Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Matsumae Park, recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, offers a refined spring escape where history and nature intertwine. It is an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts, history lovers, and travelers seeking a serene setting to appreciate Japan’s iconic floral beauty.

Spanning 240,000 square meters, the park is anchored by the white walls of Matsumae Castle, completed in 1854, standing in dignified contrast to cherry blossoms in varied shades of pink. This harmony of blooms, historic fortress, and clear blue sky creates a landscape unique to Japan’s northernmost castle town.

One of the park's highlights is its extended “relay” of blooms from mid-April to late May. With around 250 cherry tree varieties flowering at different times, each visit offers a fresh perspective. As you stroll through the grounds, a delicate sweetness drifts through the air on the sea breeze, creating a multisensory experience of quiet luxury.

In the temple district to the north, the legendary Kechimyaku-zakura tree, over 300 years old, stands as a silent witness to history. Nearby, bullet marks on the stone walls of the Honmaru Gomon Gate recall the Battle of Hakodate. From here, sweeping views unfold—from a vast sea of blossoms to the deep blue waters of the Tsugaru Strait—evoking a profound sense of openness and calm.

During the annual Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival, the park takes on an even livelier atmosphere. At night, illuminated trees transform the landscape into a tranquil, dreamlike world of glowing blossoms, offering a peaceful contrast to the daytime festivities.