sakura

Ahh! I want to see cherry blossoms, but March and April are difficult... When you hear the word "cherry blossom," most of you think of the beautiful pink flowers that bloom from the end of March to early April, right? However, cherry blossom viewing is very popular and cherry blossom spots, especially in Honshu, are very crowded. The crowds make it difficult to appreciate the beautiful cherry blossoms.... And since there are few national holidays during that season, it is difficult for working people to take a day off. In such a case, Hanami in Hokkaido is recommended.

Biei Tourism Association > Sightseeing Spots > sakura

Signal of Spring – Ezoyamazakura (Cherry Blossom)

In Honshu, cherry blossoms bloom around March, but in Hokkaido, where temperatures are cooler and there is more snow, the best time to see the blossoms is about a month later, in late April or early May. It is easy to take a vacation just in time for Golden Week!

Cherry blossoms in Hokkaido are different from those in Honshu! The color of the petals is also slightly different. The color of the petals is also slightly different. Most of the species that bloom in Honshu are the famous Someiyoshino. However, the species that blooms here in Hokkaido is the “Ezo-Yamazakura” variety! As you can probably tell from its name, it is a member of the wild yamazakura family. Someiyoshino is a cultivated variety created by man, and if you look at the wild Ezo-Yamazakura in Hokkaido, Was this what cherry blossoms looked like in the past? You can imagine. In fact, there is a spot in Biei-cho where you can view the beautiful Ezo-yamazakura cherry blossoms, and we would like to introduce it to you.

Ikoigomori Park

Ikoigomori Park, the site of the cherry blossom festival in Biei! Access to Ikoigomori Park is convenient, and can be reached by car, bicycle, or on foot from Biei Station, so it is a recommended Biei cherry blossom spot where you can enjoy cherry blossoms in a short and easy way! Click here for digital map

▲Climbing up to the observatory, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Biei city area.

▲During the Cherry Blossom Festival, visitors can view the cherry blossoms lit up in the Ikoigomori Observation Park!

▲You can see the Four Seasons Tower in the distance. Please dress warmly as it is chilly at night.

Seongdae Dam Park

Seidai Dam, located near Biei, is one of the dams in Biei Town. The dam is surrounded by a row of Ezo Yamazakura trees, with their branches hanging grandly toward the surface of the water. Many Biei residents feel that this Seidai Dam is the best hanami spot in Biei! The cherry blossom petals that flutter above the river and the backdrop of the Tokachi Mountain Range make for an impressive and spectacular view! Click here for digital map

Seidai Dam, located near Biei, is one of the dams in Biei Town. The dam is surrounded by a row of Ezo Yamazakura trees, their branches hanging grandly toward the water’s surface. Many Biei residents feel that this Seidai Dam is the best hanami spot in Biei! With cherry petals flickering above the river and the backdrop of the Tokachi Mountain range, it is an inspiring and spectacular view!

*Cherry blossoms and the sound of water…it’s like a scene from a tanka poem.*

Biei River

The Biei River flows from its source in the Tokachi Mountain range to the city of Biei. With its natural blue color, it is nicknamed “Blue River” by the people of Biei!

Biei River flowing under JR Furano Line, Blue River

A promenade along the river leads to the Shirokane area. And as you approach Maruyama Park on the boardwalk, you will encounter a line of Ezo Yamazakura trees!

There are also cherry trees in Biei Maruyama Park.

Cherry blossom spots are not limited to the city and hills of Biei.

Slowly, the cherry blossom front heads toward Shirogane Onsen.

One cherry tree on the grounds of Roadside Station Viei “Shirogane Birke

By the time summer comes, though, the tourist flower gardens in Biei-cho will be filled with flowers all over, First, say goodbye to the long winter and look for the Ezo Yamazakura to welcome spring!

Now, in Japan, there is a culture of viewing cherry blossoms when they are in bloom. In fact, enjoying a picnic while viewing cherry blossoms, or with friends and family. It is common for people to gather together to enjoy themselves over drinks, but even if the cherry blossoms are not in bloom, such events are sometimes called or referred to as “hanami wo tsukimasu” (cherry blossom viewing). In Hokkaido, it is sometimes used in the spring when everyone wants to enjoy Genghis Khan together. Recently, however, this event has become much less common, If your neighbors in Hokkaido say to you, “We’re having a cherry blossom viewing party today, so come on over!” Please don’t be surprised if your neighbors in Hokkaido say, “We’re going to see cherry blossoms today!