Are you planning a trip to Hokkaido in April? You won’t want to miss the breathtaking scenery of cherry blossoms and snow! In this article, we will introduce the top photo spots to fully enjoy the stunning views of Hokkaido in spring. Let’s dive into the reasons why April is the perfect time to travel to Hokkaido and the specific places you can visit.

First of all, Hokkaido in April offers a unique blend of spring and winter landscapes. Cherry blossoms, a symbol of spring, bloom in various locations like Biei, Hakodate, and Sapporo. At the same time, snowy scenes can still be experienced in Niseko and Shikotsu Lake. Hokkaido in April provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy this magical combination of cherry blossoms and snow.

Let’s explore some popular spots to visit during your April Hokkaido trip:

– Asahikawa: Visit the zoo and Biei’s picturesque hills

– Otaru: Stroll through historic streets and admire the nighttime scenery

– Obihiro: Taste delicious local gourmet food as you explore the town

April is also a great time to join various spring and flower festivals happening across the region, including ones in Hakodate and Noboribetsu Onsen. Be sure to prepare for the varying temperatures and consider road conditions during your Hokkaido adventure. With a little planning, you can make the most of your April trip and embrace the beauty of Hokkaido’s spring transition.

Hokkaido travel attractions in April: enjoy the spectacular view of cherry blossoms and snow

Spring arrives late in Hokkaido, making it a rare place where you can enjoy both cherry blossoms and snow at the same time, even in April. April, when the cherry blossoms begin to bloom, is the best time to travel to Hokkaido and a very attractive season for tourists.

In urban areas such as Sapporo and Hakodate, cherry blossoms start to bloom in April, while in some mountainous areas snow still remains. In these areas, cherry blossoms and snow coexist in spectacular harmony, making them increasingly popular tourist attractions.

Hokkaido is also nationally famous for its cherry blossoms, with beautiful parks and rows of cherry blossom trees blooming in many parts of the country. In addition, with gourmet food and hot springs to enjoy, a trip to Hokkaido in spring is sure to be a full-fledged experience.

Furthermore, the charm of Hokkaido’s snow-covered landscapes created by nature is a highlight of spring tourism as well as winter skiing and snowboarding – a trip to Hokkaido in April is a great way to enjoy the spectacular scenery of cherry blossoms and snow all at once.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Cherry blossom spots in Hokkaido: Biei, Hakodate and Sapporo.

Hokkaido has numerous cherry blossom viewing spots, but three areas in particular – Biei, Hakodate and Sapporo – are particularly popular.

In Biei, the cherry blossoms around Aoi Ike (Blue Pond) and Shirogane Onsen (hot springs) are famous and offer spectacular views. In Hakodate, the cherry blossoms in Goryokaku Park are magnificent, and the illuminated nighttime cherry blossoms in Goryokaku create a magical atmosphere on spring nights.

In Sapporo, cherry blossoms can be enjoyed in Maruyama Park, Nakajima Park and other places in the city. Cherry blossom festivals and events are also held in various locations during this time of the year, providing an enjoyable time.

Cherry blossom viewing is also a great way to enjoy the Japanese spring tradition of hanami at Hokkaido’s cherry blossom viewing spots. Bring a picnic or a packed lunch and spend a relaxing time admiring the cherry blossoms. Visiting these cherry blossom viewing spots during your spring trip to Hokkaido will give you a taste of spring.

Enjoy the snowy landscape of Hokkaido: experience the collaboration of winter and spring in Niseko and Lake Shikotsu.

Hokkaido’s snowy landscape can also be enjoyed in April. Especially in the Niseko and Lake Shikotsu areas, you can enjoy a spectacular collaboration of winter and spring.

Niseko is a world-famous ski resort, where you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding even in spring due to the quality of the snow. In addition, the mountains offer spectacular views of cherry blossoms and snowy landscapes from some of the most spectacular viewpoints.

Lake Shikotsu, on the other hand, is a caldera lake and the hot spring resorts along its shores are popular; in April, the cherry blossoms along the lakeside begin to bloom, creating a spectacular view where the arrival of spring and snowy landscapes coexist.

In this way, Hokkaido’s snowy scenic spots allow visitors to enjoy a collaborative experience between winter and spring, making a trip to Hokkaido in spring even more attractive. We invite you to visit Hokkaido at this time of year and enjoy the spectacular view of cherry blossoms and snow.

Ranking of popular areas for sightseeing in Hokkaido in April: Asahikawa, Otaru, Obihiro, etc.

Hokkaido is the largest island in Japan and is known for its rich nature and attractive tourist attractions. Visit in spring in April, when the cherry blossoms are at their most beautiful. Asahikawa, Otaru and Obihiro are among the most popular areas for sightseeing in Hokkaido. In these areas, you can enjoy spectacular scenic spots, historical townscapes and delicious gourmet food. When making your travel plans, use these rankings to create your own wonderful Hokkaido sightseeing experience.

Asahikawa area: visit the zoo and Bieken Hill.

The famous Asahikawa area in Hokkaido is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and beautiful flowers. In spring, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and attract visitors. Recommended sightseeing spots in the Asahikawa area include Asahiyama Zoo and Bieiken Hill. At Asahiyama Zoo, visitors can enjoy the nature of Hokkaido while interacting with real animals. The Bieiken Hill in Biei is a great place to take in the beautiful scenery and refresh yourself. In this area, enjoy a soothing experience with the arrival of spring.

Otaru area: enjoy the historic streets and night views

The Otaru area has an attractive old townscape with a history of prosperity as a port town. Along the canal, which is popular with tourists, you can experience the atmosphere of old Japan with its retro buildings. In addition, the night view of Otaru is extremely beautiful and romantic. You can enjoy the best of the Otaru area while strolling around at night.

Furthermore, there are many delicious gourmet restaurants in the area. Seafood dishes and sweets are particularly popular, and you can enjoy a memorable taste of your trip. When you visit the Otaru area, be sure to enjoy the historical townscape, night views and delicious food.

Obihiro area: eating out in a city of delicious gourmet food

The Obihiro area is famous for its delicious gourmet food in Hokkaido. The reason for this is the abundance of fresh ingredients produced in this area, which is blessed with rich nature, and local chefs who use their skills to create delicious dishes.

As a concrete example, the Obihiro speciality ‘Pork Bowl’ is world-renowned and very popular amongst visitors, and is served in many restaurants. Obihiro Charcoal Grill is another dish that attracts many gourmet fans, with a simple but deep flavour that makes the most of the taste of the ingredients.

In the Obihiro area, visitors can stroll around the local markets and shopping streets and sample a wide variety of cuisines. For example, the area around ‘Odori Park’ is lined with food stalls and bustling with locals and tourists.

The Obihiro area is also home to many landmarks and tourist attractions. Tokachigawa Park and the Hokkaido Oriental Garden are perfect places to enjoy beautiful scenery and gourmet food.

Hotels and inns also offer a wide range of gourmet food, and you are sure to enjoy the local attractions. The area is also easily accessible, and is located relatively close to Hokkaido’s tourist hubs, approximately three hours by car from Asahikawa Airport and four hours by car from Chitose Airport.

The experience of eating out in the Obihiro area, along with the delicious gourmet food, will provide you with wonderful memories of Hokkaido’s attractions.

Events to enjoy in Hokkaido in April: attending spring festivals and flower festivals.

In April, Hokkaido hosts a variety of events to celebrate the arrival of spring. Among these, participating in spring festivals and flower festivals is a great way to experience the charms of spring in Hokkaido.

For example, the Sapporo Sakura Festival is held in Sapporo City and the whole city blooms with cherry blossoms. During this period, the city’s major parks, such as Odori Park and Nakajima Park, are bustling with beautiful cherry blossoms.

The Hakodate Tulip Fair is also held in Hakodate City, with approximately 500,000 tulips adding colour to various parts of the city. In the city’s Goryokaku Park, not only are the colourful tulips at their best, but also various events and gourmet food can be enjoyed.

Many other events are held throughout Hokkaido to celebrate spring. Events such as the Shibu Charing, Mussel Festival and Kawakami Shrine Festival are all available to give you a taste of local specialities and history.

Take part in the spring festivals and flower festivals held in Hokkaido in April and enjoy all that Hokkaido has to offer as spring arrives.

Spring festivals: feel spring in Hakodate and Noboribetsu Onsen

Spring festivals are held in Hakodate, Noboribetsu Onsen and other parts of Hokkaido. These events allow visitors to experience local culture and history as spring arrives.

In Hakodate, the Hakodate Cherry Blossom Festival takes place, with magnificent cherry blossoms blooming at cherry blossom viewing spots throughout the city. The Hakodate Tulip Fair is held in Goryokaku Park, where a wide variety of tulips can be enjoyed.

In Noboribetsu Onsen, the Noboribetsu Onsen Cherry Blossom Festival is held. During this period, visitors can enjoy magnificent cherry blossoms and flower decorations in Noboribetsu Onsen Town and Noboribetsu Marine Park Nix.

By taking part in the spring festival, visitors can further experience the charm of Hakodate and Noboribetsu Onsen. There are also many other places to enjoy Hokkaido in spring. For example, Otaru City hosts the Otaru Cherry Blossom Festival and Biei-cho holds the Biei-cho Spring Festival.

A trip to Hakodate or Noboribetsu Onsen in spring, with a focus on spring festivals and cherry blossom viewing spots, provides the perfect opportunity to deeply appreciate the local culture and history along with the vibrant flowers.

Visit flower festivals: flower fields in Furano and Abashiri at their best.

A good reason to visit the Flower Festival is that the flower fields in Furano and Abashiri are at their best. These areas are Hokkaido’s most beautiful natural areas, and in spring they are home to beautiful flower fields.

Specifically, in Furano, flower lovers will find lavender, poppies and other colourful flowers. In Abashiri, tulips and lupines are in full bloom all over the city, offering spectacular views.

As well as enjoying the flower fields, various events are also held, which are popular with tourists. For example, in Furano, the Furano Flower Festival is held, where visitors can not only enjoy flowers and gourmet food, but also buy local specialities.

In Abashiri, the Abashiri Tulip Fair is held, where visitors can enjoy the sight of gorgeous tulips all over the city. Food and souvenirs can also be purchased at the venue.

When visiting, it is important to check in advance when the fair is held and how to get there. It is also recommended to book accommodation. A visit to the Hana Matsuri is a great way to enjoy the beauty of spring in Hokkaido.

Points to remember when travelling to Hokkaido in April: prepare according to temperature and clothing.

When travelling to Hokkaido in April, you need to be prepared for the temperature and clothing. As it is still cold at this time of year, it is important to take warm clothing.

Temperatures in Hokkaido are around 10°C during the day, but can drop below freezing in the morning and evening. It is therefore necessary to bring warm outerwear, jumpers and long-sleeved shirts. As accessories, scarves, gloves and hats are also useful.

In addition, take extra protection against the cold, as temperatures can be even lower in hot spring and mountain areas. It is also useful to carry a raincoat and a folding umbrella, as rainy or snowy weather can occur.

In terms of clothing, layering is recommended. Due to the extreme temperature differences, make sure you dress in layers. This will allow you to cope with pleasant temperatures indoors and during the day.

When travelling to Hokkaido in April, make sure you are prepared for the temperature and clothing so that you can enjoy a comfortable trip.

Cold weather: be aware of temperature differences between daytime and morning/evening temperatures.

The key to protection against the cold is to be aware of the difference in temperature between daytime and morning/evening temperatures: in April, Hokkaido can be warm during the day, but nights and early mornings are often quite cold.

It is therefore important to take warm clothing with you, making use of the layering described above. It is also effective to carry warm drinks and to equip yourself with warm items such as gloves and scarves when going out.

By taking the right measures to protect yourself against the cold, you can enjoy a comfortable trip to Hokkaido.

Road conditions and traffic access: be aware of road conditions during the thaw period.

Travelers visiting Hokkaido in April should be aware of the road conditions and transportation access during the snowmelt season. The melting snow can cause slippery roads, making it essential for drivers to exercise caution. Moreover, some roads may still be closed due to heavy snowfall during winter, impacting your travel plans.

It is advisable to check the local weather forecast and road conditions before embarking on your trip. Additionally, equip your vehicle with winter tires to ensure a safe journey. Public transportation, such as buses and trains, may also be affected during this period, so plan accordingly and make reservations in advance if required.

Despite these challenges, Hokkaido’s breathtaking natural beauty, unique experiences, and delectable local cuisine make it a worthwhile destination during April. With the right planning and precautions, you can have a memorable and safe trip exploring the best of Hokkaido.

Summary of Hokkaido tourism in April: enjoy Hokkaido as spring arrives.

In conclusion, visiting Hokkaido in April offers you the chance to experience the delightful arrival of spring. As the snow melts, the landscape comes alive with colorful flowers and lush greenery. Popular attractions include cherry blossoms in Hakodate’s Goryokaku Park and tulips in Takino Suzuran Hillside Park. Visitors can indulge in fresh seafood and regional cuisine, visit national parks, and take part in various outdoor activities.

Although the snowmelt season presents some challenges, such as slippery road conditions, careful planning and precautions will ensure an unforgettable trip. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make the most of your Hokkaido vacation.

Now that you’ve got a taste of what to expect in Hokkaido during April, why not start planning your trip? Check out our comprehensive guides on popular spots, accommodation, and tourist attractions. Make your reservations today and get ready to enjoy the best of Hokkaido’s spring season!