In mid-May, after the cherry blossom season has passed, signs of early summer begin to appear in Hokkaido. However, there is still a significant temperature difference between day and night, and this cold weather is sometimes referred to as "lilac chill."

The "lila" in "lila chill" refers to lilac in French. Lilacs, with their delicate pale purple petals forming inflorescences, are common in Hokkaido, often found in people's gardens, but they are rare in Honshu, especially south of Tohoku.

This time, we'll introduce plenty of information about lilacs that can be enjoyed in Hokkaido, including the types of lilacs, the best time to see them, famous lilac viewing spots, and events.

<Table of Contents>
1. Types of lilacs and when they are in bloom
2. What is "lilac chill"?
3. Let's go to the Sapporo Lilac Festival.
4. There are still many more famous lilac spots.
Summary

Lilacs, known as "lila" in English and French, are commonly grown in relatively cooler climates such as Europe. In warmer seasons, they produce clusters of pale purple and white petals that resemble bunches of grapes.

Although it is rarely seen in warmer regions of Japan, it is commonly planted as a street tree or garden tree in Hokkaido, so it is a familiar and common flower for the people of Hokkaido.

There are actually many different varieties of lilacs, and in Hokkaido alone, more than 200 varieties are cultivated. In addition to the typical light purple, the flowers come in white, pink, magenta, and other colors, and are characterized by their sweet and gentle fragrance, which is even used in perfumes and aromatherapy oils.

In Honshu, particularly in the Tohoku region where lilacs are commonly seen, the best time to see them is said to be from late April to early May. However, in Hokkaido, the best time to see them is from mid-May to early June. Like cherry blossoms, they bloom about half a month later than in Honshu.

Just as a temporary drop in temperature during cherry blossom season in Honshu is called "hanabie" (flower chill), the weather in Hokkaido during this time is unstable, with warm days followed by sudden drops in temperature. This phenomenon is likened to the lilac flower and is called "lilac chill."

The phrase originally came into use in a haiku by Mieko Hangai, a haiku poet from Hokkaido, which read, "The lilac chill, yet the sleeping pills are still working." However, it became widely known through the work "The Town of Lilac Chill," published in 1971 by the writer Junichi Watanabe, who happened to come across this haiku.

It's surprising to learn that the term "lilac chill" is now commonly used on national television and has even become a seasonal word for May.

In Sapporo, the lilac is designated as the city's official tree. Every year from mid-May to early June, Sapporo holds the "Sapporo Lilac Festival" to celebrate the blooming of lilacs and the arrival of early summer.

Odori Park venue

At Odori Park, where approximately 400 lilac trees are in full bloom, there are plenty of events at each venue, including a music festival where you can enjoy the lilac blossoms and music, a stamp rally, and a sketching event.

Among the events, we especially recommend the "Wine Garden," which will be held simultaneously at the Odori 7-chome venue. At this venue, you can enjoy approximately 100 types of Hokkaido-produced wines and Hokkaido-specific food menus that pair perfectly with the wines, making it a popular event.

Sipping wine while surrounded by pleasant sunshine and the gentle scent of lilacs will make you feel as if you're in a luxurious resort abroad.

Kawashita Park Venue

Photo by Wikipedia: Kawashita Park / t-konno

At the Kawashimo Park venue in Shiroishi Ward, Sapporo City, you can take a guided stroll through a lilac forest with 1,700 lilac trees of approximately 200 varieties, and enjoy events that allow you to connect with nature, such as outdoor concerts on the spacious lawn of the park.

While it may not have the same flashy atmosphere as the Odori Park venue, it's recommended for those who want to enjoy the lilacs in a relaxed and quiet setting.

Soseigawa Park

Soseigawa Park was established in 2011 in Chuo Ward, Sapporo City.

Located close to Odori Park, the area boasts numerous tourist attractions, including Susukino, Hokkaido's largest entertainment district, and Nijo Market. Situated on the banks of the Sosei River, which flows through the city, visitors can enjoy the soothing sound of the river while admiring the approximately 200 lilac trees of 30 different varieties planted within the park.

Furthermore, the lovely white lily-of-the-valley flowers bloom at your feet, creating a beautiful contrast of purple and white that can only be enjoyed at this time of year. It's a lilac spot where time seems to slow down, despite being in the heart of the city.

Yurigahara Park

Yurigahara Park, located in Kita Ward, Sapporo City, is a comprehensive park boasting a site area of ​​25.4 hectares.

The vast grounds are planted with a variety of seasonal flowers, including lilies (the park's symbol), lilacs, and tulips, delighting visitors.

The lilac zone, named the Lilac Collection, features approximately 50 varieties of lilacs planted around a lawn, creating a gentle fragrance that envelops the area.

Additionally, lilacs are planted along the pedestrian walkway on the west side of the park for approximately 650 meters, delighting passersby. The park also features a playground and a park golf course, making it perfect for family visits.

Hokkaido University Botanical Garden

The Hokkaido University Botanical Garden is located about a 10-minute walk from Sapporo Station. This approximately 13-hectare botanical garden was created by taking advantage of the natural topography, based on a proposal by Dr. Clark.

The park is home to approximately 4,000 different types of plants, including large Japanese elm trees, giving it the feel of an urban oasis.

At this botanical garden, you can admire "Sapporo's oldest lilac," which was grown from a sapling brought from New England in the United States in 1890, and also take a stroll along the rows of lilac trees in full bloom.

Okhotsk Lila Road

While Sapporo is often associated with lilacs, there are other famous lilac viewing spots throughout Hokkaido.

The Okhotsk Lila Road, located in Yubetsu Town, Monbetsu District, in eastern Hokkaido, is a tree-lined road approximately 2.2 kilometers long, stretching from the town center of Yubetsu to the town center of Nakayubetsu.

The former Japanese National Railways railway line has been developed into a town road called "Okhotsk Lilac Road," and approximately 600 lilac trees have been planted.

The flowering season is in late June, a little later than in Sapporo, so if you're visiting eastern Hokkaido during this time, be sure to extend your trip and check it out.

That concludes our introduction to lilacs, the flower that heralds early summer in Hokkaido, along with related events and highlights.

Lilacs, with their delicate pale purple blossoms and gentle fragrance, soothe the viewer. If you're visiting Hokkaido during this time of year, be sure to enjoy early summer by visiting famous lilac spots and participating in events!

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