How about experiencing cherry blossoms at night? With Tokyo’s cherry blossoms nearing full bloom soon, why not head to Northern Japan to enjoy the late cherry blossoms in beautifully illuminated spots? This article introduces 5 of the best spots for cherry blossoms at night. For those looking for tips on how to fully enjoy hanami, keep reading below!
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Hokkaido
In Hokkaido, cherry blossoms are expected to bloom on April 24 in Sapporo and in early May in Kushiro. There’s still time to enjoy them.
Asahigaoka Park
One of the best cherry blossom spots in Ashibetsu City is Asahigaoka Park. It features around 1,000 cherry trees, including Ezoyamazakura and Someiyoshino. Since 2015, the park has also been illuminated at night. The light-up runs from sunset to 8:00 PM.
Photo: Ashibetsu City
Further Details: View Website
Address: 641 Asahicho, Ashibetsu City Hokkaido
Matsumae Park
Matsumae Park in Matsumae Town is Hokkaido’s only former castle town and one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. The Sakura Festival will be held from April 19 (Sat) to May 11 (Sun), 2025. From sunset to 9:00 PM, you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms and light-up displays. It’s the perfect place to see cherry blossoms with a castle backdrop.
Photo: 北海道まつまえ観光物産協会
Further Details: View Website
Address: Matsushiro, Matsumae Town, Matsumae District, Hokkaido (Inside Matsumae Park)
Goryokaku Park
Goryokaku Park is famous for its star-shaped design. Built in 1864, it was Japan’s first Western-style fort and is now a protected historic site. The park has about 1,500 cherry trees, making it a popular cherry blossom spot. You can also visit the Goryokaku Tower nearby for a great view of the cherry blossoms from above. The light-up schedule is not confirmed yet, but it is usually held from late April to May, from sunset to around 9:00 PM.
Photo:
Further Details: View Website
Address: 44 Goryokakucho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
Aomori
The cherry blossom season in Aomori is also around mid-April, similar to Hokkaido. Aomori is easily accessible by Shinkansen, with a travel time of about 3 hours from Tokyo Station.
Hirosaki Park
Hirosaki Park was once home to Hirosaki Castle, the residence of the Tsugaru clan during the Edo period. It became a park in the Meiji era and now features around 2,600 cherry trees of 52 varieties, with Someiyoshino as the main type. Some cherry trees are designated as Aomori Prefecture’s Natural Monuments. The view of cherry blossoms reflecting on the water from Shunyo Bridge is breathtaking.
The light-up for 2025 is scheduled from April 18 (Fri) to May 5 (Mon, holiday), from sunset to 10:00 PM.
Photo: Hirosaki Tourism And Convention Bureau.
Further Details: View Website
Address: 1 Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture
Saruka Park
Saruka Park offers a stunning view of Mount Iwaki, also known as Tsugaru Fuji. Around 330 cherry trees, including Someiyoshino and Yaezakura, bloom throughout the park, surrounding Saruka Shrine. The Sakura Festival will be held from April 19 to May 6, with light-up from sunset to 9:00 PM each day. The cherry blossoms reflecting in the shrine’s pond create a very magical atmosphere.
Photo: Hirakawashi Kanko Kyokai, General INC.
Further Details: View at Expedia
Address: Saruka Ishibayashi, Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture
Japan’s cherry blossom spots offer breathtaking views, from the star-shaped beauty of Goryokaku Park to the historical charm of Hirosaki Park. With cherry blossoms at night creating a magical atmosphere through stunning light-ups and reflections, these festivals provide a unique and unforgettable experience. As temperatures can fluctuate unexpectedly, be sure to check the forecast and plan your visit accordingly for the best experience.
