Matsumae Park is a famous cherry blossom spot. There are about 100 kinds of cherry blossoms born in Matsumae in the park. And some of them you can only see in Matsumae. Meanwhile, it’s a place with a long history and preserves many historical remains.
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About Matsumae
Matsumae, for one thing, is located at the most south of Hokkaido; For another, it’s the most northern castle in Japan. They preserve many historical remains, so the north of Matsumae has been called Little Kyoto. It is also known as “Sakura no Sato,” one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.
According to people, they can’t produce grain in Matsumae. Pickled seafood is the main contributor to Matsumae. Up to now, the pickled seafood method has been kept for over 400 years.
Cherry Blossom
About 10,000 cherry blossoms of 250 varieties compete in Matsumae Park. There are living cherry blossom picture books called “Sakura Sample Garden (桜見本園)” and “New Sakura Sample Garden (新桜見本園).” Also, there is a rose and peony garden (やバラ園・ボタン園).
You can see the panoramic view of Matsumae Park and Tsugaru Straits from a hill called “Second Park (第二公園).”
In addition to cherry blossoms, you can enjoy other varieties of flowers, such as Hydrangea and camellia.
Furthermore, there are many fantastic cherry blossom views in Hokkaido Spring. [Click Here]
Matsumae Sakura Festival
Matsumae Sakura Festival (Matsumae Sakura Matsuri) is held in April every year. Simultaneously, the “Matsumae Castle Age Festival” where people custom Japanese warriors in the past to the battlefield. The view brings you the historical atmosphere.
Information
Fee: Free. There is a charge for the Sakura Festival period
Parking Lot: ¥500/time
Address: Matsushiro, Matsumae, Matsumae District, Hokkaido 049-1511
Contact: 0139-42-2726 (8:30～17:00)
How To Get Here
The coastline of National Highway 228 along the Tsugaru Strait and the Sea of Japan is select as “Southern Hokkaido Oiwake Scenic Byway Route (どうなん追分シーニックバイウェイルート).” It runs through the town of Uenokuni with the medieval history of Hokkaido and the town of Egami that prospered by herring fishing. The scenery is glamorous along the coastline. If you plan to visit Matsumae by car from Hakodate, your trip will be stunning.
By Car
About two hours drive from Hakodate station.
By Bus
From Hakodate Sta.-Mae(Bus stop No.6), get on bus No.510 Matsumae Shutchojo. Get off at the bus stop Matsushiro and walk for about 4 minutes.
NOTICE: There are shuttle buses to Matsumae in front of Hakodate Station.
Conclusion
Indeed, don’t forget to taste the traditional local foods of Matsumae – whale soup, Sanpei-style fish and vegetable soup, and Matsumae steamed glutinous rice (Matsumae Okowa) if you visit Matsumae Park.
To know what to wear in spring Hokkaido [Click Here]
