Hokkaido Spring Travel Guide

10 Best Things to Do in Hokkaido in Spring

Traveling throughout the Hokkaido region in spring is sure to be a great adventure. Sometimes the spring season here is overshadowed by summer and winter. However, the region is packed with a lot of wonderful discoveries, and each season has its own special highlights to offer.

Those of you who think that Hokkaido is not a perfect place to spend spring holidays, I want to change their minds. That’s today’s challenge. I will not back down. I would make you fall in love with Hokkaido’s spring beauty.

If traveling is what you think of as your passion, then before you die, you have to come here to Hokkaido at least once. It is a unique destination, waiting to blow your mind with its seasonal beauty and festivals, including its historical landmarks.

Sakura in Hokkaido. Photo Credit: satoshi sawada at Flickr.

I have to admit that in spring, except for the Hokkaido region, the rest of Japan is visited by a lot of foreign tourists.

In general, Kyoto, Tokyo, Fukushima, Aomori, Yamanashi, Nara, Osaka, Yokohama, Kakunodate, Kamakura, Kanazawa, Yokohama, Hiroshima, and Himeji are the places they head to. These are without question the most popular and attract a lot of visitors when Hanami is in full swing.

Please note that, due to its geographical location, Hokkaido welcomes Hanami a bit later than other parts of Japan. However, there is more hidden treasure you can find in Hokkaido than just beautiful sakura.

I hope you will enjoy experiencing Hokkaido’s popular attractions that are worth a visit in the spring, so let’s get started.

1. Cherry Blossoms Viewing in Hokkaido

Path to the Hokkaido Shrine in the spring. Photo Credit: Kentaro Ohno at Flickr.

The official spring season in Hokkaido begins in early March and ends in late May. It is similar to the rest of Japan. Though the best time to view sakura in Hokkaido is from late April to early May.

If you come here in early April, then you won’t see any sakura here. I would like to share two of the most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing: Fort Goryokaku and Matsumae Castle Park.

Matsumae Castle and Sakura. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

A local from Hakodate (where Fort Goryokaku is located) once told me, “My spring season is not charming without viewing the sakura of Fort Goryokaku, I am proud of this and it is my best hanami spot in Hokkaido.”

On the other hand, a friend of mine who has been living in Matsumae for more than 11 years so far shared his opinion this way, “Drinking sake under sakura trees in the Matsume Park area during Hanami season is unique.”

I agree with him! According to my experience, there are more than 10,000 of cherry trees around Matsumae Castle and its spacious park.

Along with Goryukaku Park, this impressive 800 meter long tunnel of cherry blossoms is a popular sakura spot in Hakodate city.

The last Cherry Blossom Viewing of Japan occurs at Seiryu-ji temple in late May in Nemuro city. Learn more here.

This easternmost city in Hokkaido is proud to feature this yearly spring wonder. Those who say there is nothing to do during spring in Hokkaido should visit these three hanami spots this year.

Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, is also features some amazing cherry blossom spots. You can find them all by reading this post. I have also shared an itinerary that tells you how to enjoy three lovely days in the city.

2. Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park – A little Netherlands

Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park. Photo Credit: 湧別町役場.

Not so many foreign tourists are familiar with this beautiful tulip flower garden. The Japanese have a mini-desert called Tottori Sand Dunes. In terms of size, it is really a tiny desert, so you don’t need to compare it with the Sahara Desert.

In my eyes, Japan has everything, so why not have a tulip garden like the Netherlands has? In fact, Nagasaki has a beautiful landmark which reflects a real looking Dutch town. It is called Huis Ten Bosch.

Kamiyubetsu tulip matsuri is a month-long (early May to early June) tulip festival held in Yubetsu town, Hokkaido. On a sunny day, the tulip park looks absolutely stunning with a million colorful tulips of different varieties.

If one of your dreams is to visit the Netherlands in the spring to see its breathtaking tulip fields, why don’t you enjoy a trip to Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park from Abashiri City? Yes, you can do that!

Just enjoy the Dutch tulip field atmosphere right here at Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park. You can take a of photos the colorful tulips along with the windmills in the background.

If you bother walking in the park, then get in an electric car; it would amuse you a lot while you just sit on your seat and gaze at the rainbow tulip fields. I hope you will not miss this natural wonder when you travel to Hokkaido.

3. The Shibazakura Festival in Takinoue

Moss phlox in Takinoue Park. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

You can experience a delightful day viewing tons of pink moss phloxes (Shibazakura) in Takinoue Park. This hilly park gets covered with countless pink moss phlox in spring, from early May to early June.

Takinoue is famous for this stunning flower park, where you can have an experience of a lifetime. There are several walking trails for those who enjoy pink moss flower blossoms. In my opinion, if you are a nature fanatic, this is a precious gift that Hokkaido can present you.

Locals there celebrate the Shibazakura festival during the peak season of pink moss. I saw visitors enjoying their lunch as I did the same with my friend. We bought food from the foot stalls that took place there at the time of the festival.

Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park!

You can also enjoy various live stage performances, which are entertaining and can make your trip even more unforgettable. I believe the Shibazakura festival is one of the most popular photogenic spots in Hokkaido.

Want to know more about this flora arena? Read my own travel experience on this site in detail here.

Similar to this floral spot is Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park in Ozora, Abashiri. Indeed, this is another iconic place to visit in Hokkaido in the spring.

4. Scenic Road Trip to Biei and Furano

Want to drive your car along this road? Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

Some hilly towns look awesome! This is my opinion, which suits Biei and Furano perfectly. These are hilly towns in central Hokkaido with beautiful landscapes around.

If you ever come to Hokkaido in the spring, please don’t forget to witness picturesque landscapes that they highlight.

To experience an enjoyable scenic road trip, you have to rent a car from Ashaikawa airport or Furano town. Drive your car through the areas of Patchwork Road and Panorama Road.

Biei in spring.

You are advised to drive slowly, as a result, you could pleasantly enjoy the picture-perfect rural landscapes along the way.

Vast open green fields, flower gardens, and trees with birds can be seen on the way to Furano City. Visit these places to see spring flowers: Zerubu Hill and Atom Hill, Hokusei Hill, Shikisai-no-Oka, Kanno Farm, and Flower Land Kamifurano, and Farm Tomita.

The lands you will be seeing in Biei are private property. So it is advisable for you that don’t interrupt farmers’ private properties. Just enjoy the breathtaking views and the ride.

5. Unkai Terrace (Sea of Clouds)

That’s simply incredible! Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

This is not a recommended place to go for those who can’t wake up early in the morning. I don’t want to interrupt your sweet morning sleep. As Unkai means sea of clouds, you have to wake up very early in the morning to see clouds from a terrace.

Though afternoon is recommended for viewing the beautiful landscape up from the terrace. It is located at the top of the Tomamu Mountains, which can be reached by gondolas.

There are many clouds that even cover the summit of Hidaka Mountain. Viewing clouds is not the main highlight; rather, it offers you a practical yoga class.

Just imagine how effective and wonderful it would be to exercise your mind and body in a lovely early morning!

There is a café called Tenbu Café, located next to the Unkai terrace. From there, you can order a cup of coffee and enjoy the morning session while sipping it.

Remember that you are requested to pay in cash, as there is no credit card payment option. Every year, the Unkai terrace opening period starts in mid-May and closes its operation in late October.

So plan accordingly, and I suggest you book a hotel room near Tomamu Ski Resort.

6. Spring Flowers at Farm Tomita

Farm Tomita – a flower paradise in Furano town. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

Farm Tomita is a great place to see summer flowers like lavender and poppies. And the farm itself is divided into some areas, and one of the areas is known as “Spring Field”.

Therefore, don’t just assume that Farm Tomita highlights only lavender. Though there is a little surprise for you, which is that I have seen lavender in the greenhouse located inside Farm Tomita.

Obviously, if you plan to visit Farm Tomita in the spring, you can view splendid lavender there, not outside in the field but inside the greenhouse.

After the end of the harsh cold winter season, spring flowers start to bloom in late April. Flowers like tulips, chives, poppies, perennials are typical spring flowers at Farm Tomita.

Every year, the flower-blooming season here begins in early May and ends in mid-August. In fact, if you arrive here in mid-July, you will see a lot lavender flowers.

7. Viewing Alpine Flowers on Rebun Island While Trekking

Rebun Island seen from Rishiri Island. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons.

Rebun Island is a paradise for Alpine flowers. They start to bloom in early spring. If you are not familiar with it, then read this book right away.

I did not know that there were about 300 kinds of alpine plants on the island until I was informed by an official of the Rebun Island Tourist Association. Though it is incredible to experience alpine flowers at sea level.

They usually don’t grow up in such an environment, but they do on Rebun Island. That’s a miracle!

On the island, there are about six footpaths for visitors through which you can start trekking and explore a variety colors of alpine flowers.

To reach the island, first you have to arrive in Wakkanai city, then take a ferry (the Heartland Ferry) to Rebun Island.

8. Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa

A polar bear at Asahiyama Zoo. Photo Credit: pelican at Wikimedia Commons.

I always recommend this incredible landmark to the one who asks me, about “What are the best things to do in Hokkaido?” To be honest, I don’t know why; maybe it is because everyone in Japan thinks that it is the best zoo in the country.

When traveling to Hokkaido, you should never miss this attraction, especially when you travel with kids. Indeed, it’s one of the spring activities that the whole family of yours would love.

Located in Asahikawa City, it does not only feature the animals and birds that we typically find in Japanese wildlife but also endangered species of animals such as polar bears, red pandas, cranes, big cats, and etc.

According to Asahiyama Zoo, it has more than 800 animals of 150 species. Doesn’t it sound great to you? My favorite animals in this zoo are penguins and seals. They are really cute!

I think it is always better and more positive, if you visit this place first, and then visit the Ueno Farm to see plenty of spring flowers.

9. Visit Sapporo in the Spring

Tulips in Sapporo. Photo Credit: Hideyuki KAMON at Flickr.

Sapporo in the spring looks splendid! Do you know why? It is because the weather sounds good, there is no snowfall, and everything looks pretty wonderful. You won’t have to wear attire like you are supposed to in the winter season.

As it is the capital of Hokkaido, I believe everyone should pay a lot of attention to this amazing city. It does not matter whether it is winter, spring, summer, or autumn.

It is a city of wonderful places, and you can visit them all year-round. Though the winter atmosphere in Sapporo is particularly breathtaking. In early February, a lot of tourists visit the city to experience the greatest winter festival in Japan, known as Sapporo Yuki Matsuri.

Sapporo boasts some of Hokkaido’s amazing cherry blossom spots, such as Maruyama Park, Makomanai Park, Nakajima Park, Moerenuma Park, and Hiraoka Park to see plenty of plum blossoms. Even if you visit Sapporo in mid-May, you can see plenty of late-blooming cherry blossom in Makomanai Park.

Take a peaceful stroll in Odori Park in spring, especially from late April through mid-May to see cherry blossoms, lilac, tulips, and other varieties of beautiful flowers.

Nakajima Park in spring.

The park has about 400 lilac trees, and they look pretty stunning with their green leaves and light purple blossoms.

Every year, the city hosts a marvelous lilac festival, taking place in two separate locations: Odori Park and Kawashimo. You can be part of the festival that begins in mid-May. Please learn more about the Sapporo Lilac Festival.

In addition, you can observe the city from the Sapporo TV Tower and JR Tower. Though the best place to do it is from the summit of Mount Moiwa

An amazing night view of the entire Sapporo City can be observed from its observation deck, situated on the summit of the mountain.

Mt. Moiwa Ropeway would take you there, so no worries at all! Nothing bad is going to happen, just open your eyes and enjoy the scenery as you ride the ropeway.

Yaezakura – the late blooming sakura in Makomanai Park, Sapporo.

Sapporo has many restaurants, cafes, and bars. Most of them serve delicious Hokkaido’s local foods. Eat Hokkaido’s freshest sushi, ramen, yakitori, soup curry, and jingisukan.

I don’t shop a lot, though if you like it, then these popular Sapporo’s shopping areas will leave you breathless. You can pay a visit to Sapporo ESTA, Daimaru, and JR Tower Sapporo Stellar Palace; these are the shopping areas in the city that locals prefer going.

Shops there offer a wide variety of items, including fashionable clothing, beauty products, souvenirs, and electronic products. You can buy them at a cheap price.

You will be impressed by exploring the historic landmarks such as the Hokkaido Museum, the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, The Historical Village of Hokkaido, and Moerenuma Park.

10. Lake Toya and Toyako Onsen

Lake Toya – a truly amazing place to spend a day trip from Sapporo. Photo Credit: 663highland at Wikimedia Commons

Part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Lake Toya is one of the most beautiful caldera lakes in Japan. This wonderful attraction in Hokkaido is a must-see for many tourists.

Toyako Onsen is located at the foot of Mount Usu along the shore of Lake Toya. This hot spring resort town features numerous hot spring baths, including different viewpoints to enjoy the scenic beauty of Lake Toya.

Looking for ideas on what to do while you are there?

Many people go on a hike through the designated walking trails around the town. Besides, visitors pay a visit to Mount Usu.

To ascend the mountain, they take the Usuzan Ropeway to get to the upper station’s observation deck, from where they can see panoramic views of Lake Toya. Views of Mt. Yotei are particularly impressive!

One of the exciting things to do here is enjoy a cruise around Lake Toya. This will give you stunning views of the lake, Nakajima Island, and the hot spring town including the surrounding mountains.

You can stay at this hotel in Toyako Onsen, as it has Japanese-style rooms, and hot springs. The impressive view of Lake Toya from the rooms is also a great feature of this hotel.

From Toyako Onsen, you can also enjoy a day trip to Noboribetsu Onsen by car or train. This is the most popular and famous onsen town in Hokkaido.

In conclusion, it is clear that the spring season in Hokkaido brings us so many things to experience and discover. Are you not interested in exploring all of these attractions?

Thanks for reading.

7 Comments

  1. Hi I will be going to Hokkaido for 5days in mid March to end March. What do you think will be best for me to do and places to go?

  2. Claudi-Panda

    Hello, I have the same question as Tiffany: I will be from 1-6 May in Hokkaido, so is it possible to see flowers in bloom at Furano and Biei or is it to soon for them?

  3. Hi! I’ll be in Hokkaido until around may 10 2017. In 2016,I saw that unkai terrace opened on May 14. If the terrace is closed, is there no way of viewing the sea of clouds? Does visibility drop in the winter months so the terrace is closed? Thanks!

    • Hi Tiffany, I would recommend you to check its official website next year in February to find out the Terrace opening day for 2017. I guess by that time they would update it with a new schedule. My experience says there is no way to view the clouds if the terrace is closed. I am not sure about that may be you don’t see more clouds in the winter months than what you experience in the summer months. Thanks for visiting us!

      • Thanks! How about the Biei attractions (Zerubu Hill & Atom Hill, Hokusei Hill, Shikisai-no-Oka, Kanno Farm, and Flower Land Kamifurano), Takinoue shibazakura and the Kamiyubetsu tulip park? Are these suitable to go during the first week of May? Say 6-9 May. You mentioned these places usually open in early May but would it be just the starting phase so the flowers aren’t in full bloom yet? (So for example I might see a lot more green grass than pink moss in Takinoue)
        Thanks for your advice!

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