Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Celebrated on May 5, Tango no Sekku, or Children’s Day, is a Japanese holiday that’s dedicated to the well-being and healthy growth of children. It is common, especially in households with boys, to set up koinobori (carp streamers) outside of their homes. In Hokkaido, the Jozankei Onsen Keiryu Koinobori celebrates this important holiday with over 400 koinobori which sweep the skies of the Jozankei Onsen area.

■Period: April 1 – May 5

■Location: Jozankei Onsen, Minato-ku, Sapporo

Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park, Hokkaido, is where you will find over 200 different types of tulips from around the world. The view from the park’s observatory, which looks over the endless field of tulips in different hues red, yellow, and pink, is definitely worth the visit. Tulips are also available for purchase so visitors can take them home and plant them in your own garden.

■Access: 20 minutes by bus from Engaru Bus Terminal. Get off at Tulip Koen-mae Station.

The canola fields in the town of Abira, Hokkaido are known as the closest area to view canola flowers from Shin-Chitose Airport. Located about an hour’s drive away from Sapporo and only 30 minutes from the airport, the fields are super easy to access. The endless yellow canola fields are so vast, you’ll only be able to capture a part of it in photographs.

Also to prevent repeated cultivation damage, the location of the canola fields in Abira changes every year.

■Best time for viewing: mid-May to early June

■Access: 30-min drive from Shin-Chitose Airport, 5-min drive from Oiwake Station (Muroran Main Line)

In late May, as the yaezakura start to fall at Goryokaku, purple and white wisterias begin to bloom. The best time to view the wisterias in Hokkaido is around late May to early June.

The first thing you’ll see upon entering the main gate of Goryokaku is the wisteria trellis. From inside the tunnel, you will see the beautiful contrast between the purple flowers and the blue sky. There are multiple wisteria-viewing areas throughout the park, so it’s recommended to take a stroll around the entire star-shaped fort.

■Best time for viewing: late May to early June

Esan Tsutsuji Park, located on the Eastern side of Hakodate, is famous for its spectacular sight of azaleas, called tsutsuji in Japanese. The pink and red flowers will reach their peak around late May to early June, covering various parts of the park and the surrounding mountains.

During this time, the Esan Tsutsuji Festival takes place. Every year, various events and food stands are set up for the festival.

■Best time for viewing: late May to early June 

■Access: Board the Hakodate Bus to Esan Tozanguchi bus stop, walk for 25 mins