Hakodate located in the southern part of Hokkaido, with the third largest population of about 270,000 residence following Sapporo and Asahikawa. The straight distance with Tokyo is about 700 kilometers, and the annual average temperature is around 10 ℃. It is cold and low humidity, no rainy season and also less influenced by typhoon. Hakodate is blessed and surrounded by three seas at north, east and south side. Seasonal seafood of all four seasons can be fully enjoyed here. Today, we are going to introduce you the flower viewing spot, climate and recommended clothes in Hakodate during spring.
Climate of Hakodate, spring ≠ warm
In general, Japan will become warmer after April, however Hakodate is still very cold, and countermeasures against cold are necessary for those who are at Hakodate. It would be better to have a coat or a thick jacket. The average temperature in March is 1.4 degrees, when the snow in the city begins to melt. In April, the average temperature rises to around 7 degrees, and beautiful flowers begin to bloom in Hakodate Mountain. Cherry blossoms are fully bloom from the end of April to mid-May, and a lot of people visit here to enjoy the cherry blossom viewing and to welcome spring.
In May, the average temperature is around 11 degrees. Even though there is no below-zero temperature, but the temperature in the night is at 10 degrees or below, therefore let's wear a jacket or thin coat when you going out! It will be fine to go out without a coat in daytime. Also, to prevent a sudden change of weather, it is safe to bring along a fold-able umbrella. Just remember that it is not always warm in Hakodate during spring!
Enjoy cherry blossom scenery of both ground and the observation deck at Goryokaku
The castle which in star shape, "Goryokaku Seki" is located in "Goryokaku Park" which was designated as a special historic site of Japan. From late April, about 1,600 Yoshino cherry trees in the garden are blooming at once, and popular as one of the cherry-blossom viewing spots. Besides cherry blossoms, plants such as Fuji, azalea, lily water are also can be viewed at here. This is a place that has beaufitul scenery in each season where you can enjoy a walk relaxingly.
After cherry blossom viewing on the ground, it is recommended to climb up to the Goryokaku Tower and enjoy the scenery of Goryokaku Seki from the observatory deck. You can view the fully blooming pink cherry blossoms which bordered by the star shape. Why don’t you consider a trip to here to enjoy the cherry blossom at Goryokaku from both ground and from the sky?
Spot information
- Spot name：Goryokaku Park
- Address：44, Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido
- Opening Times：
- April - October 5:00 am - 7:00 pm
- November - March 5:00 am - 6:00 pm (no holiday)
- Access：Access: Take municipal streetcar from JR "Hakodate Station" and get off at "Goryokaku Koenmae", and then take approximate 18 minutes’ walk to reach Goryokaku Park.
Spot information
- Spot name： Goryokaku Tower
- Address：43-9, Goryokaku-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido
- Opening Times：
- 21st April – 20th October: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
- 21st October – 20th April: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Access：Take municipal streetcar from JR "Hakodate Station" and get off at "Goryokaku Koenmae", and then take approximate 15 minutes’ walk to reach Goryokaku Tower.
Hijikata Toshizo appears at here?! "Hakodate Goryokaku Festival" which reproduces to reproduce Boshin War
"Hakodate Goryokaku Festival" is held annually in mid-May for 2 days, with the purpose of conveying the history of Goryokaku which was the main stage of Boshin War (1868 - 1869) to young generations. There are many event carried out at here such as "Ishibumi Mae Festival" which goes around the place related to the Hakodate war, "Hijikata Toshizo National Contest" where Shinsengumi deputy director, Hijikata Toshizo who ended his life at Hakodate is acted, “Ishin Gyoretsu Music Parade” which shows the former shogunate army and government force during Boshin war and "Kaijo Ceremony" which reproduce the time when Goryokaku surrenders. If you are interested with the history of Shinsengumi, please come to visit Hakodate.
Spot information
- Spot name：Hakodate Goryokaku Festival
- Date：Mid of May
- Address：Nearby Goryokaku Park
- Access：Take Municipal streetcar from JR "Hakodate Station" and get off at "Goryokoro Park" front station
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