Sapporo, Asahikawa, Abashiriーthe list goes on when it comes to incredible places to see the cherry blossoms in Hokkaido. And the best time to see them in Japan’s northernmost main island is May.

Today, we are joined by Mirina, an Instagrammer who posts photos of tourist and sightseeing spots in Hokkaido that are rich in nature. She has shared her photos with us along with details of 5 must-visit famous cherry blossom sites in Hokkaido. Let’s take a look.

Tokiwa Park

Tokiwa Park is located in the city of Asahikawa, and is home to around 200 individual cherry trees of various kinds including the Yoshino cherry and ezo yamazakura. Weeping cherries also dangle their graceful branches around the lake, which you can sail through on a boat for an even more memorable cherry blossom experience. Tokiwa Park is also listed as one of Japan’s “100 City Parks,” so it’s one that needs to go on your list of sightseeing spots if you’re travelling to Hokkaido.

Tokiwa Park

Address: Tokiwakoen, Asahikawa, Hokkaido

Access: 25-minutes on foot from Asahikawa Station (via JR Line). Alternatively, board the Tohoku Bus and get off at Tokiwa Park (常磐公園).

Official Website: http://www.asahikawa-park.or.jp/

Twin Harp Bridge

This spot is also located in Asahikawa. It gets its name from how the bridge looks like two harps lined up next to each other. Twin Harp Bridge is also a popular place with the locals for celebrating Hanami in the spring season as cherry blossoms bloom in the vicinity of the bridge.

Twin Harp Bridge

Address: 4 Chome Toko 18 Jo, Asahikawa, Hokkaido to 5 Chome Kyokushin 1 Jo, Asahikawa, Hokkaido

Access: 20-minutes by car from Asahikawa Airport / 15-minutes by car from Asahikawa Station

Official Website: http://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/files/tosi_kei/index.htm

Kitoushi Forest Park – Family Village

Located southeast of Asahikawa, Kitoushi Forest Park – Family Village offers views of ezo yamazakura as well as shibazakura moss phlox. Visitors can also have barbeques at the facility for an even better outdoor experience combining great food with cherry blossom viewing.

Kitoushi Forest Park – Family Village (Kitoushi Shinrin Koen Kazokuryokomura)

Address: 5 Gokita-44 Nishi, Higashikawa, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido

Access: 40-minutes by car from Asahikawa Station

Official Website: http://www.kazokuryokoumura.jp/

More Information (English): http://www.asahikawa-tourism.com/asahikawa/asahikawa_sites/higashikawa/higashikawa_en.html

Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is another famous cherry blossom site where Yoshino cherry trees and ezo yamazakura bloom. Compared to Asahikawa, the cherry blossoms here bloom a little earlier during spring. You’ll catch them from late April to early May. During the cherry blossom season, there is a place where fires can be lit, so you’ll catch people cooking up jingisukan, a type of Japanese mutton dish.

Maruyama Park

Address: Miyagaoka, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido

Access: 5-minutes on foot from Maruyama-Kōen Station

Official Website: http://www.sapporo.travel/find/nature-and-parks/maruyama_park/

Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park

Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park’s rolling hills offer a breathtaking view of shibazakura moss phlox cherry blossoms. The hills themselves aren’t steep, so the spectacle can be enjoyed from both the top and bottom of them. The Shibazakura Festival is also held between May and June.

Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park

Address: 393 Higashimokotosuehiro, Ozora, Abashiri-gun, Hokkaido

Access: 30-minutes by cat from Abashiri Station. Alternatively, board the transit bus from Abashiri Station, get off at Higashimokotocho (東藻琴町). The park is a 5-mintue drive from here.

Official Website: http://www.shibazakura.net/

Photo：Mirina has visited many sightseeing spots in Hokkaido, so if you’re looking for more places to visit be sure to follow her on Instagram.

Photos: Mirina Nishio