Sakura-cherry blossoms viewing(May)
2025
Last updated : 2025
Experience the beauty of southern Hokkaido in spring with stunning cherry blossoms, scenic lakes, and historic towns
Spring awakens southern Hokkaido with vibrant cherry blossoms, serene lakes, volcanic landscapes, and historic towns.
Begin the journey in Sapporo, Hokkaido’s largest city. Visit the Sapporo Beer Museum, the historic Former Hokkaido Government Office, and Odori Park, the venue for the famous Snow Festival each February.
On day two, head toward Otaru. In this historic port town, stroll along the Otaru Canal, visit the Kitaichi Glass Factory, and explore the Musical Box Museum. If timing is right, enjoy early cherry blossoms at Temiya Park before staying overnight in Asarigawa located a little outside the city center, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy a peaceful hot spring experience in a quiet setting.
Day three passes through the snow-capped landscapes of Niseko, where snow may linger even in May, and the scenic Yoichi River Cherry Blossom Reserve. Collect fresh spring water from Fukidashi Park, then continue to Lake Toya, renowned for its stunning caldera views. Stop at Lake Hill Farm for delicious ice cream along the way.
Travel to Hakodate on day four, visiting volcanic landmarks Mt. Usu and Showashinzan before stopping at Lake Onuma for scenic views and Mori to admire spring cherry blossoms. Explore Hakodate’s historic district, including Motomachi Temple and Kanamori Warehouses, and take a cable car up Mt. Hakodate for a world-famous night view.
Day five highlights cherry blossom viewing with a trip to Matsumae, known as “Sakura Town,” followed by Goryokaku Park in Hakodate. Traffic may be busy during peak bloom, but the vibrant sakura and park scenery make it worthwhile.
On the final day, visit the Hakodate Asaichi Market for a fresh seafood breakfast before transferring to Hakodate Airport, just 20 minutes from downtown.
This itinerary blends seasonal cherry blossoms, volcanic landscapes, scenic lakes, historic towns, and Hokkaido’s culinary delights, providing a memorable and picturesque spring journey across southern Hokkaido.
Itinerary:
Arrive at New Chitose Airport and transfer to Sapporo, the biggest city in Hokkaido. After check in the hotel, visit famous Sapporo beer museum, the Old Government house of Hokkaido and Odori Park (where the yearly Snow Festival is held every year in February). And how about RAMEN for dinner tonight?
Overnight in Sapporo
Today’s destination is Otaru. On the way, stopover at Ishiya chocolate factory, famous tourist spot. In the historical town Otaru, old Canal, Kitaichi Glass factory and Musical Box factory should be on the list. You may see some SAKURA at Temiya park.
Overnight in Asarigawa
Drive to Niseko, snow powder resort area. You may see snow even in May.
Yoichi river cherry Blossom Reserve is the one to enjoy Sakura today. Then collect spring water come from Mt. Yotei for drinking at Fukidashi parkn and head to Lake Toya, known for its great view. On the way stopover at Lake Hill Farm for delicious ice cream
Overnight in Toyako
Before driving to Hakodate, visit two volcanoes, Mt.Usu and Showashinzan. Then more than 2 hours drive to Hakodate. On the way, stopover at Mori for viewing SAKURA and enjoy Lake Onuma view. At Hakodate, historic temple, Motomachi slope, Kanamori warehouses are on the list to go. After check in the hotel, go to Mt. Hakodate and take a cable car for famous night-view.
Overnight in Hakodate
Today is the highlight of this SAKURA viewing trip. Drive about 2 hours to Matsumae, famous SAKURA town. Everybody would like to see SAKURA, sometimes traffic jam there but still Matsumae is worth visiting anyway. After Matumae, back to Hakodate and see another SAKURA at Goryokaku park. Please cross your fingers for good weather!
Overnight in Hakodate
After check out, visit the Hakodate Asaichi Market where you can have a seafood breakfast before driving to Hakodate airport. The airport is just 20 minutes away from Hakodate downtown area.
