Picture this: Hokkaido, Japan’s northern treasure, waking up to the gentle bloom of spring. But here’s the twist: the cherry blossoms don’t grace the scene until May, allowing you to dodge the ski peak season and enjoy affordable hotel rates. And the best part? The cherry blossom season lasts longer here, stretching from May to June, offering a delightful display of traditional Yoshino cherry blossoms and vibrant “Shibazakura” hydrangeas. With such a generous window, you’ll have plenty of time to craft your perfect Hokkaido adventure. So, slow down, soak in the beauty, and let Hokkaido’s charm sweep you off your feet.
With Join The Bloom – our comprehensive guide by Brady from TripPlus and Maria from Maria Points The Way, we’ll turn your cherry blossom dream into a reality across Japan using award travel. From leveraging miles and points to utilizing travel credit, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re planning a solo journey, a romantic escape, or a family adventure, you’ll learn how to make the most of your hanami experience with us!
What is the forecast for cherry blossom across Japan in 2024?
The Japan Meteorological Corporation recently updated the flowering map on April 4, 2024. The cherry blossoms forecast in Hokkaido is from April 30 through middle of May, 2024.
Where is Hokkaido in Japan?
Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost prefecture, the second largest and northernmost of Japan’s four main islands. In winter, its landscapes are blanketed in snow, with temperatures dipping below zero and frozen seas. In the summer, Hokkaido enjoys milder temperatures, making it a welcome respite from the sweltering heat and humidity found in other parts of Japan. With its natural beauty, vast national parks, and scenic rural landscapes, Hokkaido is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
What are our top spots for the cherry blossom from award travel perspective?
Our mission is to help you make the most of your cherry blossom holiday by leveraging credit card offers, points, and miles. We consider various factors, such as whether there are hotels available for redemption and if you can take advantage of credit card benefits. Additionally, we look at their proximity to the landmarks you plan to visit together.
Niseko – Mishima Shibazakura Garden
- Enjoy the full bloom in end of May
- Stunning view with Mt. Yotei in the background
Mr. Mishima’s shiba-zakura, which turn the foothills of Mount Yotei pink and herald the late arrival of springs. It is a must see sight in Kutchan during May. Its full bloom is between late May and middle of June. Why called Shibazakura? It ‘s actually a type of flower that grows thickly, covering the ground like a lawn. The shape of the flower petals resembles sakura (cherry blossoms) and comes in a variety of colours including shades of pink, purple and white. The contrast between yellow rape blossoms, shades of pink moss flowers with Mt Yotei in the background is a sight to see!🌸
Niseko – Makkari Shrine
- Best places in the region for viewing cherry blossoms
- Impressive by the natural backdrop of Mt. Yotei
Makkari Shrine is located at the foot of Mt. Yotei and is one of the best places in the region for viewing cherry blossoms. Through the large tori gates, there is a path lined with large cherry blossom trees that leads to the main shrine. This display is made even more impressive by the natural backdrop of Mt. Yotei. 🌸
Hakodate – Goryokaku Park
- The views from the tower of the cherry blossoms around the star-shaped fort.
- Enjoy traditional Hokkaido barbecue under the blooms.
- Stroll under the red and white lanterns at night during cherry blossom season.
Located in the city of Hakodate, Goryokaku Park is considered one of the best places to view cherry blossoms in the city. The park is easily accessible from Hakodate Station. Many cherry trees were planted when the park was opened to the public in 1914. Goryokaku Park also houses the Goryokaku, which was originally a fort and uniquely designed in the shape of a five-sided star; it has been declared a Special Historic Site.
Within the park are 1,600 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and Yaezakura which usually come into full bloom in late April and last through May. The trees are planted along the moat and the inside of the star-shaped castle wall ruins. You can relax on a boat ride along the moat. While in the park, climb the observation tower where you catch an stunning aerial view of the fort and the blossoms.
What makes Goryokaku Park special for during cherry blossom season is the traditional Hokkaido barbecue under the blooms. Buy a “Goryokaku Ohanami Plan,” that includes all you need to have your own barbecue in the park. This features Hokkaido’s famous Genghis Khan Mongolian-style lamb.
Also we suggest you join the celebration under the illuminated cherry trees and stroll under hundreds of red and white lanterns that add to the magical atmosphere.🌸
Sapporo – Maruyama Park Hokkaido & Hokkaido-jingu Shrine
- Enjoy cherry blossom around Hokkaido-jingu Shrine
- Watch sports in Maruyama Baseball Stadium
- Visit Maruyama Zoo
Maruyama Park is located 3 kilometers west of the heart of Sapporo. This spacious park, measuring about 70 hectares, stretches out at the foot of the Maruyama mountain, next to the Hokkaido Jingu shrine.
Hokkaido Shrine, Maruyama Field are all in Maruyama Park. It is a nice area for a walk and a great place to have a barbecue during the cherry blossom season. Hokkaido-jingu is even one of the best places to view cherry blossoms in northern Japan! 🌸
Where to stay in Hokkaido?
Hilton Niseko Village (Hilton)
Consider taking a drive from the airport (approx. 2 hours). While the hotel offers shuttle service to Hirafu, just keep in mind that the service is limited.
- Recommended credit card pairing: Amex Hilton Honors Aspire (Please Click)
- The Aspire card comes with Hilton Diamond membership, which means you’ll enjoy free breakfast during your stay.
- Normally, having Diamond status also grants access to the Executive Lounge, but unfortunately, this hotel doesn’t have one.
- Since this hotel is categorized as a resort, you can take advantage of the resort credit here.
- During cherry blossom season in Hokkaido, which is in early May, the points redemption rate is around 26,000 points per night. We don’t think using Free Night Certificates (FNC) is worth it in this case.
- The prices here are relatively low. Booking connecting rooms for your family won’t put too much strain on your budget.
- Estimating Hilton points at 0.5 cents per point, a nightly stay costs 26,000 Hilton points, which is equivalent to about $130. If you book with paid rates, the price is almost the same (approximately $130 including taxes).
- We suggest booking with cash and taking advantage of Hilton’s seasonal promotions. You’ll likely get more rewards than using points.
Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono (Hyatt)
Features: It takes approximately 150 minutes between New Chitose Airport and the hotel. Please check with the hotel about airport shuttle service especially you stay with them ravel in winter. The closest JR station is Kutchan – takes about 10 minutes to Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono by car. In non skiing season, (i.e. from April 1, 2024 to November 30, 2024), the hotel offers a complimentary pick-up and drop-off service for guests checking in or out at JR Kutchan Station. 🌸
- Main credit card pairing: Chase Ink Business Preferred (Please Click)
- The hotel prices fluctuate greatly. The average room price per night is as low as $330 in the non-peak season.
- Based on Hyatt points valued at 1.7 cents, the points redemption for a standard room is 35,000 points, which is approximately $600 in cash value. Using points during low-priced periods isn’t cost-effective.
- If you’re a Hyatt Globalist member, we suggest using suite upgrade certificates when the paid rate of a standard room is low.
Crowne Plaza – ANA Sapporo (IHG)
Features: The location is very close to Sapporo Station. The landmarks like the Clock Tower, Odori Park, and Tanukikoji Shopping Street are all within walking distance. The rooms are larger compared to local hotels, making family trips more comfortable..🌸
- Main credit card pairing: Chase IHG One Reward Premier (Please Click)
- Starting from 28,000 points per night, equivalent to staying for free for almost a week upon meeting the signup requirement!
- The card gives you IHG Platinum status. However the status would not cover any free breakfast.
- The room rates aren’t high. From our perspective, it is more cost-effective to book with the cash rates, especially when combined with seasonal promotions. You can also use credit card perks for complimentary stays.
Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve (Marriott)
Features: It takes about 2-3 hours to drive from New Chitose Airport to Ritz Carlton Reserve. The hotel provides shuttle service to Niseko Station, but it’s limited. Be mindful that missing the shuttle could lead to expensive taxi fares. The hotel is brand new! Based on feedback from previous guests, there’s definitely room for improvement in terms of service quality and standards.🌸
- Main credit card pairing: Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant (Please Click)
- The nightly points redemption varies from 80,000 to 95,000 Marriott points, depending on the season.
- With the current credit card offers, you’ll receive 185,000 points after meeting the minimum spend. That means you can enjoy two free nights here!
- In terms of cash value, the hotel prices fluctuate greatly, ranging from $450 in the low season to over $1,000 during high season, like in winter.
- As mentioned earlier regarding the nightly points redemption, based on Marriott points valued at 0.85 cents, the room ranges from $680 to $800 in cash value.
- We highly recommend comparing between cash and points before making any reservation for the best deal.
- The Sakura typically blooms in early May in Hokkaido, which is considered the low season here. Booking with cash appears to be more cost-effective.
La Vista Hakodate Bay (Using Travel Credit)
Why: Situated on Hakodate Bay, right next to the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, and just a short walk from the Hakodate Ropeway. There’s even a streetcar station right in front of the hotel, allowing easy access to Goryokaku for cherry blossom viewing! Despite the hotel showing a bit of wear and tear, its location, night view, hot springs, and breakfast are unbeatable. In fact, the breakfast even earned the title of the best in Japan!🌸
- Main credit card pairing: Capital One Venture X (Please Click)
- Booking through the Capital One travel portal earns you 10x points back.
- Accommodation expenses can be directly offset by the annual $300 travel credit, effectively making hotel stays free upon signup
What are the best credit cards paired with your cherry blossom travel?
Amex® Hilton Honors Aspire
Chase Ink Business Preferred®
Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ (Please Click)
Capital One Venture X
Our Thoughts
Hokkaido, the final frontier of cherry blossom beauty, usually sees blooms from early to mid-May. There are many incredible spots to catch them in their prime. From Goryokaku Fort in Hakodate boasting over 1600 Yoshino cherry blossom trees throughout its star-shaped layout to Sapporo showcasing cherry blossoms in Maruyama Park lining the path to Hokkaido Shrine. Remember, it is never too late to plan your cherry blossom watch in Hokkaido!
This is our first attempt at crafting such a guide from an award travel and seasonal travel perspective. Check out our award travel guide for Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka (+Nara), and Kyushu cherry blossom watch. We eagerly anticipate all your feedback, which will fuel our enthusiasm to continue sharing more insights in the weeks ahead until the end of cherry blossom season.