Golden Week is just around the corner. Are you wondering where to go during your long holiday? With winter coming to an end and Hokkaido transforming into a pleasant expanse of fresh greenery, there are plenty of places to have fun.

Tired of the rush hour for departures and the congestion on expressways? How about a comfortable trip to Hokkaido, just about an hour's flight from Haneda? Plus, the Hokkaido Shinkansen is opening this year!!

So, we've carefully selected some of the best events, spring skiing, and sightseeing spots in Hokkaido during Golden Week!

1. Recommended tourist spots for Golden Week

1-1. Asahiyama Zoo: The most popular zoo in Japan! Fun for both adults and children.

Asahiyama Zoo, which suddenly became famous, owes its popularity to its behavioral exhibits, which allow visitors to see animals in their natural state—a feature not found in other zoos. Asahiyama Zoo typically begins its summer season during Golden Week (April 29th in 2015). So, what's different from the winter season...?

★Pelicans, capybaras, and other animals that were kept in indoor enclosures are returning to the outdoor exhibit area!
*During the harsh winter, animals that are sensitive to the cold stayed in indoor enclosures. When summer operations begin, pelicans, capybaras, and other animals return to the outdoor exhibit area.

■Animals that could not be seen in winter: Capybaras, wild birds of Hokkaido, Oriental Scops Owl, Brown Hawk Owl, Eurasian Scops Owl, Golden-eyed Owl, Hokkaido Chipmunk (Hokkaido native animal enclosure), waterfowl at Totori Village, peacocks, guinea fowl (pheasant enclosure), clouded leopards, porcupines (small animal enclosure), reptiles and amphibians in the reptile enclosure, monkey enclosure, pelicans (general animal enclosure), muntjacs (gibbon house), etc.

★You can see animals like Hokkaido deer and Arctic foxes shedding their winter coats for summer!
* You can observe natural phenomena that animals in the wild are given for their survival. (The timing may vary depending on the season and species.)

★There are three entrance gates! Let's make the most of our time!

I've created a handmade park map to help you navigate the grounds efficiently.
If you're going to go, you want to navigate it smoothly and complete it without stress, right? So, I've illustrated some recommended routes.
The key is the central area. I recommend going to the crowded Penguin, Seal, and Polar Bear exhibits first thing in the morning, and then making a clockwise loop around the rest of the zoo! (Based on my experience...)

[Please also refer to this♪]
・Take a bus to Asahiyama Zoo! Includes a comparison chart of tours departing from Sapporo that you can see at a glance.

1-2. A completely different scale! A Shiretoko Golden Week limited snow mountain trekking trip recommended for those who like to work hard.

Shiretoko is one of the places in Hokkaido where the snow melts very late. Now a World Natural Heritage site, it has become incredibly famous, and you can enjoy it on a special tour available only during Golden Week!

★You can explore the subalpine zone at an altitude of 600m to 700m using snowshoes.
Leaving the areas in Shiretoko where the snowmelt has already begun and heading higher up into the snowy mountains is an irresistible experience for mountain lovers and those who love snowy landscapes. An altitude of 600m is equivalent to about the 6th station of Mount Fuji! The appeal is that you can walk on the fluffy powder snowfields using snowshoes, which are attached to your feet, and it's nice to return to winter with the large-scale scenery as a backdrop! The hike from the trailhead to Lake Rausu is about 3km one way, making it a 6km round trip.

*Some tours are being offered exclusively during Golden Week, so be sure to check them out.

Shiretoko Nature Office
Address: 365 Utoro Higashi, Shari-cho, Hokkaido 099-4355
Phone: 0152-22-5041

1-3. Many famous animal talents are on staff! North Safari Sapporo

The main attraction of this interactive zoo in Sapporo is the "interaction" aspect. It's not just about viewing animals; you can directly feed the carnivores, and it also features marine mammals and birds, making it a truly captivating zoo.

★Lots of cute animal talents!
North Safari, which also operates a production company, has talents in high demand for dramas, movies, and commercials. Many of them have appeared in famous commercials. (See their website for details...)

★As its name suggests, this is an interactive zoo that places great importance on direct interaction with the animals.
(You can also feed lions and bears, and interact with rare animals!) Last year, in 2014, the "Forest of Owls and Red Foxes," which was mainly inhabited by owls, hawks, and foxes, was renovated and renamed the "Forest of Danger." As it is a forest, there are some slightly dangerous animals such as monitor lizards, pythons, and piranhas, and you can even experience walking right above them. The North Safari Adventure area is also well-equipped, and during the summer season, you can even experience riding amphibious vehicles and ATVs.
We also hold special events every year during Golden Week. Be sure to check them out!

North Safari Sapporo
469-1 Toyotaki, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2273
Tel-011 596-5300
Opening hours: 09:00 AM - 17:00 PM (Last entry at 16:00 PM *Opening hours during Golden Week in 2015)

1-4. You can take a time trip from the Meiji to Showa eras! Hokkaido Historical Village, a filming location for the morning drama "Massan"

★The Historical Village of Hokkaido opened in April 1983 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Hokkaido's development. The 54-hectare site, equivalent to approximately 15 Tokyo Domes, features 63 historical buildings from the pioneering era of Hokkaido, constructed from the Meiji to Showa periods, which have been relocated or recreated.

★A horse-drawn railway also operates during the summer. You can enjoy seeing the wisdom and efforts of the pioneers who developed Hokkaido, so even those who are not particularly fond of history will find it very enjoyable!
At the Kaitaku-no-Mura (Pioneering Village) restaurant, you can enjoy dishes made with ingredients from Hokkaido's sea and mountains, making it a great place to spend a whole day.
Visitors can see recreations of annual events from the pioneering era, as well as recreational activities and traditional practices that were popular during that time.

Hokkaido Historical Village
50-1 Onohoro, Atsubetsu-cho, Atsubetsu-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 004-0006
Tel: 011-898-2692

1-5. Yurigahara Park, the site of the International Garden and Greenery Exposition.

★Yurigahara Park in Sapporo became famous after being the site of the International Garden and Greenery Exposition. Located about 8km from the center of Sapporo, it is a comprehensive park with an area of ​​approximately 25.4 hectares.

It's highly recommended to relax and unwind amidst the soothing spring flowers! This flower park is popular with people of all ages. During Golden Week, daffodils, muscari, and tulips are in full bloom♪ (This varies depending on the snowmelt and temperature each year. It's hard to keep up with nature's unpredictability...but that's part of its charm!!)

Yurigahara Park
210 Yurigahara Park, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 002-8082
For inquiries, please contact the Yurigahara Park Management Office: 8:45 AM - 17:15 PM, Tel: 011-772-4722

2. Notable events during Golden Week

If you're traveling during Golden Week, you'll definitely want to take part in events unique to Hokkaido! So, we'd like to introduce some must-see events that you can only experience during Golden Week. We hope you enjoy your trip to Hokkaido!

2-1. Hokkaido's premier cherry blossom viewing spot! Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival

★Matsumae Park, which has become increasingly popular in recent years as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots, boasts approximately 1 cherry trees of 250 varieties that bloom one after another.

From late April to late May, you can enjoy early-blooming, mid-blooming, and late-blooming cherry blossoms! The scenery is also wonderful, and strolling along the Tsugaru Strait while admiring the cherry blossoms is the best. Enjoy the cherry blossoms and seafood at the Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival, which is held every year during cherry blossom season.

◆◇◆Detailed Information◆◇◆
*Event period: April 27, 2019 (Sat) - May 15, 2019 (Wed)
* Matsumae Town Tourism Promotion Council (Matsumae Town, Matsumae Tourism Association, Matsumae Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
Phone: 0139-42-2726

2-2. The "Shibazakura Festival" held at Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park.

The moss phlox spreading across the gentle slopes is truly breathtaking. The "Moss Phlox Festival" is held at Higashimokoto Moss Phlox Park, where you can see a variety of carefully cultivated moss phlox.
A vibrant carpet of colorful grass will be spread across 10 hectares. On the first day, commemorative gifts will be distributed to celebrate the opening (limited to the first 100 people), and there will be a children's festival with free tickets for playground equipment, game competitions, and traditional Japanese festival stalls.

The blooming period varies each year depending on the weather, but that's just how nature works! The atmosphere and events are also very enjoyable, so it's definitely worth considering!
◆◇◆Detailed Information◆◇◆
*Cherry Blossom Festival Period: April 13th (Sat) - May 26th (Sun), 2019
*For inquiries, please contact: Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park Management Corporation
Address: 393 Suehiro, Higashimokoto, Ozora-cho, Abashiri-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0152-66-3111

2-3. Nijukken Road Cherry Blossom Festival

★Choosing a place where you can fully enjoy the cherry blossoms is also a great idea. Buy some bento boxes and drinks, and take a stroll along a cherry tree-lined street that has been selected as a Hokkaido Heritage site, one of Japan's 100 Best Roads, or one of Japan's 100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots, or spread out your bento box and enjoy your meal.

Named after its width of 20 ken (approximately 36 meters), the Nijukken Road is famous for its cherry blossom trees, said to number "10,000 at a glance." It stretches for approximately 7 kilometers in a straight line—a truly massive scale! You can enjoy the seemingly endless rows of cherry blossoms in full bloom. The event venue also features a souvenir shop and the Ryuunkaku Pavilion, which will be open to the public.
◆◇◆Detailed Information◆◇◆
*For inquiries, please contact: Shinhidaka Town Hall, Shizunai Branch Office, Our Town PR Strategy Office
Phone: 0146-43-2111
*Details about the cherry blossom festival are usually announced in early April. Please be sure to check it out!

2-4. Sapporo Satoland, an experiential facility

★This is an interactive facility themed around the coexistence of urban life and agriculture. There are plenty of fun Golden Week events for both children and adults.
Visitors can experience feeding and nursing animals, interact with them, harvest seasonal vegetables, and make their own butter and sausages, among other things.
This experiential facility, themed around food and agriculture, is full of delicious and fun activities! With a park golf course and barbecue facilities in the cooking area, it offers an excellent range of leisure activities that you can easily enjoy!
◆◇◆Detailed Information◆◇◆
*Contact: Designated Management Company, Satomirai Project Group
Address: 584-2 Okadama-cho, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 007-0880
Phone: 011-787-0223
*Golden Week events are usually announced in April. Please be sure to check them out!

3. About spring skiing

★Generally speaking, many ski resorts in Hokkaido allow you to ski until the end of Golden Week. If you want to ski right up until the very last minute, we've picked out some great options for you.
Main ski slopes

Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Ski Resort

・Our greatest pride is the massive amount of snow! (There's so much snow that the lifts are closed during peak season.)
Skiing off-piste is dangerous, so please never do it.

Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway

・Like the Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Kurodake Ski Resort, this resort also boasts abundant snowfall!
Skiing off-piste is dangerous! (Emphasis added) The risk of avalanches increases in spring. Absolutely do not do it.
A 3500m long run feels great.

Niseko area

The ski resort is exceptionally spacious, making it the perfect place for a leisurely spring skiing experience.

・KIRORO RESORT

• With easy access to the ski resort, you can enjoy both the snowy mountains and the arrival of spring in Sapporo. It's incredibly good value! (Conveniently located just 60 minutes from Sapporo and 40 minutes from Otaru.)

Personal advice on how to enjoy spring skiing

Spring skiing is an activity where you ski on snow that hasn't melted yet. Enjoy the scenery and the warm weather – it's a different experience from the peak season!
・There is a possibility of rain depending on the weather, so be sure to check the weather forecast. Skiing in the rain can impair your visibility as your goggles and sunglasses will get wet, so be careful.
Morning → There is a high possibility that the entire area will be covered in ice.
- During the day, temperatures rise and the snow often melts. Turn this cycle into an advantage.
■Morning: Ideal for those who want a quick meal. ■Lunch: Perfect for families. This is perfect!
Good news for mogul skiers! Steep slopes are highly likely to have moguls.
- During the day, high temperatures cause the snow to melt, leading to erosion of the slope when skiing or making turns, which quickly creates moguls.
• Nighttime → The temperature drops and the snow freezes. In the afternoon, the snow melts and it becomes harder to pick up speed, making it ideal for practicing moguls!

4. Things you should know about Hokkaido during Golden Week

4-1. About temperature

Even though it's spring, it's different from Honshu; the mornings are chilly. The perceived temperature varies greatly depending on the wind speed each day.

		Late September	Early November
Sapporo	Average maximum temperature	13.9 ℃	15.9 ℃
	Average minimum temperature	5.1 ℃	6.9 ℃
Abashiri	Average maximum temperature	11 ℃	13 ℃
	Average minimum temperature	2.1 ℃	3.9 ℃
Hakodate	Average maximum temperature	13.6 ℃	15.4 ℃
	Average minimum temperature	4.4 ℃	6.1 ℃

(See Japan Meteorological Agency website)
One aspect of Hokkaido's climate at this time of year that isn't reflected in temperature is the strong winds of the northern land. Of course, there are calm days, but even when the sun is out during the day, the wind in Hokkaido, with nothing to block it, can be surprisingly cold.

• When skiing, temperatures can vary considerably from day to day, so I recommend checking the weather forecast beforehand and wearing the best clothing for that day. It's best to be perfectly temperature-controlled. (I sometimes even ski in short sleeves...!!)

4-2. Regarding clothing

・When sightseeing, it's convenient to have a light jacket or cardigan to wear over your clothes (going bare-legged in a miniskirt will make you catch a cold).

For spring skiing, we recommend wearing regular ski or snowboard wear. Since temperature fluctuations can be extreme, be sure to take off your top layer and tie it around your waist if it gets too hot to manage your body temperature.

4-3. Traffic congestion and rental cars

・In Hokkaido, you'll primarily be traveling by car. As it's the tourist season, highways and other roads are likely to be very crowded with rental cars and buses, so be sure to allow plenty of time for your journey.

Also, picking up and returning rental cars often takes time. If you're renting a car at New Chitose Airport, expect it to take 60 to 90 minutes from your flight arrival time until the rental process is complete.

5. Some things are still too early for Golden Week

Finally, here are some examples of things you can't yet enjoy during Golden Week.

Flower field

When you think of Hokkaido, you probably picture vast green landscapes and flower fields overflowing with blossoms! However, Golden Week in Hokkaido is like early spring in Honshu. The actual flowering season is from late June to around August, so please keep that in mind.
(Image of spring fields and mountains)

·sea of clouds

The sea of ​​clouds has recently become very popular. In Hokkaido, there are several famous spots to see the sea of ​​clouds, including the "Sea of ​​Clouds Terrace" in Tomamu. However, due to weather conditions, it is very rare to see it during Golden Week. Also, the Tomamu Resort website states that the probability is "around 30% to 40% between June and September," so please keep that in mind.

[Check these out too]
・A breathtaking view! Three carefully selected locations in Hokkaido where you can enjoy the highly-anticipated sea of ​​clouds!

Final thoughts

The dates of Golden Week vary each year depending on the arrangement of the days of the week, but even if you don't get an 8 or 9-day holiday, you can still enjoy Hokkaido with the basic Golden Week schedule (3 or 4 days). Flowers are a natural phenomenon, so they are difficult to predict and are often omitted from plans, but I think stepping into famous spots and soaking up the atmosphere is one of the great pleasures of traveling. There are plenty of places to enjoy besides flowers, so please be sure to include them in your plans.

Please also check out these related articles.

• 

  A time slip from the Meiji to the Showa era! The history and highlights of the Sapporo Clock Tower.

• 

  Winter-only! What's the illumination like at Lucky Pierrot Togeshita Main Store?

• 

  7 Must-Try Ramen Options in Sapporo: Light, Unconventional, and Mugi-Style Ramen

• 

  Enjoyable all year round! The charm of Rusutsu Resort

• 

  Must-see autumn foliage spots in and around Sapporo! 7 selections

• 

  6 Tips to Avoid Mistakes at the Sapporo Snow Festival & Budget Tour Information 2019

• 

  Hakodate's biggest summer event! The history and highlights of the Port Festival's "Squid Dance"

• 

  Perfect for those who like to have fun and are looking for a girls' trip! The charm of Sahoro Resort Ski Resort

Introducing our sister site (please check it out if you're interested)