Hokkaido Spring Travel Guide
After a long winter in Hokkaido, spring is slowly coming. Flowers can be enjoyed from late April. Cherry blossoms, lawn cherry blossoms, and various other flowers begin to bloom.
Here we introduce information on recommended spring spots, Hokkaido's seasonal delicacies, events, and more, so you can enjoy Hokkaido in spring to the fullest.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Temperature, Clothing, Preparation
April through June is the season when you can gradually feel the arrival of spring.
April in Hokkaido is still cold and sometimes snowy! During this time of year, it is useful to bring warm clothes such as coats and scarves. Since there is still snow on the ground in some places, non-slip shoes are recommended.
May and June are the months when the weather gets a little warmer. However, it is cold in the mornings and evenings and at high altitudes, so it is recommended to bring a jacket.
Please check the weather forecast before your trip and prepare comfortable clothing.
Recommended spots to enjoy spring in Hokkaido
- Cherry blossom
- The best time to see cherry blossoms in Hokkaido is in early May. Hokkaido's representative cherry tree, the Ezo-Yamazakura, also blooms. Having survived the cold of Hokkaido's winters, these cherry trees have a deeper pink color than the Ezo-Yamazakura of Honshu, the largest island in the Japanese archipelago. Please enjoy the spectacular view of cherry blossoms that can be seen throughout Hokkaido.
- View more (Japanese site)
- Flower garden
- In spring in Hokkaido, a variety of flowers begin to bloom. From lawn cherry blossoms to crocuses and tulips, the vast flower fields are breathtaking. Don't miss the spectacular scenery that can only be seen in Hokkaido!
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- Hakodate
- Hakodate is an exotic and photogenic city. Goryokaku, the Kanemori Red Brick Warehous, the Motomachi area with its rows of churches, and the morning market are just a few of the many attractions. Goryokaku, with about 1,600 Yoshino cherry tree in full bloom along the castle wall, is Hakodate's representative cherry blossom viewing spot. Hakodate in spring is perfect for a stroll.
- View more (Japanese site)
- Zoo
- Zoos are fun for the whole family. There are many unique zoos in Hokkaido. You can see animals unique to Hokkaido. *Some zoos are closed in April, so please check their official websites for the latest information before visiting.
- View more (Japanese site)
Delicious Spring Gourmet Hokkaido
- Asparagus
- Asparagus is a vegetable that is in season in spring. Asparagus from Hokkaido is characterized by its rich sweetness, which comes from the nutrients stored in the asparagus after wintering under snow during the winter months.
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- Spring sea urchin
- Hokkaido has the largest catch of sea urchins in Japan. Spring sea urchins, which are packed with meat before spawning, are exquisite. Enjoy the freshness of the sea urchin that can only be enjoyed in the region where it is caught.
- View more (Japanese site)
- Hairy crabs
- Crabs are one of the most popular gourmet foods in Hokkaido, and April through May is said to be the best season. During the harsh winter, crabs are full of nutrients from the plankton carried by the drift ice! The crabs eaten at the end of the drift ice are juicy, plump, and very satisfying.
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- Jingisukan
- Jingisukan is a very popular gourmet dish that combines juicy mutton with sauce. Locals enjoy eating Jingisukan while viewing cherry blossoms in spring. Be sure to enjoy Hokkaido's unique Jingisukan and cherry blossoms.
- View more (Japanese site)
Enjoy Hokkaido's spring events!
- Jozankei Onsen Stream Carp streamer
- Jozankei Onsen is one of Hokkaido's representative hot spring resorts. In spring, the hot spring resort holds a popular event in which about 400 carp streamers are displayed in the sky. Please enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms and carp streamers.
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- Akkeshi Cherry Blossom and Oyster Festival
- This spring festival is held in Akkeshi, one of the most famous oyster producing areas in Japan. There are stalls selling oysters and other marine products, and grilling tables are available for rent (for a fee), so you can enjoy fresh oysters over a charcoal fire.
- View more (Japanese site)
- Sapporo Lilac Festival
- This is Sapporo's representative spring event. It is held every year from mid to late May. At the Odori venue, about 400 lilacs are in full bloom and various events such as a music festival, a wine garden, and a stamp rally are held. At the Kawashimo venue, visitors can enjoy guided tours through the forest where more than 200 varieties of lilacs bloom from mid-May to early July.
- View more (Japanese site)
- Spring Crab Battle in Abashiri
- This popular event allows visitors to catch a thrown crab and take it home for free. You can eat boiled hairy crabs at the venue. You can enjoy Abashiri hairy crabs with delicious sweet meat.
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Ranking of popular articles
- Hokkaido Spring Travel Guide
- https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/feature/travelguide_spring
- Hokkaido Summer Travel Guide
- https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/feature/travelguide_summer
- Practical Information
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