2025 Matsumae Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Store name: Restaurant Yano (Onsen Ryokan Yano) Address: 123 Fukuyama, Matsumae-cho, Matsumae-gun, Hokkaido Onsen Ryokan Yano Budget per person: 1380 yen and up Rating (out of 5): ★★★★★ \\Points// The ultimate seaweed bento, the Matsumae Nori Dandan Bento, is served in the Matsumae area, which is about a two-hour drive from Hakodate Station and is the southernmost part of Hokkaido, where Matsumae Castle is located. It has been featured on TV and other media as a valuable Hokkaido B-class gourmet dish that is worth going out of your way to eat. It uses natural rock seaweed hand-picked in the sea of ​​Matsumae, and it has a nice aroma and is very delicious. It was the cherry blossom festival season, so there were a lot of people visiting and eating at this restaurant, so it was bound to be crowded! Make sure you have plenty of time to visit. #Domestic travel#Hokkaido #Hokkaido gourmet #Hokkaido trip #Matsumae #Matsumae castle #Matsumae nori dandan bento

On a day trip from Hakodate, Hokkaido to see the cherry blossoms at Matsumae Castle in Matsumae Town, we stopped off at the Matsumae Roadside Station for lunch. I researched the place beforehand and had the seasonal Shimaebi Donburi! It tasted like sweet shrimp and was excellent. The miso soup that came with it was also delicious with shrimp broth. The other seafood donburi looked good too. Address: 379 Karatsu, Matsumae-cho, Matsumae-gun, Hokkaido #sakura #hotelroyalpark

Matsumae Town is about a two-hour drive from Hakodate, Hokkaido. Matsumae Castle is famous, but the Shinzakura Sample Garden is located at the back of the castle. There are many cherry blossom trees that I have never seen before, and during the cherry blossom season, it becomes a cherry blossom tunnel. Unfortunately, when I went, it was a little early and the flowers were in bud, but the best time to go is around Golden Week. #sakura #hotelroyalpark

#cherryblossom25 The Matsuda Cherry Blossom in Japan is a breathtaking display of nature’s delicate beauty. As the trees bloom, soft pink petals blanket the landscape, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere. The gentle breeze carries the sweet fragrance of the blossoms, while the branches sway gracefully, their vibrant hues contrasting with the clear blue sky. Visitors gather to picnic under the blossoms, enjoying the fleeting beauty of spring. This quiet yet stunning spectacle captures the essence of renewal and fleeting beauty, offering a peaceful escape and a moment to reflect amidst nature’s harmony.

#cherryblossom25 Matsumae Village — home to Matsumae Castle — is often described in reviews as one of Japan’s most poetic cherry blossom destinations, particularly because of its historic atmosphere, seaside setting, and the sheer variety of sakura. Visitors are consistently struck by how this quiet northern village transforms into a sea of blossoms that feel untouched by time. Why People Love the Sakura Bloom in Matsumae Village: • Incredible variety: The 250+ types of sakura create a layered, staggered bloom for weeks. • Cultural richness: Matsumae is steeped in Edo-period history, giving hanami an immersive, almost cinematic feeling. • Seaside location: The nearby ocean air adds freshness and enhances the atmospheric light for photography. • Less crowded: Compared to mainland spots, Matsumae is calm, allowing for quiet, reflective cherry blossom viewing.

#cherryblossom25 Matsumae isn’t just a place to see cherry blossoms — it’s a place to feel them. The entire village becomes a living haiku. With more than 10,000 trees and over 250 sakura varieties, the bloom here isn’t a brief moment, but a rolling wave of color from late April to mid-May. Matsumae Castle rises like a guardian among the petals, while narrow lanes and old samurai houses are quietly dusted with falling blossoms. It’s peaceful, personal, and deeply Japanese in the most heartfelt way. Time slows down here — and for a few weeks, the whole village becomes spring itself.

#cherryblossom25 Matsume Park Cherry Blossom Season Overview: Matsume Park (often referred to as Matsumae Park, in Hokkaido, Japan) is one of Japan’s northernmost and most scenic cherry blossom viewing spots. It’s particularly famous because of the Matsumae Castle, which stands as a dramatic historical backdrop during sakura season. Cherry Blossom Season Details: • Timing: Late April to mid-May — later than most of Japan due to Hokkaido’s colder climate. This makes it a perfect destination for those who miss earlier sakura elsewhere. • Varieties: Over 10,000 cherry trees and 250 varieties, including rare types like the chishima-zakura, creating a longer blooming period than usual. • Atmosphere: Traditional, serene, and less commercial than more famous spots in Honshu. The castle, stone walls, and historic temples surrounded by blossoms offer a picturesque blend of history and nature. Local Highlights: • Matsumae Castle: The only Edo-period castle in Hokkaido. • Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival (Matsumae Sakura Matsuri): Includes cultural performances, food stalls, and traditional music, adding to the festive vibe. • Illuminations: At night, trees around the castle are lit up, offering a romantic and mystical experience.

#cherryblossom25 The romantic season has arrived in Hokkaido—cherry blossoms are now in full bloom at Matsumae Park! And guess what? The Lake Tōya fireworks have also started lighting up the spring nights 🎇 Over the past few days, blossoms have gradually opened across Hokkaido. If you’ve been waiting for a sign—this is it! Now’s the perfect time to take in: 🌸 Sakura-lined paths in Matsumae, known as Hokkaido’s cherry blossom capital 🌊 Scenic views by Lake Tōya 🎇 Nighttime fireworks over the water ♨️ Hot springs to warm up in the still-chilly May weather 🏔️ Snow-capped mountains as your scenic backdrop ✨ A springtime in Hokkaido offers something totally unique—more serene than winter, more romantic than summer. #ExchangeSpring 🌸 Which of these spring delights would you go for first—sakura, fireworks, or a lakeside onsen? #thingstodo

#cherryblossom25 Matsumae Castle, the only traditional Edo-style fortress in Hokkaido, is a breathtaking sight during cherry blossom season. Built in 1606 by the Tokugawa Shogunate, its historical charm blends beautifully with nature’s vibrant display. Strolling through the castle grounds, I admired thousands of sakura trees in full bloom, their delicate petals fluttering in the breeze. The contrast between the fortress’s elegant architecture and the soft pink blossoms created a mesmerizing scene. Visiting Matsumae Castle in spring was an unforgettable experience, rich in history and natural beauty.

#cherryblossom25 🌟 Must-See Highlights 1. Living Sakura Encyclopedia - Sequential blooms from early-bird Kanhi-zakura to late-blooming Matsumae Beni-shidare, creating a month-long floral parade - Rarities: Naden(100-petal blooms), Oshidori-zakura (two-toned flowers on one tree) 2. Samurai District Stroll - 3km path connecting historic residences, temples, and blossoms 🚞 Access Guide - From Hakodate: - JR Hakodate Line to Kikonai Station (70min) → Bus to Matsumae (60min) - Direct "Matsumae Sakura Bus" (Apr 15-May 10, reservation required)

#cherryblossom25 As Japan's northernmost cherry blossom destination, Matsumae Park is renowned for its 10,000 cherry trees and over 250 varieties, earning it the title of "Sakura Museum." The blooming season lasts from late April to mid-May, making it one of Japan's last hanami spots each spring. 📜 Where History Meets Floral Splendor - Edo-Perch Charm: Sakura frame Matsumae Castle (Hokkaido's only traditional Japanese castle), recreating feudal lord flower-viewing scenes - Centenarian Trees: Home to 150-year-old "Kōzenji Bloodline Cherries" with rare deep pink blossoms

My dears, the cherry blossom season in Matsumae Park in Hokkaido is definitely a must-see cherry blossom viewing event in your lifetime! Matsumae Park is known as Japan's treasure trove of cherry blossoms. From late April to early May every year, this place becomes a sea of ​​cherry blossoms. There are more than 250 species and more than 10,000 cherry trees planted in the park, with rich varieties, from the delicate Somei Yoshino cherry to the gorgeous Yaezakura, all in bloom. As you step into the park, avenues of cherry blossoms stretch out before your eyes. The pink and white petals are densely packed against the blue sky, so beautiful that you can't take your eyes off them. As the breeze blows, cherry blossoms fly like snow, and the fallen petals are colorful. Whether they fall on the ancient city walls or scatter in the winding paths, they are all poetic and picturesque. Strolling along the trail, you can also see the majestic appearance of Matsumae Castle. The ancient city and cherry blossoms blend with each other, the heavy sense of history and the softness of nature are intertwined, and every corner is suitable for taking pictures. At night, when the lights come on, the night cherry blossoms add a bit of mystery and romance. If you want to encounter the purest cherry blossoms, Hokkaido Matsumae Park will definitely not let you down! Come and enjoy this romantic feast of spring 💕#札幌樱花

#cherryblossom25 Matsumae Park, home to over 10,000 cherry trees of more than 250 varieties, offers one of Japan’s longest sakura viewing seasons. Due to Hokkaido’s colder climate, blossoms here bloom much later, typically from late April to mid-May. The park is centered around Matsumae Castle, adding a historic touch to the natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through different zones, each showcasing unique sakura types. The annual cherry blossom festival brings food stalls, traditional performances, and local crafts. Matsumae Park is a fantastic choice for those who missed the peak bloom in central Japan and want a second chance at hanami.

"Matsumae Fukuyama Castle" in Matsumae-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido During the Edo period, when Hokkaido was called Ezo, this castle was built by the Matsumae clan, which ruled the area, and is said to be the last Japanese-style castle in Japan. At one time, the castle was designated a national treasure, but it burned down in 1949. The current appearance was rebuilt in 1961. Matsumae Park, including Matsumae Fukuyama Castle, is a famous cherry blossom spot in the southern Hokkaido region, on par with Goryokaku in Hakodate, and is also known as the earliest cherry blossom spot in Hokkaido. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is around April 25th to early May every year. *Some cherry blossoms bloom late, so depending on the weather, you can see them until late May. When I visited, the flowers were blooming late, and it was still early in May. ~60% in bloom It was a bit lonely However, this is a place where about 10,000 cherry trees of about 250 varieties are planted, including the endemic Matsumae Sakura, and in the peak season, it is a truly spectacular cherry blossom garden with a profusion of flowers Dates: Saturday, April 19, 2025 to Sunday, May 11, 2025 *Closed in winter from December 11 to April 9 of the following year Location: 144 Matsushiro, Matsumae-cho, Matsumae-gun, Hokkaido Admission fee: Free to enter the garden, 360 yen for adults and 240 yen for junior high school students and younger Access: About 2 hours by car from JR Hakodate Station, and public transportation is about 1 hour and 10 minutes to "Kikonai" Station on the Dounan Isaribi Railway, and another 80 minutes by bus from the station #Seasonal places in Japan #Hokkaido #Famous cherry blossom spots #Breathtaking views

A famous castle in Hokkaido is Matsumae Castle in southern Hokkaido. Especially in spring, the area around the castle is filled with cherry blossoms in full bloom. The view of the castle, cherry blossoms, and the sea is spectacular. There are also food stalls to enjoy. The cherry blossoms are from southern Hokkaido, so you can enjoy a variety of cherry blossoms. Inside the castle, there are paintings of the famous Ainu people that you might see in a textbook. Be careful, as it gets very crowded. #trip #Hokkaido #japan #japantrip #0yentripJanuary2025

is a stone monument marking it as the southernmost point of Hokkaido. It feels more like a wide road shoulder than a parking lot, and is not divided into sections. just, You are now standing at the southernmost tip of Hokkaido. These words engraved on the stone monument fill me with a sense of accomplishment upon reaching the southern tip. I think that's a really good sentence. I truly felt glad that I came because of you.

I went there for afternoon tea 🍰 Simple sandwiches Sweets like scone cakes were not too sweet I ate them all up in one go☺️ The tea was also delicious. Afternoon tea was reasonably priced at ¥1,300◎ The Garden of Wordsworth 📍Address: 841-1 Ekumi, Matsumae-cho, Iyo-gun, Ehime Prefecture 791-3141 🕰️Opening hours: 9:00~17:00 Closed on Thursdays 💰Price per person: ¥1,000~2,000 #0 yen trip

#travelanywhere One of the 100 famous castles. Despite the long way through bus, it was worth the time. You need to take the Shinkansen to Kikunai Station and then take the Matsumae Bus for about 1.5 hours to get there. Matsumae Castle is most famous for its cherry blossoms. Many types of cherry blossoms are planted within the territory. We visited Matsumae in July. Although it was already past the cherry blossom season, it coincided with the hydrangea season and was quite beautiful.

Matsumae Castle has gone through more than 400 years of vicissitudes and was ruled by several samurai families. Although it is now in ruins, the city layout and architectural remains of the past are still well preserved. There are still 10 towers, massive stone walls and moats in the city, which are enough to make people appreciate the grandeur of the past. The most famous must-visit attraction in the city is the castle tower on the top floor. This wooden building stands tall and majestic, consisting of many wooden towers. It still retains the exquisite craftsmanship of Hui-style architecture and is very outstanding. Climb to the top of the castle tower and you can enjoy the magnificent view of the mountains surrounding the Matsumae Peninsula. #Sapporo Attractions

#Sapporo Attractions Matsumae Castle was built in the 17th century and is a representative cultural heritage of the area. The castle architecture combines traditional Japanese architectural techniques with samurai culture, presenting a unique Japanese castle style. The towering city gate tower, the tiled roof with flying eaves and upturned corners, etc., present a magnificent visual effect. The gardens surrounding the castle are equally beautiful. The wide lawns, ponds and pavilions, decorated with various landscape plants such as cherry blossoms and maple leaves, form a magnificent castle park. Visitors can stroll here and appreciate the unique charm of Japan's gardening culture.

Matsumae Castle is a famous historical site located in Hokkaido, Japan. With its majestic scale and unique architectural style, it is known as the "Edo Castle Town in the North". The most attractive thing is the solid and majestic city buildings here. The interior of Matsumae Castle is surrounded by multiple walls, with battlements and towers towering into the clouds, and the outer perimeter is surrounded by a double moat for deep defense. The entire city covers a vast area and has extraordinary momentum, fully demonstrating the scale of the city's defensive fortifications in the Edo period. The uniqueness of Matsumae Castle lies in the fact that it has preserved its original appearance from hundreds of years ago. All the buildings in the city are simple and solid Japanese wooden structures, such as samurai residences, warehouses, pedestrian walkways, etc., and are rarely affected by modern reconstruction. The old streets coexist in the city, with winding paths leading to secluded places, and the original historical features of the Japanese castle town style can be seen everywhere. Matsumae Castle witnessed the most glorious era in the history of Hokkaido. Today, it has become the most precious cultural treasure of this coastal area, attracting countless tourists to come and admire the century-old splendor of this magnificent building. #Japan and Korea Springtime Destinations

#Sakura2024 Tokyo's first cherry blossoms start blooming in mid-February in Matsuda City. If you want to see fewer people and a view of cherry blossoms + Fuji, this is the place to be.

#thingstodo It was a restored castle. There was an episode written about an unlucky castle lord. Was it restored as a way to revitalize the town at that time? I thought. The view from the upper floors looked good, but the windows were foggy and there was something like a fence on the lattice, which was a shame as it blocked the view. I think the view on the Sea of Japan side is nice, so I hope it will be improved. Since it's close to the sea, I felt that the reinforcing bars were rusty in some places, indicating that they hadn't been maintained

#thingstodo Was there during autumn. The changing of the autumn leaves was beautiful but I bet in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom it would’ve been even better. If you’re visiting during the cherry blossom season, do check out the cherry blossom park, it has more than 10 species of cherry blossoms 😍 the selling point for me was the scenic environment, the museum was just so so.

I went to the roadside station, Kitamaefune Matsumae, in Matsumae-cho, Hokkaido. It is about a 5-10 minute walk from Matsumae Castle. You can buy Matsumae-cho specialties and souvenirs♪ There are also miscellaneous goods made by locals, so it's a homey place. There are also places to eat, so it's a recommended place to take a leisurely break and buy souvenirs♪ Please be sure to go. [Opening hours] 9:00-17:00 *Extended hours are planned for Golden Week and other holidays. [Address] 379 Karatsu, Matsumae-cho, Matsumae-gun (along National Route 228) [Telephone] 0139-46-2211 Reception hours / 9:00-17:00 [Parking] Parking 77 spaces for regular cars 2 spaces for disabled people 3 spaces for large cars *May not be available during busy periods [Toilets] Available 24 hours #Hokkaido Tourism

\\Tourist Spots// This roadside station is located in Matsumae Town, the southernmost town in Hokkaido, near Matsumae Castle, one of Japan's 100 famous castles. It opened in 2009 and you can purchase Matsumae's specialty products. It is popular as a scenic spot, offering views of the Tsugaru Strait and the Tsugaru Peninsula, including Cape Tappi on the opposite shore, and Mt. Iwaki. It is also recommended for history buffs, as it is home to the Japanese Heritage site Fukuyama Wharf, where actual ships docked. Facility Name: Roadside Station Kitamaebune Matsumae #HokkaidoTourism#777 #StunningView #CoupleTrip #GourmetTrip #Japan #HokkaidoRoadsideStation #HokkaidoTrip #Matsumae

\\Tourist Spots// This is an observation plaza near Cape Shirakami, the southernmost cape in Hokkaido. It is about 20 kilometers from Cape Tappi in Honshu, and on a clear day you can see the impressive Cape Tappi right in front of you. It is also famous for its raging waves. The observation plaza only has restrooms, but it has a spectacular view, so be sure to stop by when sightseeing in the Matsumae area. Facility Name: Cape Shirakami Observation Plaza Address: Matsumae-cho, Matsumae-gun Number of Parking Spaces: 10 Parking Space: Free #HokkaidoTourism#Matsumae #CapeShirakami #777 #SpectacularView #CoupleTrip #GirlsTrip #GirlsTrip #Japan #HokkaidoTrip

I went to the cherry blossom festival. The castle tower is small compared to other famous castles in Japan, so the appearance of the castle itself is not that appealing, but it is also very historically attractive. There were many types of cherry blossoms in bloom, and just walking around was very enjoyable. The food stalls at the cherry blossom festival also had seafood sold by fishermen, hairy crabs, squid, and more, so I was able to feel the Hokkaido atmosphere. I thought it was far from Hakodate, but I'm glad I went! There are also shrines and temples on the grounds, and depending on how you spend your time, you can spend more than half a day just around Matsumae Castle. #Breathtaking views