In March, Hokkaido temperatures are still sometimes below freezing. Cherry blossoms bloom in Tokyo in April, but in Hokkaido, they don’t come out till May!

Watch out for freezing temperatures at the start and end of the day! March in Hokkaido is still the end of winter, so there are still days when the temperature is below freezing. Even in April, when the cherry blossoms are out in Tokyo, it’s only just the start of spring in Hokkaido and quite chilly. On the mainland, it starts to feel like early summer from May onwards, but in Hokkaido, the mornings and evenings are still cold around this time.

Although the cherry blossoms start budding on the mainland in March, temperatures can still be below freezing in Hokkaido. Hokkaido cherry blossoms bloom in early May. Keep this in mind!

Hay fever is often thought of as a national affliction in Japan. However, cedar doesn’t grow in Hokkaido, so there’s no cedar pollen around to cause hay fever. But there is birch pollen, and you do find some people have an allergy to this.

In March, you’ll still need winter clothing to protect yourself from the cold. The roads get very wet and muddy as the snow melts, so we’d suggest waterproof shoes if you’re walking about outside.

Clothes to bring for men:
・Upper: Coat, fleece, sweater
・Lower: Jeans, slacks, etc.
・Innerwear: Thermal shirt (Heat Tech, etc.)
・Shoes: Boots, insulated shoes
・Accessories: Muffler and gloves, earmuffs, face mask, UV chapstick

Clothes to bring for women:
・Upper: Coat, fleece, sweater
・Lower: Jeans, slacks, etc.
・Innerwear: Thermal shirt (Heat Tech, etc.), thick tights, leggings
・Shoes: Insulated boots, insulated shoes
・Accessories: Muffler and gloves, earmuffs, face mask, UV chapstick

It sometimes snows in Hokkaido even in April, so you’ll need clothes that you can easily adjust to keep yourself comfortable.

Clothes to bring for men:
・Upper: Light coat, fleece, cardigan
・Lower: Jeans, slacks, etc.
・Innerwear: Thermal shirt (Heat Tech, etc.)
・Shoes: Boots, insulated shoes, sneakers
・Accessories: Muffler and gloves, earmuffs, UV chapstick

Clothes to bring for women:
・Upper: Light coat, fleece, cardigan
・Lower: Jeans, slacks, etc.
・Innerwear: Thermal shirt (Heat Tech, etc.), thick tights, leggings
・Shoes: Boots, insulated shoes, sneakers
・Accessories: Muffler and gloves, earmuffs, UV chapstick

In May, it still feels cool in the mornings and evenings, so take some long-sleeved outerwear. It’s also good to have a hat and T-shirt for outdoor activities, as it sometimes gets quite hot during the day.

Clothes to bring for men:
・Upper: Light jacket, fleece, long-sleeved shirt
・Lower: Jeans, slacks, etc.
・Innerwear: T-shirt
・Shoes: Sneakers
・Accessories: Stole, hat, UV chapstick

Clothes to bring for women:
・Upper: Light coat, long-sleeved shirt, cardigan
・Lower: Jeans, slacks, one-piece dresses, etc.
・Innerwear: T-shirt
・Shoes: Sneakers
・Accessories: Stole, hat, UV chapstick

1. Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park (May)
Spread over 10 hectares is a colorful pink carpet of moss phlox flowers.

2. Unkai Terrace (April-May)
Unkai, or Sea of Clouds, is a rather rare phenomenon during April and May. Unkai Terrace is an observation deck where you can experience this special view of the Sea of Clouds, together with gorgeous vistas.

3. Fort Goryokaku (Hakodate) (April-May)
Goryokaku was once the political center of Hokkaido but has been a public park since 1914. Five thousand cherry trees have been planted in the park, making it one of the most acclaimed cherry blossom spots in Hokkaido. Prime blossom viewing takes place from late April to early May.

4. Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park (May-June)
The Kamiyubetsu Tulip Matsuri is a month-long tulip festival held in Hokkaido's Yubetsu town that draws crowds of visitors. On a sunny day, the park looks like a painting, showing around a million colorful tulips.

5. Farm Tomita (May)
Farm Tomita is very famous for its colorful fields of lavender in summer, however it has an area set aside known as the Spring Field. Here you can enjoy a view of tulips, chives, poppies and perennials.