Matsumae Castle, the only traditional Japanese castle in Hokkaido, forms the centrepiece of one of Japan's most diverse cherry blossom festivals. The town boasts approximately 10,000 cherry trees representing around 250 distinct varieties, meaning bloom season extends over several weeks as different cultivars flower in succession. Stalls line the castle grounds selling local seafood, Matsumae pickles, and sake. The castle tower reflected in blossom-framed ponds provides an iconic photo opportunity unique in all of Hokkaido.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Cherry Blossom
- Season
- Spring
- Month
- Late April to Mid May
- Region
- Hokkaido
- Prefecture
- Hokkaido
- City
- Matsumae
Highlights
- ◆~10,000 trees across 250 cherry varieties for extended bloom
- ◆Only traditional Japanese castle in Hokkaido as backdrop
- ◆Local seafood and Matsumae-zuke pickle food stalls
- ◆Multi-week season due to cultivar diversity
- ◆Castle tower reflection in cherry-lined ponds