When you think of Hokkaido, you think of summer, when refreshing breezes blow.
And then there's winter, the peak season for winter sports.
The autumn foliage is irresistible, and there's plenty of delicious food to enjoy.

But what about spring? Don't worry. Spring in Hokkaido is quite charming too.
May marks the beginning of a riot of flowers that color Hokkaido's short spring and summer. Spring skiing on the snow-capped mountains is also a unique Hokkaido experience.

Let me tell you about the charms of spring in Hokkaido. Please enjoy early spring in Hokkaido to your heart's content, with Golden Week being the peak season.

<Contents>
1. Enjoying cherry blossoms and other spring flowers in Hokkaido
2. Scenic spots you'll want to visit in spring
3. Recommended tourist destinations for spring travel
Enjoy spring skiing!
5. Recommended spring delicacies in Hokkaido
6. Things to be aware of when traveling to Hokkaido in spring
Afterword

In Honshu, the flowers that color the seasons change from plum blossoms to cherry blossoms and then to azaleas. However, here in Hokkaido, the far reaches of Japan, the scale is different, just like the land itself.

The flowering season, starting with the plum blossoms, rushes in all at once like a torrent. It's like a massive explosion of flowers in full bloom.
In Hokkaido, spring offers the chance to enjoy plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, azaleas, and moss phlox all at once if you change your vantage point.

1) Matsumae Castle Park

Maruyama Park is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing and Genghis Khan barbecue. Nemuro boasts countless scenic spots, including the Ezo Chishima cherry blossoms, which have a different charm from Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, but Matsumae Castle Park is particularly popular with visitors from both within and outside Hokkaido.
The fact that it's in full bloom right during Golden Week is another reason for its popularity.

Matsumae, Hokkaido's only castle town and a place associated with the Matsumae Domain, has recently become famous as a port where high-quality tuna is caught. However, for the people of Hokkaido, Matsumae means cherry blossoms.
The cherry blossoms that bloom profusely surrounding the castle offer a wide variety of colors and sizes, leaving an unforgettable impression on those who see them.

Matsumae Town Tourism Promotion Council (Matsumae Town, Matsumae Tourism Association, Matsumae Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
Phone: 0139-42-2726

Photo By Flickr : Unique Fullness / Ian's

2) Goryokaku Park

Another famous spot in southern Hokkaido is Goryokaku.
While it doesn't possess the same level of sophistication as Matsumae Castle, the sight of the entire star-shaped castle ruins covered in a mass of cherry blossoms is both magnificent and breathtaking.

Because there are no tall buildings nearby, it looks like a castle made of flowers.

3) Higashimokoto Park (Ozora Town)

In Hokkaido, the term "sakura" doesn't necessarily refer only to the flowers on the trees.
Moss phlox is also an important flower of spring.

Image source: Hokkaido Free Photo Material DO PHOTO

In Oozora Town, Higashimokoto Park is covered in a carpet of delicate flowers ranging from pale pink to purple from the beginning of May to June.

Surrounded by the vast, beautiful sky and flowers, you're guaranteed to feel blissful.
Please do experience this breathtaking sight.

*For inquiries, please contact: Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park Management Corporation
Address: 393 Suehiro, Higashimokoto, Ozora-cho, Abashiri-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0152-66-3111

1) The last of the drift ice

Image source: Hokkaido Free Photo Material DO PHOTO

March is the time when the Okhotsk Sea is nearing the end of its ripening period.
As this marks the end of the drift ice season, both the Aurora II and Garinko ice floe observation ships will cease operations from the end of March to the beginning of April.

Now we have to wait nearly 10 months for the drift ice to arrive.
Early spring in Hokkaido is a wonderful time to enjoy both the sight of drift ice and flowers such as skunk cabbage.

Furthermore, you can enjoy seafood that is available near the time the sea breaks.
So, let's enjoy the last of the drift ice, a unique experience that can only happen at this time of year.

The last vestiges of drift ice, while evoking a sense of melancholy for things that are disappearing, will surely evoke new emotions in the hearts of those who see them. I highly recommend it.

Okhotsk Garinko Tower Co., Ltd.
Zip code:094-0031
2 Marine Park, Monbetsu City, Hokkaido
TEL: 0158-24-8000 FAX: 0158-24-4040
URL http://www.o-tower.co.jp

2) View from the plum grove in Sobetsu Park - Lake Toya in spring

The plum season arrives in Hokkaido about two months later than in Honshu.

Image source: pixta

While Sapporo's Hiraoka Park boasts a vast area adorned with numerous blooming plum trees, filling the crisp, cool early spring air of Sapporo with their vibrant fragrance, if you're looking for a scenic view, I recommend the plum grove at Sobetsu Park, where delicate blossoms with a hint of red bloom against the backdrop of Lake Toya's beautiful blue waters.

This fleeting moment in spring offers a uniquely Japanese experience, yet its grand scale and otherworldly beauty are truly breathtaking.
Located on the shores of Lake Toya, a major tourist destination, this town boasts numerous attractions, including hot springs and sightseeing boat tours, making it one of the best spots to enjoy Lake Toya in early spring.

Sobetsu Tourism Association
Address: 384-1 Takinomachi, Sobetsu-cho, Usu-gun, Hokkaido
Roadside Station Sobetsu Information Center i (1st floor)
Telephone number: 0142-66-2750

3) The moment you can encounter its majestic form - Mount Komagatake in spring

Photo courtesy of: Gift from the Northern Land Photo by (C) RARURU

While Hokkaido boasts many famous peaks, Mount Yotei and Mount Komagatake can be considered the two most exceptional in terms of their beautiful shapes and the surrounding scenery.
Mount Komagatake, with its beautiful reflection in Lake Onuma and the surrounding primeval forest, is a mountain whose beauty you can gaze upon forever without getting bored, making you forget the passage of time. However, the best time to visit in spring is in the morning.

The direction in which the sun rises perfectly aligns with Mount Komagatake, and its majestic form slowly emerges in the morning light.
This moment is the moment of truth. It is a time when you feel a tremor in your heart. The scene unfolds before your eyes exactly as described in The Pillow Book, "In spring, it is the dawn."

Enjoy a beauty that cannot be experienced in other seasons.

• Onuma International Exchange Plaza 0138-67-2170
• Onuma International Seminar House 0138-67-3950
• The Onuma Branch of the Natural Parks Foundation: 0138-67-3477

4) Open-air bath illuminated by the setting sun - Shakotan Cape Hot Spring

Driving along the Shakotan Peninsula, with its lingering snow-covered peaks, reveals a different side of Shakotan than what we see in the summer.
Once the Panorama Line towards Niseko reopens after its winter closure, be sure to take a drive on it.

Image source: Hokkaido Free Photo Material DO PHOTO

As you enjoy the beautiful coastline, you'll be reminded of the ancient Shakotan Peninsula, which once thrived on herring fishing.
Then, in the evening, we went to the hot springs on the cape.

Although it's a day-trip hot spring facility, spring is the best season to visit, as the sun sets directly in front of the open-air bath overlooking the sea.
It's still a bit early for sea urchins, but I can relax my mind while watching the sunset in the distance.

At first glance, this spring might seem uneventful. But your heart will surely be filled with joy.

岬の湯しゃこたん
Address: 212-1 Nozuka-cho, Shakotan-cho, Shakotan-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 0135-47-2050
Admission fee: Adults 610 yen, Elementary school students 310 yen (260 yen in winter)
Closed days
Wednesdays (Wednesdays and Thursdays from December to March) / Open every day in July and August
Business hours
10:00～21:00（入館受付20:30迄・12～3月は11：00～20：30で入館受付20：00）

3-1. Springtime Flower Field Farm is finally open!

Photo by Flickr: Hanabatake Farm / alberth2

Asahiyama Zoo is closed in April in preparation for its summer season.
If they don't make it in time for their winter season ending on the 7th, Hanabatake Farm in Nakasatsunai Town will be their next target.

In addition to tours of the caramel and cheese-making processes, the vast 7-tsubo (approximately 5 square meters) grounds are the size of five Tokyo Domes.
In addition to the farm, there are many animals on the premises that you can interact with.

Photo by Flickr: Hanabatake Farm / alberth2

With playground equipment and opportunities to interact with animals, this is a spot that kids will absolutely love.
If you're feeling a little tired, there's also a cafe where you can enjoy homemade ice cream and soft caramel.

While there are numerous Hanabatake Farm branches throughout Japan, there's nothing quite like enjoying a meal and shopping at the main store's shop and cafe, surrounded by the fresh air of Hokkaido. The sense of exclusivity is only amplified when it reopens after a winter break.

Photo by Flickr: Hanabatake Farm / alberth2

The animals, too, seem to have woken up from the winter chill and are enjoying the leisurely pace of time, looking quite comfortable.
It's a very popular spot during the summer and also during Golden Week. In fact, April, right after it opens, is probably the best time to enjoy it at a leisurely pace.

311-6 Motosatsunai East 4 Line, Nakasatsunai Village, Kasai District, Hokkaido 089-1372
Telephone (011) 375-9853 FAX (0155) 69-4560 (Weekdays 10:00-17:00)

 

3-2. The neighing that signals the arrival of spring: Hokkaido horse racing season begins.

Hokkaido is the number one breeding ground for racehorses in Japan, and most of the horses in the Central Horse Racing Association, where races are held almost every week from January onwards, are from Hokkaido.

Even in the Hidaka region of Hokkaido, which is generally covered in snow, April marks the start of the snow season.
I recommend Monbetsu Racecourse in Hidaka, a region famous for producing top-quality horses.
Although it's a small, rustic racecourse, it's a place where you can feel the simplicity and warmth of Hokkaido.

Photo by Flickr : Breeding Race Horses. / MIKI Yoshihito (´･ω･)

The four shops, though small and cute in appearance, are all highly-regarded businesses that attract long lines on event days.
From sweet shops to casual soba noodle restaurants, it's a lineup that's typical of Hokkaido.

Since the racecourse is located in a horse breeding area, you can find plenty of racehorse farms just a short drive away.
While it may not be the season of lush greenery, you might see future champion horses leisurely playing or training in the pasture, or you might encounter a friendly-looking mother and foal pair.

If the timing is right, you might even be able to enjoy cherry blossom viewing along the Nijukken Road.

■Location: 76-1 Tomikawa Komagaoka, Hidaka-cho, Saru-gun, Hokkaido
■Telephone／01456-2-4110
■Transportation/
・JR: Approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes from Sapporo Station to Tomikawa Station via Tomakomai.
(Approximately 10 minutes by taxi from Bucheon Station)
- Local bus: Take a highway bus from Sapporo Station Terminal to Monbetsu Racecourse (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes).

Photo by Flickr : NISEKO Powder Power. / MIKI Yoshihito (´･ω･)

Hokkaido is one of the last places in Japan where you can enjoy skiing.
In some areas, you can still enjoy skiing until Golden Week, and the snow quality at lower altitudes is granular.

Photo by Flickr : Niseko 16 April 2007 / thedailyenglishshow

However, the snow quality is still quite good at higher altitudes.
Among the many ski resorts, Nukabira is recommended by Hokkaido residents for its snow quality. However, the problem lies in access and surrounding facilities.

In terms of accessibility, Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort is a good choice. It's close to both Otaru and Sapporo, about a 90-minute bus ride away. For the abundance of surrounding facilities, Grand Hirafu Ski Resort, with its vast slope area, might be the best option.

Photo by Flickr :Skiing holiday. / MIKI Yoshihito (´･ω･)

It's a relaxed atmosphere, bathed in the spring sunshine.
It's in the Niseko area, specifically in Kutchan Town. From Sapporo, it's about a two-hour drive over the Nakayama Pass.

Every ski resort has plenty of hot springs and accommodations nearby, so you can fully enjoy spring skiing.
However, it's important to note that the weather can change rapidly from day to day, ranging from blizzards to heavy rain.
Sapporo International Ski Area
Zip code:061-2301
937 Jozankei, Minami-ku, Sapporo City
TEL (Representative) 011-598-4511

Nukabira Onsenkyo Ski Resort
Phone
Ski resort office: 01564-4-2201 Nukabira-kan Tourist Hotel: 01564-4-2210
スキースクール： 01564-4-2388(受付時間 9:00-10:00/12:00-13:00)
Address
Zip code:080-1403
75 Minami-ku, Nukabira Onsenkyo, Kamishihoro-cho, Kato-gun, Hokkaido

Niseko Hirafu Ski Resort
204 Yamada, Kutchan-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 044-0081
Contact phone number
Grand Hirafu Main Phone Number: 0136-22-0109

Some seafood from Hokkaido begins its peak season in March, while others finish their season in March. It's a time when gourmet delights intersect.
March is the perfect month to enjoy both to the fullest. Let's look at some of the most representative examples.

Okhotsk hairy crab

As soon as the seas reopen, hairy crabs begin to appear on the market. While hairy crabs from Uchiura Bay and the Pacific Ocean are at their peak in the summer, those that have stored plenty of nutrients under the drift ice are in season this spring. Their finely textured, firm flesh and rich flavor are a limited-time delicacy. Enjoy the bounty of the reopening of the seas.

Button shrimp

With its rich sweetness, this is one of the most popular sushi toppings. While some restaurants serve it year-round, many believe that March is when it's at its most flavorful. Overwintered spot prawns, with their perfect texture, are one of the seafood products that heralds spring in Hokkaido. At the same time, this is also the last season for sweet shrimp (nanban ebi). Enjoy this duet of two types of shrimp before they go on hiatus for a while.

6-1. Temperature and Climate

*Created based on information from the Japan Meteorological Agency website.

Considering the maximum temperature, it's clear that the temperature is comparable to winter in Honshu.
The same applies to the minimum temperature.

Additionally, strong low-pressure systems may form over the Sea of ​​Okhotsk until March, potentially causing severe weather in early March.
Naturally, heavy snowfall will cause disruptions to transportation schedules. You will need to allow more flexibility in your travel plans than in the summer.

As you can see from the graph, the difference between the minimum and maximum temperatures is 10℃, so even if it feels warm during the day, you might feel a sudden drop in temperature at night.
This temperature difference could be considered a sign of spring's arrival in Hokkaido.

Winter is when the thermometer stops working at -5°C.
The humidity is low and the heating is on until May, so you should be careful about dry skin.
A characteristic of spring weather is that the wind often feels colder and stronger than the actual temperature.

6-2. Regarding clothing

You definitely won't need a down coat in the area from Hakodate to Sapporo.
You will likely find that winter clothing is necessary in Honshu.

However, since the temperature changes gradually become more pronounced during this time of year, layering up with underwear like in winter would be inconvenient. It would be safer to layer up with items that are easy to put on and take off, such as sweaters or cardigans.

The wind is strong, so a warm hat and wool gloves would be very useful.
Also, depending on the region you visit, in southern Hokkaido it's April when the cherry blossoms bloom, but in eastern Hokkaido and the Okhotsk region, it's just recently that the sea ice has opened up and disappeared.
It can get colder than mid-winter in the Kansai region, with temperatures sometimes dropping below freezing.

The number of layers of clothing you bring will likely vary depending on your travel destination and purpose.
Also, in snowy cities like Sapporo and Hakodate, the sand used for traction turns into dust around this time of year. It might be a good idea to bring a mask.

6-3. Driving and Driving

Many roads are closed due to winter conditions until before Golden Week, so careful consideration is needed when choosing your route.
Also, there is still a lot of snow on the mountain pass, and some areas are covered in compacted snow and ice.

The fact that many Hokkaido residents don't switch to summer tires until after Golden Week speaks volumes about the road conditions in April.
On some days, the roads can freeze over.

If it's a rental car, it should be equipped with winter tires, so you can rest assured about that.
Drive according to the road conditions and enjoy Hokkaido to the fullest.

The key to a successful trip is to remember to have plenty of time and mental space.

Afterword

Photo courtesy of: Gift from the Northern Land Photo by (C) RARURU

What did you think?
Certainly, spring in Hokkaido doesn't offer the same level of freedom as summer. However, conversely, there are fewer tourists, making it a hidden gem for those who want to enjoy Hokkaido in a more relaxed atmosphere.

And of course, there are many breathtaking sights that can only be seen in spring.
Flocks of migratory birds, baby animals, and the contrast between lingering snow and fresh green leaves.
There are many things you won't want to miss.

Please do visit Hokkaido in the spring.
There is surely a genuine sense of wonder that arises from nothingness.

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