Spring comes late to Tokachi. While cherry blossoms have long faded in Tokyo, Hokkaido’s trees are only just beginning to bloom, making the region a wonderful place to enjoy sakura well into spring.
When Do the Cherry Blossoms Bloom in Tokachi?
In the Tokachi and Obihiro area, cherry blossoms usually bloom from early to mid-May — several weeks later than mainland Japan. Because the season is short and shifts with the weather, it is worth checking local bloom forecasts before you travel. In Hokkaido, cherry and plum blossoms often open at almost the same time, so you may see both together.
Hokkaido’s Cherry Trees
Many of the cherry trees here are Ezo-yamazakura, a hardy mountain cherry known for its vivid pink blossoms and reddish young leaves. Their deeper color against Tokachi’s wide blue skies and still-snowcapped mountains makes for memorable spring scenery.
Where to See Them
Cherry blossoms can be enjoyed in city parks and along the rivers and tree-lined avenues around Obihiro, often with space to relax beneath the trees. Pair a visit with the region’s gardens, which begin to open for the season around the same time.
Tips for Visiting
The blooming period is brief, so build some flexibility into your plans. Bring a light jacket, as spring days in Tokachi can still be cool, and consider renting a car to move easily between viewing spots and gardens.
Cherry Blossoms and Spring Travel
Because Hokkaido’s cherry season is so late, Tokachi is a great choice for travelers who missed the blossoms further south. Spring here is a quiet, uncrowded time to visit, with the added bonus of catching cherry and plum blossoms together as the first gardens of the year begin to open. Combine blossom viewing with a scenic drive, a hot spring, and the region’s farm cafes for a relaxed early-season trip. As the blooming period is short and varies with the weather each year, keep your plans flexible and check local forecasts close to your travel dates.