When it comes to iconic spring sights in Eastern Hokkaido, "shibazakura" (moss phlox) is a must-see. These tiny, cherry blossom-like petals blanket the ground in vibrant shades of pink, white, and purple, creating a sweeping carpet of color. The best time to visit is from early May to early June, when the flowers are at their peak for about a month. Top spots to enjoy shibazakura include Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park, Takinoue Shibazakura Park, Taiyo no Oka Engaru Park, and Tsubetsu 21st Century Forest. Witnessing the breathtaking expanses of shibazakura unique to Eastern Hokkaido is truly an unforgettable experience. Many events also take place at each location to coincide with the peak bloom. Don’t miss out on these recommended events for enjoying the beauty of shibazakura!

Event period: Early May to late May (approximately 3 weeks)
The hills, spanning over 10 hectares, are blanketed with moss phlox, creating a breathtaking contrast with the clear blue sky. During the bloom season, visitors can enjoy tasting and purchasing premium "Higashimokoto beef," live music performances, and a variety of events for children, making this festival highly recommended for families. Free shuttle buses are also available from downtown Higashimokoto, making it easy to access for tourists.
*Admission fees: 700 yen for junior high school students and above, 300 yen for elementary school students (as of April 2025).

Event period: Early May to early June (about one month)
Spanning an impressive 100,000 square meters, the shibazakura fields here are among the largest in Hokkaido. It’s amazing to think that all these flowers originally grew from just a single box of seedlings. On weekends during the festival period, visitors can enjoy not only the flowers but also local culture through markets and workshops. As the park is quite expansive, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes for your visit.
*Admission: 500 yen for adults, 250 yen for children (as of April 2025).

Tulip fields bursting with vibrant colors are another popular spring attraction. With around 200 varieties of tulips blooming at once, the scenery looks straight out of a storybook. The vast landscapes of Eastern Hokkaido create truly breathtaking views. The best time to visit is in late May; however, since cold winds are common during this season, the blooming period may be delayed by about a week. Be sure to check the latest flower information before planning your visit. The top recommended spot is Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park—here’s what you need to know about upcoming events.

Event Period: Early May to late May (about one month)
At "Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park" in Yubetsu Town, colorful tulips bloom across a vast 7-hectare area. Many rare varieties imported from the Netherlands can be seen here, with a total of around 200 different types on display. It’s a popular spot for taking picturesque photos. Visitors can also enjoy local gourmet foods, regional product sales, and panoramic views of the park from the Dutch windmill-style observation tower.

In Eastern Hokkaido, vibrant red and pink azaleas add a splash of color to early summer. The striking contrast with Hokkaido’s fresh greenery makes for fantastic photo opportunities. The best viewing season is from early May to early June. Many of the best spots to enjoy azaleas are located near hot springs or in scenic parks, offering plenty of ways to enjoy both nature and relaxation! Here are some recommended events for experiencing azaleas:

Event Period: Early May (3 days)
Located about 40 minutes by car from downtown Kitami, the Onneyu Onsen hot spring area is beautifully adorned with blooming azaleas. Enjoy not only the flowers but also live music performances and local gourmet food stalls. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax in a hot spring and take in the azalea scenery. Unwind after your bath while soaking up the colorful views!

Event Period: Early May (about one week)
Held in Nenohi Park, a famous cherry blossom spot in Eastern Hokkaido with about 1,200 Ezoyamazakura and other cherry trees blooming across a 120,000-square-meter area. Carpets of azaleas bloom around the venue as well, and there are short walking paths where you can observe wild mountain flowers. This event is a must for those who want to enjoy both flowers and gourmet food—you can grill and savor three types of branded oysters, as well as fresh clams and other seafood right on the spot. No need to bring anything, making it a carefree and enjoyable day out!

One of the signature flowers of early summer in Hokkaido is the "Hamanasu" (rugosa rose). This rose family plant, which also appears on the packaging of Hokkaido’s famous confectionery “Rokkatei,” is designated as Hokkaido’s prefectural flower. Known for its resilience in cold climates, hamanasu grows in clusters along coastal areas and blooms in early summer. Its appearance, swaying in the sea breeze, looks just like a scene from a picture book. The best viewing time is from early June to early August. With its strong fragrance and vitamin C-rich fruit, hamanasu is used as an ingredient in a variety of products such as cosmetics, perfumes, jams, and teas. Beauty goods and sweets inspired by or made with hamanasu are available everywhere, making them perfect souvenirs. Here are some top spots for viewing hamanasu!

About a 40-minute drive from central Abashiri, this wildflower garden offers panoramic views of the Sea of Okhotsk and the Shiretoko mountain range. In addition to hamanasu, you’ll find rare flowers unique to Hokkaido, such as Ezokanzo (yellow daylily) and Ezosukashiyuri (lily), with as many as 200 different varieties blooming throughout the season! It’s also a recommended spot for birdwatching. During summer, the JR Senmo Line’s Genseikaen Station operates exclusively for the flower season, allowing you to admire the swaying blooms right from the train window.

In Eastern Hokkaido, you’ll find a variety of garden spots where you can enjoy not only seasonal flowers but also lush green landscapes all at once. From must-see popular gardens to hidden gems known only to a few, here are five wonderful gardens brimming with highlights. Many of these gardens also feature shops and cafes—making them perfect for families and couples alike. Please note that most gardens are closed in winter, so be sure to confirm the opening dates before your visit.

This heartfelt, handmade garden was lovingly created and maintained by the late Akiba Shichiku, who remained involved in its care well into her 90s. Spread across a vast 5-hectare (about 15,000 tsubo) area, the different themed sections are home to more than 400 types of flowers and plants. Beyond the gardens, you can gaze out at Tokachi’s beautiful rural landscape. Tulips, lupines, poppies, and roses are at their best from spring to early summer. Inside the garden, you’ll find a restaurant serving gourmet dishes featuring organic vegetables grown on-site and fresh local ingredients from Tokachi. Annual passes are available for those who want to visit frequently.

Experience a vast “museum of plants” on an expansive 8.2-hectare (about 25,000 tsubo) site, featuring three themed gardens: Japanese, Western, and Natural. Widely recognized as Japan’s first conifer garden, Manabe Garden is run by the Manabe Nursery, which also imports, produces, and sells trees. The garden features a wide variety of conifers and other trees. The European-style section is particularly enchanting, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into a storybook village far from Japan. You may even spot native Hokkaido squirrels as you stroll along the paths. Hamanasu roses and Hokkaido hydrangeas bloom beautifully from June to July. Pets are welcome, making this a great destination for families.

Located at the foot of the Hidaka Mountains, Tokachi Millennium Forest was created with the vision of leaving a lasting legacy for humanity one thousand years into the future. Spanning a vast area equivalent to about 85 Tokyo Domes, the site encompasses sprawling grasslands and five distinctive gardens. The highlight is the award-winning Earth Garden, designed by a British landscape architect, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the mountains and rolling lawns merging as one—an unforgettable sight sure to leave a lasting impression. Guided Segway tours in the garden are especially popular, allowing visitors to explore the meadows and forests over the course of two hours. Cheese-making workshops and horseback riding experiences are also offered, making this a great destination for families. There is also an on-site café where you can take breaks and enjoy the gardens at your own pace. Pets are welcome.

Operated by the famous Hokkaido confectionery maker “Rokkatei,” this garden features many of the flowers that appear on its package designs. The six “Tokachi wildflowers” (Ezo gentian, Japanese rose ‘hamanashi’, Trillium, Dogtooth violet, Marsh marigold, and Glaucidium) all bloom amid the vast forests of Tokachi. The garden also houses a small museum showcasing works by leading Hokkaido artists, allowing visitors to enjoy art as they stroll the grounds. At the on-site "Rok’cafe," you can dine or enjoy desserts with a view of Hokkaido’s great outdoors. This is the only place where you can try Rokkatei’s famous Marusei Butter Sandwich freshly made. There are also café-exclusive menu items and original goods that make perfect souvenirs.

Tokachi Hills, with its concept of showcasing the charm of both agriculture and cuisine, spreads across a vast 23-hectare area dotted with themed gardens, primarily in the English style. In spring, tulips come into full bloom, while summer brings vibrant roses and nemophila. The gardens are filled with benches, winding paths, and multiple photo spots—such as the unique door monument set against a backdrop of sunflowers—making this a must-visit for photography enthusiasts. With picnic blankets and children’s toys available for rent, as well as carts for touring the site, Tokachi Hills is also perfect for families. The on-site restaurant serves carefully crafted dishes featuring vegetables and fruits harvested right from the garden. Enjoy the exceptional cuisine prepared by a Hungarian chef with experience in world-renowned restaurants, all while taking in the magnificent natural scenery unique to Eastern Hokkaido.