Springtime Splendor: Top Things to Do in Hokkaido in Spring

Ready to go on a springtime adventure unlike any other? Look no further than Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, where its famous spring flowers start to come to life in a breathtaking display of colours and natural wonders! 

One such natural wonder is the bloom of their famous cherry blossoms. Nothing captures the magic of Hokkaido spring quite like these delicate flowers, slowly but surely painting the region in lovely shades of pink and white.

With our guide, we'll take you on a journey through the delights of Hokkaido in spring, showcasing everything Hokkaido offers—from the calm cherry blossom-lined streets to adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities. 

Spring in Hokkaido spans the months of April to June. As the winter season melts away, spring begins with lingering snowscapes, while cherry blossoms start dotting the landscape by early May. You can stroll through parks and gardens, where fluffy pink and white blooms create a dreamlike atmosphere. 

The Hanami Festivals—the Japanese custom of flower watching held throughout Hokkaido are the perfect opportunity to join locals in celebrating the arrival of spring. One of the most well-known festivals is the Shizuuchi Shikkan Road Cherry Blossoms Festival.

Speaking of weather, temperatures range from around 5°C (41°F) to 15°C (59°F) when you visit Hokkaido, making it pleasantly mild even on a bright sunny day. While there may still be a hint of the rainy season, especially from early June through mid-July, it often makes the radiance of cherry blossoms even better. Just remember to pack a light raincoat or travel umbrella so you can continue exploring even in wet Hokkaido weather. 

Absolutely! Hokkaido in spring is a magical time, especially after the harsh winter. From late-winter activities to mid-spring Hanami festivals, there's no shortage of fun during this time of the year! Plus, you can try a glass of locally brewed sake crafted from the finest spring rice harvests.

So, when is it best to visit Hokkaido in the spring? Undoubtedly, May, with its cool air and pleasant temperatures. It also falls just before the peak season for tourists in June and July, so you can experience all that spring in Hokkaido has to offer—minus the crowds!

Now, let's get into the exciting things to do in Hokkaido that await you come springtime!

Celebrate the arrival of spring with the iconic cherry blossoms, known in Japanese as sakura! 🌸 The eagerly anticipated blooming of these spring flowers marks the beginning of the season, creating a wave of excitement known as the "cherry blossom front."

Unlike in other parts of Japan, the blossoms appear last in Hokkaido, so locals are always excited for the blossoms to finally show up!

Cherry blossoms bloom in the warmer parts of Hokkaido around late April. Here, the Yoshino and Ezoyama cherry trees steal the show in the early spring. As the blooming wave moves up north, it hits its peak in Nemuro around mid-May. That's where you'll find the Chishima-zakura variety, known for taking its sweet time to bloom.

This captivating cherry blossom relay lasts for about half a month, attracting tourists from far and wide who journey to Hokkaido in spring just to see this display, especially since it's home to a bunch of varieties, including ones that you can only find in the region.

Matsumae, located in southern Hokkaido, has 250 different kinds, earning the title "the town of cherry blossoms."

A must-visit spot for cherry blossom viewing is the historic Goryokaku Park in Hakodate, a bustling city in southern Hokkaido. Make your way over to Otaru with the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass.

Here, Chitose Terrace Road is the spot. In full bloom, the trees form a beautiful cherry blossom avenue. Then, head over to the romantic Otaru Canal, where the scenery changes with the four seasons.

For one day every mid-April, the Shiretoko Snow Wall Walk invites adventurers to walk across the renowned Shiretoko Crossing Road which remains buried under snow from November to April before reopening to vehicular traffic.

As you walk through the snow-covered road, you'll be surrounded by towering snow walls on either side. Did we mention that these walls accumulate up to 20 metres high? With that amount of snow, take the chance to snowshoe, with special snow booties so you can "float" through the snow!

Got sharp eyes? Try to spot Toyama's prefectural bird, the ptarmigan, blending seamlessly into its snowy surroundings. This striking bird, once considered a messenger of the gods, adds an extra touch of whimsy to the pure-white landscape.

This one-of-a-kind experience also offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the snow removal process. Meet the dedicated teams tirelessly working to clear the road and see firsthand their incredible effort. It's a unique addition to your list of things to do in Hokkaido.

Looking for what to do in Hokkaido after a day of exploration? Treat yourself to one of Hokkaido's famous hot springs or onsen. With steam rising from bubbling waters sourced from the volcanic Asahi-dake, the Shiretoko Mountain Range, and Mt. Io, Hokkaido is the ultimate hot spring town!

But it's not just about the heat—these onsens are located in some seriously gorgeous locations! Soak in mineral-rich waters along scenic coastlines or amidst verdant valleys. And the water? It's a whole variety of hot spring types that help reduce pain and stress!

Noboribetsu Onsen is where it's at if you're craving a diverse hot spring experience with a whopping nine different types! But if you're staying in Sapporo in spring, try Jozankei Onsen. Located in central Hokkaido, it's steeped in history thanks to Buddhist monk Miizumi Jozan.

Indulging in mouthwatering culinary delights, especially their famed snow crab and king crab, should be on your list of top things to do in Hokkaido. Known for their succulent meat, they're often prepared simple-boiled, grilled, or served as part of a fresh seafood platter. For a mouthwatering crab banquet, head to Kaiyutei in Sapporo!

Seafood aficionados will also delight in freshly caught sea urchins, known locally as uni. With its creamy texture and briny flavour, it's best enjoyed and prepared simply: served atop a bowl of rice or as part of a sushi platter. For a taste of the freshest uni, visit Michelin-starred Hanakoji Sawada in Sapporo.

Let's not forget about sake! Spring is the perfect time to try the floral and fruity flavours of Hokkaido's seasonal sake. Take a sake-tasting tour at breweries like Otokoyama Sake Brewery in Asahikawa, where you can sample their varieties, or visit an izakaya (Japanese pubs), where you can pair your sake with a selection of delicious izakaya-style dishes.

And for dessert? No list of things to do in Hokkaido is complete without tasting the world-renowned LeTAO cheesecake. Creamy and melt-in-your-mouth velvety, this cheesecake is a dessert lover's dream come true. Sink your teeth into a slice of heaven at LeTAO's flagship store in Otaru, where you can enjoy freshly baked cheesecakes made with the finest Hokkaido ingredients.

Now that we've explored the awesome activities and indulgent treats the region offers in the spring, let's get to the best places to visit in Hokkaido!

Walk through popular Hokkaido tourist attractions Furano and Biei, known for their vast flower fields, rolling hills, and charming rural scenery. Farm Tomita, one of Furano's popular lavender fields because of its sheer size, is covered in vibrant hues.

Hopping over to Biei, rolling hills surround the fields of various flowers that blend like patchwork quilts. The Pathwork Road, which blooms starting in June, is best viewed from the iconic Blue Pond. Luckily, Klook's Lavender Day Tour includes a stopover here!

Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park and Takinoue Shibazakura Park are other popular flower parks you can explore. Since these fields are an hour apart by car, book a day trip for maximum convenience.

There are a million colourful tulips in 120 varieties at the tulip park, while a sea of bright pink moss phlox flowers carpet the shibazakura park from May to early June. If you're lucky enough to visit during the Takinoue Moss Phlox Festival, try to score a helicopter ride for a bird's-eye view!

These are just a few of the prefecture's gems—you can discover even more of Hokkaido's offerings with the JR Hokkaido Sapporo-Furano Area Pass! Not sure where to buy yours in Australia? Don't worry—we've got you covered with this handy guide on where to buy your JR Pass. With a pass, easily hop between the picture-perfect cities of Sapporo, Asahikawa, and Furano over four consecutive days. 

Want to learn about pass types, seat types, plus all the cool things to do in the cities covered by this pass? Check out our Hokkaido JR Pass guide!

For a surreal experience, add Unkai Terrace in Tomamu to your list of things to do in Hokkaido. Perched at a staggering 1,088 metres above sea level, you'll find yourself standing above the clouds as they blanket the valleys below. On clear days, you'll be treated to mesmerising views of Mt. Hidaka and Mt. Tokachi.

Getting there is a great adventure in itself! A 13-minute gondola ride from Hoshino Resorts Tomamu takes you to the top, but be prepared for chilly temperatures. Even in the summer, morning temperatures can drop below 10°C. 🥶 Gondolas operate during specific hours depending on the season, so plan your trip accordingly for the best views.

Once you've reached the top, don't miss the Cloud Walk for a thrilling chance to stroll above the clouds on an observation deck shaped like billowing clouds, offering panoramic views of the wonderful landscape from all angles. Or dive onto the Cloud Pool, with its hammock-like design, and take in the mesmerising scenery.

Animal enthusiasts will surely enjoy visiting the Asahiyama Zoo—just a hop, skip, and jump away from central Asahikawa City in the heart of Hokkaido. Within a mere 20-minute drive from the city centre, this zoo is easily accessible, especially if you opt for a private car charter for a seamless visit.

So, what makes Asahiyama Zoo such roaring fun? The unique enclosures get up close and personal with the animals from every angle! Feel the thrill of being eye-to-eye with polar bears and wolves via small floor-mounted glass domes that put you right among these regal-looking creatures. 

Encounter diverse wildlife, from Hokkaido's native deer, eagles, and cranes to exotic animals like apes, big cats, and giraffes from around the globe. Try to schedule your visit on weekdays to beat the crowds and maximise your animal encounters!

A trip to Hokkaido's natural attractions won't be complete without a visit to the Shiretoko Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a rich nature experience. Most of the peninsula doesn't have roads, and you can only get to the northern tip by boat or on multi-trekking tours—perfect if you're into outdoor adventures!

This remote and rugged region is home to dense forests, imposing cliffs, and pristine lakes. Spring brings new life to the peninsula as the flora and fauna wake up from their winter beauty rest. So, expect to encounter diverse wildlife, including majestic brown bears, graceful deer, and even cunning foxes, darting through the undergrowth. 

If hiking is your thing, the Shiretoko Five Lakes trail offers fabulous views of the surrounding mountains mirrored in crystal-clear lakes. Explore the three-kilometre network of nature trails winding around the lakescape for a leisurely 90-minute stroll through Shiretoko's untouched nature. Truly, when in Hokkaido, things to do will never run out!