April is the snowmelt season in Hokkaido. However, heavy snowfall can still occur in the early part of the month, and many areas are still buried under snow.

However, spring is approaching step by step.

While it may not offer the same spectacular sights as midsummer or midwinter, this is a time to experience the dynamic workings of nature as it moves towards spring, such as watching the snow and ice melt. Furthermore, this season varies considerably depending on the location within Hokkaido, and traveling around can lead to many interesting discoveries.

This time, I'll introduce some of the must-see sights in Hokkaido during April!

1. Recommended sightseeing spots for a trip to Hokkaido in April
1-1 Hakodate
1-2 Noboribetsu
1-3 Niseko

2. Notable Events in Hokkaido in April
2-1 Shiretoko Snow Wall Walk
2-2 Lake Akan Candlelight Ice Cruise
2-3 Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival
2-4 Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks Festival

3. What are the temperatures and clothing recommendations for a trip to Hokkaido in April?

Summary

1-1 Hakodate

Located in southern Hokkaido, Hakodate enjoys a relatively pleasant climate throughout the year, making it a great destination for a spring trip in April!

Although it is still often chilly in the mornings and evenings, the average minimum temperature for April will be above freezing.
By mid-April, most of the snow will have melted, making it easier to explore tourist attractions.

I'm especially happy that the slopes, which were slippery during the winter, will be easier to walk on now!

How about taking a leisurely stroll through the western district, visiting places like St. John's Church, the Orthodox Church, and the Old Hakodate Public Hall?

Also, the cherry blossoms will begin to bloom in the latter half of April.
Hakodate is one of the cities in Hokkaido where cherry blossoms bloom earliest.

The cherry blossom season in Hokkaido starts just before Golden Week, so why not enjoy a second cherry blossom viewing in Hakodate!

When it comes to famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Hakodate, Goryokaku Park is a well-known choice. With 1600 Somei Yoshino cherry trees painting the castle walls pink, it's a romantic spectacle that has garnered many fans, making it a popular cherry blossom viewing spot that attracts tourists from all over Hokkaido.

How about enjoying cherry blossoms along with a visit to the Hakodate Magistrate's Office and Goryokaku Tower?

[Tourism Information]
home page:
Hakodate Official Tourist Information is Hakobura　http://www.hakobura.jp/
Hakodate and Southern Hokkaido Tourist Guide　http://hakodate-kankou.com/

1-2 Noboribetsu

Next, I recommend Noboribetsu.
This area is also located in southern Hokkaido, so spring arrives early here.
By April, you'll be able to get by with just a light winter jacket.

While soaking up the hot springs in Noboribetsu is wonderful, now that the weather is finally getting warmer, why not experience Hokkaido's early spring outdoors, even though it's still a little chilly?

While Jigokudani (Hell Valley) is a classic tourist spot in Noboribetsu, another popular attraction is "Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura" (Noboribetsu Date Historical Village).

Photo by flickr:Enqvist lau/Date Jidaimura, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido

You might be wondering, "Why is there an Edo period theme park in Hokkaido?"

Noboribetsu was developed by descendants of the Date clan, so the park recreates buildings and streetscapes related to the Date clan. Within the park, you can enjoy various shows and cosplay experiences.

In particular, cherry blossoms bloom in the park in late April, so you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing during Golden Week!

Of course, we also recommend strolling through the classic spot, Jigokudani (Hell Valley). Experience the arrival of spring in Hokkaido early on!

[Tourism Information]
For inquiries, please contact the Noboribetsu Tourism Association (Tel: 0143-84-3311).
home page:
Noboribetsu Tourism Association　http://www.noboribetsu-spa.jp/
Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura
Address: 53-1 Nakanobetsu-cho, Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido
Access: 8-minute walk from JR Noboribetsu Station
Opening hours: 9:17 AM to 10:16 PM (April to October), 9:11 AM to 4:3 PM (November to March)
Closed: Open all year round
Admission fees: Free pass - Adults 2,900 yen, 6-12 years old 1,500 yen, 4-5 years old 600 yen, 65 years and older 2,100 yen
Phone: 0143-83-3311
Official website URL: http://www.edo-trip.jp/

1-3 Niseko

While southern Hokkaido is rapidly moving towards spring as April arrives, you can still enjoy snow in Niseko!

In Niseko, sunny days gradually increase from March onwards, and by April, there are more opportunities to enjoy skiing under a clear blue sky.
The snow conditions are still quite good.

Also, the number of foreign tourists who visit in large numbers during the winter months decreases around this time, so you can enjoy skiing at a leisurely pace.

Also, rafting is a great option in April. Especially from April to May, the river's water level increases due to the snowmelt, making for a more thrilling experience compared to other seasons!

Of course, even if you're not interested in skiing or rafting, you could still enjoy a relaxing getaway in Niseko after the ski season has ended, simply indulging in hot springs and gourmet food at one of the resort hotels!

Just seeing the scenery of Niseko in early spring is sure to make you feel recharged with the energy of wild nature!

[Tourism Information]
inquiries:
Niseko View Plaza Roadside Station Tourist Information Center (9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Open every day, Tel: 0136-43-2051)
JR Niseko Station Tourist Information Center (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Open every day *However staff may be absent at times, Tel: 0136-44-2468)
home page:
Niseko Resort Tourism Association　http://www.niseko-ta.jp/

2-1 Shiretoko Snow Wall Walk

In late April, the Shiretoko Crossing Road, which had been closed for the winter, will reopen.

When snow is cleared to open the road, walls of snow form on both sides, and an event is held every year where people can walk along these snow walls.

There are two types of tours: one departing from Utoro in Shiretoko-Shari Town, and another departing from Rausu in Shiretoko-Rausu Town. Recruitment will be conducted in each respective town.
Although there are signs of spring in Shiretoko, it is still a season with deep snow.

A walking experience amidst the harsh yet magnificent nature of Shiretoko will surely be an unforgettable one!

【event information】
Date: Sunday, April 8, 2018 (Registration deadline: March 16)
Participation requirements: Participants must be able to walk the designated distance. (Children under elementary school age must be accompanied by a guardian.)
Recruitment number: 250 people
Inquiry:
Utoro Course 6km... Shiretoko Shari Town Tourism Association (Phone: 0152-22-2125)
Rausu Course 10km... Shiretoko Rausu Town Tourism Association (Phone: 0153-87-3360)
*Reception hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
home page:
Shiretoko Shari Town Tourism Association　http://www.shiretoko.asia/index.html
Shiretoko Rausu Town Tourism Association　http://www.rausu-shiretoko.com/

~Check these out too~
・The Four Seasons of Shiretoko Pass | The breathtaking scenery and charm of Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage Site, throughout spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

2-2 Lake Akan Candlelight Ice Cruise

Lake Akan is covered in ice during the winter.
The sightseeing boats begin operating in May, but about a week before that, there are icebreaking sightseeing cruises where you can enjoy the scenery by boat as the ice breaks.

The Lake Akan icebreaking cruise, also known as the "Lake Akan Candlelight Ice Cruise" due to the beauty of the ice on the lake's surface, is a limited-time cruise available for only one week.

Once the ice begins to melt, Lake Akan rapidly transitions towards spring.
This cruise is a popular spring event in eastern Hokkaido.
The ice on this lake, though still ice, presents a different appearance from the drift ice of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk. Its purity and transparency have garnered a large and devoted following.

If you're planning a trip to eastern Hokkaido in the latter half of April, why not consider visiting during this time?

【event information】
Date: Undecided for this year
Price: Adults 820 yen, Children 490 yen
For inquiries, please contact Akan Sightseeing Ferry (Tel: 0154-67-2511)
home page:
Akan Sightseeing Ferry　http://www.akankisen.com/

For more details, please see this article.
From winter to spring: The Lake Akan Candle Ice Cruise – [An unforgettable experience lasting just one week]

2-3 Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival

As the snow begins to melt in the mountains of eastern Hokkaido, cherry blossom season arrives in southern Hokkaido.

Matsumae Park is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Hokkaido.
This is a nationally renowned cherry blossom viewing spot, so much so that it has been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots.

Cherry blossoms begin to bloom in Matsumae Park from late April, and the blooming period lasts for a whole month.
During that time, as many as 250 varieties of cherry blossoms bloom, totaling around 10,000 trees.

The Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival is held for almost a month, starting in late April when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
In addition to a product fair featuring local specialties, including seafood, a variety of events will be held, ranging from traditional performing arts to live performances by popular characters and a portable shrine procession.

It would be nice to enjoy the feeling of cherry blossom viewing for the second time in Hokkaido!

【event information】
Date: XNUM X Month X NUM X Day (Sat)-X NUM X Month X NUM X Day
Venue: Matsumae Park (the area around Matsumae Castle)
Address: Matsushiro, Matsumae-cho, Matsumae-gun, Hokkaido
Access by car: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from Yakumo IC on the Hokkaido Expressway via Prefectural Road 67, or approximately 2 hours from Hakodate city center via National Route 228.
Access by train: Take a bus bound for Matsumae from JR Kikonai Station (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes), get off at "Matsushiro" bus stop, and walk for about 7 minutes.
Admission: Free (however, there is a charge for entry to the castle tower)
Parking: Available (1000 spaces, 500 yen)
For inquiries, please contact the Matsumae Tourism Association (Tel: 0139-42-2726).
home page:
Tourism Commissioner of the Matsumae Domain, Hokkaido　http://www.asobube.com/

2-4 Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks Festival and Mount Usu Opening Ceremony

April in Hokkaido is still the off-season, so there aren't many notable events, but if I had to recommend one, it would be the "Lake Toya Long-Run Fireworks Festival."

From late April onwards, fireworks are launched over the lake every day to delight the eyes of hot spring guests.
April, in particular, often has clearer air, so fireworks appear clearer and more vibrant than in the summer.

Also, the opening ceremony for climbing Mount Usu takes place every year on April 28th.

While mountain climbing season in Hokkaido usually begins in June, Mount Usu is known as one of the earliest mountains in Hokkaido to be open for climbing.
The Lake Toya area has a mild climate compared to other parts of Hokkaido.

Mount Usu is a mountain that even beginners can easily enjoy. Why not experience the nature of Hokkaido in early spring with a trek up Mount Usu?

【event information】
Period: April 28, 2018 (Sat) - October 31, 2018 (Wed) (Cancelled in case of severe weather)
Time slot: 20:45 - 21:05
Venue: Lake Toya Onsen lakeside
Address: Toyako Onsen, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Access by JR: 20 minutes by bus from JR Toya Station, then a 1-minute walk from Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal.
Access by car: Approximately 5 minutes from Abuta Toyako IC on the Hokkaido Expressway via National Route 230.
For inquiries, please contact the Toyako Onsen Tourism Association (Tel: 0142-75-2446).
home page:
Toyako Onsen Tourism Association　http://www.laketoya.com/
○ Mount Usu Opening Ceremony and Safety Prayer Festival
Date: April 29th (National Holiday), starting at 9:00 AM
Location: Entrance to the Usu Outer Rim Mountain Trail
For inquiries, please contact the Date Tourism Association (Tel: 0142-25-2722).

In April, outside of Hokkaido, it's definitely springtime.
Even in Hokkaido, the snow melts in April and spring approaches, but the morning and evening temperatures still feel like winter.

Also, this is a season when the climate varies from region to region.

(graph:http://www.jma-net.go.jp/sapporo/tenki/calendar/season/season4.html　Quoted from)

You can think of Hokkaido's climate as being about a month behind that of the Kanto region.
Therefore, when choosing clothes, you should imagine what you would wear in late February or March in Honshu and westward.

clothing
In Hokkaido, there is a large temperature difference between outdoors and indoors, so instead of bringing one thick sweater, it is recommended to wear layers such as a light sweater or cardigan over a spring/autumn shirt.

A regular winter jacket will suffice. Unless you're taking a city tour, you won't need a hat, gloves, or earmuffs like you would for extremely cold weather.
For daytime wear, a standard undershirt suitable for the Kanto region should suffice, but those traveling to northern or eastern Hokkaido should bring a thicker undershirt.

Since your feet will get cold from the snow, take precautions against the cold by wearing thick tights, leggings, or tights.

About your feet
In early April, it's best to wear shoes with good insulation, but from mid-April onwards, the same shoes you'd wear in Honshu and westward should be fine.
In downtown Sapporo, the proportion of people wearing spring/autumn shoes increases significantly once April arrives.

However, for travel to cities other than Sapporo, winter boots are still recommended.

Also, from early to mid-April, the roads become muddy and full of puddles due to the snowmelt, so the roads aren't very clean.
It's best to choose shoes that are easy to clean even if they get covered in mud.

Summary

That concludes our introduction to the must-see sights in Hokkaido during April.

Although there are relatively few events before the summer tourist season, this time of year, with its transition from winter to spring, offers a wide variety of sights to see, from the powder snow of spring skiing to the snowmelt and the blooming of cherry blossoms, making it a season for connoisseurs!

Please enjoy!

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