiono, Hokuto, Hokkaido
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours, Night illumination 18:30-21:00
Nijukken Road Cherry Blossom Avenue
Image source: Hokkaido Official Tourism Website
Nijukken Road Cherry Blossom Avenue is Hokkaido’s most magnificent cherry blossom road. Stretching approximately 7 kilometers, it is lined with over 2,000 cherry trees, primarily Hokkaido’s unique Ezo-yamazakura. When in full bloom in spring, they form an endless pink tunnel. We recommend driving there to fully appreciate the cherry blossom avenue and stop along the way to admire the blossoms and distant mountain views. This beautiful and romantic scene has earned Nijukken Road Cherry Blossom Avenue accolades as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots and Top 100 Roads, making it a highly popular and unmissable cherry blossom destination in Hokkaido!
Cherry Blossom Season: Late April to Early May
Address: Shizunai-Tahara to Shizunai-Misono, Shinhidaka-cho, Hidaka-gun, Hokkaido
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Sapporo Maruyama Park
Image source: Hokkaido Official Tourism Website
Maruyama Park is a classic cherry blossom viewing spot in Sapporo, Hokkaido. The park is home to approximately 160 Ezo-yamazakura and Somei Yoshino cherry trees, which typically bloom from late April to early May each year. You can stroll and take photos along the cherry blossom tunnel within the park, or enjoy a picnic under the cherry trees, fully embracing the leisurely spring atmosphere.
Furthermore, during the cherry blossom season, Maruyama Park offers fire pit rentals, allowing visitors to prepare ingredients and cook meals directly in the park, enjoying Mongolian BBQ around a campfire—a quintessential Hokkaido-style cherry blossom experience!
Cherry Blossom Season: Late April to Early May
Address: Miyagaoka 3, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Hokkaido Shrine
Image source: Visit Sapporo
Hokkaido Shrine is located within Sapporo’s Maruyama Park, so you can plan to visit both spots for cherry blossom viewing. Hokkaido Shrine enshrines the deities who pioneered Hokkaido—Okunitama-no-kami, Onamuchi-no-kami, Sukunahikona-no-kami, and Emperor Meiji—making it Hokkaido’s largest and most important shrine.
Hokkaido Shrine is home to over 1,000 cherry trees, including diverse varieties such as Ezo-yamazakura, Somei Yoshino, and Yaezakura. When paired with the traditional Japanese shrine architecture, they create an even more tranquil and solemn atmosphere, offering a sense of peace for both mind and body.
Cherry Blossom Season: Early May
Address: 474 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Winter 7:00-16:00, Summer 6:00-17:00
For more on visiting Hokkaido Shrine, please refer to: Hokkaido Shrine Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the New Year) Must-See! Transportation, Popular Omamori, and Complete Visiting Guide
Lake Toya
Image source: Hokkaido Official Tourism Website
Lake Toya is Japan’s third-largest caldera lake, with a serene and vast surface and distinct seasonal landscapes, making it a naturally beautiful tourist attraction. The area around Lake Toya is planted with many cherry trees, which typically bloom in early May each year. The soft pink cherry blossoms, combined with the clear blue lake and distant emerald mountains, create a picturesque scene that looks stunning from any angle!
The entire circumference of Lake Toya is about 43 kilometers, with numerous cherry blossom viewing spots along the way, including cherry blossom walking paths, parks, and observation decks. It’s recommended to set aside half a day to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty here.
Cherry Blossom Season: Early May to Mid-May
Address: Sakaemachi 58, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours
For more Lake Toya travel tips, please refer to: Top 6 Lake Toya Attractions & Accommodations in Hokkaido: Explore Hokkaido’s Most Beautiful Lake!
Asahiyama Park
Image source: Tabirai Japan
Asahiyama Park is located right next to the famous Asahiyama Zoo, making it a highly popular local nature park. It preserves a vast amount of original forest and wild environment, perfect for picnics, hiking, and connecting with nature.
Asahiyama Park is also particularly famous for its cherry blossoms in spring and beautiful autumn leaves. The park boasts nearly 3,500 Ezo-yamazakura cherry trees, which, when in full bloom in early May each year, create a vast and romantically beautiful sea of flowers. Additionally, during the cherry blossom season, Asahiyama Park hosts evening illumination events, where the night cherry blossoms take on a different, serene, and elegant beauty under the lights, leaving a lasting impression.
Cherry Blossom Season: Early May to Mid-May
Address: Kuranuma, Higashiasahikawa-cho, Asahikawa, Hokkaido
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours, Night illumination 19:00-22:00
Seiryuji Temple
Image source: Hokkaido Official Tourism Website
Seiryuji Temple, located in Nemuro City in eastern Hokkaido, is a historic temple most famous for its unique Chishima-zakura cherry trees within its grounds. This is a cherry blossom variety endemic to Hokkaido, known for its strong cold resistance. It blooms with pale pink flowers initially, which then turn pure white when in full bloom, emitting a rich fragrance. Due to the Chishima-zakura’s shorter trunk and lower flower placement, visitors can admire its beauty and charm up close. Seiryuji’s cherry blossoms usually bloom from mid to late May each year, offering a splendid display of cherry blossoms even as those in other parts of Hokkaido begin to fade!
Cherry Blossom Season: Mid-May to Late May
Address: 2-2 Matsumoto-cho, Nemuro, Hokkaido
Admission: Park is free
Opening Hours: 9:00-16:30
**Must-Read Before Your Hokkaido Cherry Blossom Trip! Top 3 FAQs Answered**
Q1: How Should I Plan My Hokkaido Cherry Blossom Itinerary?
Hokkaido’s cherry blossom season progresses from south to north, typically lasting from late April to mid-May. It’s recommended to plan your cherry blossom itinerary from south to north, for example, as outlined below:
Q2: What Should I Prepare for Cherry Blossom Viewing in Hokkaido?
Warm clothing: Spring temperatures in Hokkaido can still be low, so it’s recommended to bring a windproof jacket, wool hat, and gloves to keep warm.
Rain gear: It occasionally rains in Hokkaido during spring, so it’s advisable to carry rain gear with you.
Waterproof picnic mat: Convenient for sitting down for a picnic under the cherry trees.
Plastic bags: There aren’t many trash cans on the streets in Japan, so it’s recommended to bring your own plastic bags for picnic waste.
Q3: What Outfit Recommendations are There for Cherry Blossom Viewing in Hokkaido?
While Hokkaido gradually warms up from late April to mid-May, morning and evening temperatures can still be low. It’s recommended to prioritize warmth and wind protection in your outfits, and dress in layers (onion style):
Inner layer: Moisture-wicking long-sleeve top
Middle layer: Choose one of a warm sweater, knit cardigan, or down vest
Outer layer: Choose one of a light down jacket, windbreaker, or long coat
Accessories: Scarf, wool hat, mask, sunglasses
If you’re planning a cherry blossom trip to Japan in May, Hokkaido is an excellent choice. Whether it’s historic shrines, the scenic Lake Toya, or romantic cherry blossom avenues, every cherry blossom spot in Hokkaido is incredibly charming and unique.
AloJapan.com