Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom in Hokkaido’s Hakodate; Tourists Flock to Goryokaku Park

The Yomiuri Shimbun

12:20 JST, April 24, 2026

Cherry blossoms are in full bloom at Goryokaku Park in Hakodate, Hokkaido, drawing scores of tourists.

Goryokaku is a star-shaped Western-style fortress designated as a Special Historic Site, and approximately 1,500 varieties of cherry trees, including Someiyoshino, are planted around its walls.

From a nearby observation deck, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the park, which is bathed in a soft pink glow.

“There are so many, it’s truly beautiful,” said a 78-year-old man from Bihoro, Hokkaido, while gazing at the scenery.

The cherry blossoms in the park began blooming on Saturday, the second earliest since records began in 1953.