2026 Edition! The only Japanese style castle and cherry blossoms in Hokkaido [Matsumae Sakura Festival

  • Hokkaido
  • Sightseeing
Matsumae Castle in spring
April brings the cherry blossom season to Hokkaido. The town of Matsumae, located at the southernmost tip of Hokkaido, is one of the earliest areas in Hokkaido where cherry blossoms bloom. Cherry blossoms add color to the historic townscape, creating a unique spring scene. In this issue, we will introduce some typical spots where you can experience the cherry blossoms and history of Matsumae.

Matsumae Park, selected as one of the "100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan

Matsumae Park, where the castle is located, has been selected as one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, and is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Hokkaido. The park is planted with 10,000 cherry trees of about 250 varieties, with many varieties blooming one after another, from early bloomers to late bloomers, so that visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms for about a month from late April to May every year.
Beautifully illuminated cherry blossoms

Matsumae Castle, the only Japanese-style castle in Hokkaido

Matsumae Castle, the only Japanese-style castle in Hokkaido, is located in Matsumae Town. The castle was built in the Edo period (1603-1867) as the base of the Matsumae clan, and its history is marked by its role in the politics and defense of the Ezo region. The current castle tower was rebuilt in 1961 after being destroyed by fire. During the cherry blossom season, the white walls of the castle keep contrast with the hues of the flowers, and visitors can enjoy strolling around the castle with a sense of dignity that is unique to castles.
The current castle tower was rebuilt in 1961 after being destroyed by fire.

Cherry blossom scenery nurtured by the castle town's history

The town of Matsumae has long been a port of call for Kitamae-boats, which brought many people and cultures to the area. Temples, shrines, and historical sites still remain in the town, and the townscape still retains vestiges of those days.
It is said that the cherry trees in Matsumae were planted by people who moved from Honshu in the Edo period, thinking of their faraway hometown. As if to carry on the wishes of these people, the town is decorated with a wide variety of cherry trees in spring. The blooming time differs depending on the variety of cherry trees, so each time you visit Matsumae, you will see different expressions of cherry blossoms, which is another attraction of Matsumae.
Ryusenin, a Soto sect temple founded in 1625 (Kaei 2)

Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival

The Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year in conjunction with the blooming of the cherry trees.
During the festival, a variety of events are scheduled to 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?

Please check the Matsumae Town Tourist Association website for the period of the festival in 2026.

Image courtesy of Hokkaido Matsumae Tourism and Products Association
Matsumae Kagura
Hokkaido Matsumae Tourism and Products Association

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