Matsumae Park

Matsumae Park sits at the southern tip of Hokkaido in Matsumae City. Spread over a vast area, the park is home to cultural sites such as the famous Matsumae Castle, a temple area, and the residence of the Matsumae clan. But what really makes this park special is its spectacular cherry blossoms. With around 10,000 trees across about 250 species, it is one of Japan’s favorite cherry blossom destinations.

Matsumae Park Background

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At the heart of the park stands Matsumae Castle, the only traditional-style castle in Hokkaido. First completed in 1854, it played an important role in protecting the region. A fire destroyed the original castle many years ago. The current castle was rebuilt in 1961 and still reflects its past. Surrounding the castle, you’ll find an old shrine and historical paths that tell stories of the Edo period. 

In fact, the cherry blossoms here have a long history as well. Centuries ago, merchants, samurai, and aristocratic families brought these trees with them. Over time, local people have carefully nurtured and developed them, creating the rich diversity that exists today. You can feel this deep connection between nature and history as you walk through the park.

Cherry Blossom Season at Matsumae Park

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One of the best things about Matsumae Park is that you can enjoy the beauty of the cherry blossoms over a long period of time. The flowers bloom from early April to late May. This means that visitors have plenty of time to see the flowers at their best. The early bloomers of the season gradually give way to the middle and late bloomers, creating a changing scene every week.

The park is known for its wide range of cherry blossoms, from soft white to deep pink, and even rare greenish tones. 

Scenic Walks and Other Highlights

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The large grounds of Matsumae Park, covering over 200,000 square meters, offer many scenic spots to explore. The “Cherry Blossom Sample Garden” is like a living encyclopedia, where you can see many different types of cherry trees in one place. There’s also a second park on a hill, where you can enjoy a stunning view of the entire area and the blue waters of the Tsugaru Strait.

Along the walkways, especially on Satozakura Road, cherry trees line both sides, creating a beautiful tunnel of flowers. You’ll also find famous old trees, some over 300 years old, standing proudly as symbols of the park’s history.

The perfect way to conclude a cherry blossom viewing trip is to see the illuminated cherry blossoms at night. The castle and cherry blossoms reflected in the moat make for a very picturesque scene.