2025 Edition! Matsumae Sakura Festival: Hokkaido's only Japanese-style castle and cherry blossoms!

  • Hokkaido
  • Sightseeing
Matsumae Park, where the castle is located, has been selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan.

Matsumae Castle, the only Japanese-style castle in Hokkaido

The cherry blossom season is upon us again this year in Matsumae Town, the only place in Hokkaido where you can see a Japanese-style castle.
Located in the southernmost part of Hokkaido, Matsumae-cho has prospered since the Edo period as the northernmost castle town.
The current castle tower was rebuilt in 1961 after being destroyed by fire.

Don't miss the sight of the town dyed in cherry blossom colors!

In the children's song "Sakura Sakura", it is said "Yayoi no sora wa mieru mieru mieru dake" ("As far as the eye can see"), and the cherry blossom season in Hokkaido begins in April. In Matsumae, from late April to May, 10,000 cherry trees of 250 varieties turn the town into cherry blossom colors. There are many varieties of cherry trees, from early bloomers to late bloomers, and the cherry blossom scenery can be enjoyed for about a month.　　　　　　
It is said that the cherry trees in Matsumae were planted by people who came from Honshu in the Edo period (1603-1867), feeling nostalgia for their faraway hometown.
Beautifully illuminated cherry blossoms

The 77th Matsumae Sakura Festival will be held in 2025!

The Matsumae Sakura Festival is held every year to coincide with the blooming of the cherry blossoms.
The 77th Matsumae Sakura Festival will be held from April 19 (Sat) to May 11 (Sun), 2025 * for 23 days.
During the festival period, a variety of events will be held mainly on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays, including performances of local performing arts such as "Matsumae Kagura," which is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Japan, and other stage events.
This spring, why not enjoy cherry blossom viewing in the northern castle town of "Matsumae"?

Image provided by: Hokkaido Matsumae Tourism and Products Association
Matsumae Kagura (Shinto music and dance)
Matsumae Town Official Tourism Site

Take your favorite train and lodging combination for a budget-friendly trip!

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For train + accommodation "Donan Area" reservations, please visit [ JR East View Dynamic Rail Package ]
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