Where History Meets Blossoms: Matsumae Castle in Springtime
Located in Matsumae Town at the southern tip of Hokkaido, Matsumae Castle is the northernmost Japanese-style castle in the country.
It was originally built in 1854 by Matsumae Takahiro, lord of the Matsumae Domain, during the closing years of the Edo period—a time marked by rising tensions with foreign powers.
The castle’s main keep was destroyed by fire in 1949 but was faithfully reconstructed in 1961.
Today, it houses the Matsumae Castle Museum, where visitors can explore artifacts and exhibits that bring to life the rich history of the Matsumae clan and the culture of the surrounding castle town.
Yet it is in spring that the castle reveals its most enchanting side.
Set within Matsumae Park, the grounds come alive with around 10,000 cherry trees representing 250 varieties.
From mid-April to early May, the annual Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival transforms the historic site into a breathtaking landscape of pink and white—offering a rare chance to experience traditional Japan in full bloom, right here in Hokkaido.
