Hokkaido in Spring 2026: Ski With Cherry Blossoms

Wondering about a special Japan tour with ski fields for fun and a watch to its iconic cherry blossoms? Then make your spring holiday in Hokkaido, where the late spring maintains both the soft snow and the blooming sakura flowers for your once view. And below is a seasonal guide for your Hokkaido spring travel, including the weather, best places, and tips to fulfill your Hokkaido trip planning.

Is Hokkaido Worth Visiting in Spring

Though Hokkaido in spring is not as popular as in summer and winter, Hokkaido is definitely worth a spring trip.

Hokkaido in spring is an underrated time to visit, especially when you are looking for a more crowd-free cherry blossom journey in Japan, a more affordable skiing holiday, or to spend your money on good values during the special Golden Week in Japan.

April to June is the transition season in Hokkaido from deep winter to blooming spring. Snow may not be as powdery as that in February, and the melting snow on the streets is actually something disappointing. But good luck is, with some plan and itinerary arrangement, they are not the task you have to face, which is just the thing Odynovo's teams are good at - feel free to contact us for your spring trip to Hokkaido with the clear skies, late-season sakura, woken wildlife, and unique winter-spring landscapes.

Spring Cherry Blossom in Hokkaido

Hokkaido's Weather in Spring

Spring in Hokkaido arrives late, lasting from April to June. March in Hokkaido is more like late winter, with sudden snow, and the real warm-up doesn't come until April, when temperatures finally catch up to what Tokyo feels like in March.

• Hokkaido's weather in April: 7 to 13℃ (45 to 55℉), still with more cold days, snow-capped mountains, and chilly nights. The temperature gets warmer in the second half, and cherry blossoms bloom at the end.
• Hokkaido's weather in May: 12 to 20℃ (54 to 72℉), the flowery period with rising temperatures, longer sunshine, and clear skies. Snow is barely visible on the street, also the last time for skiing in the mountain area.
• Hokkaido's weather in June: 18 to 24℃ (64 to 75℉), still maintains its sunny and dry weather, and is one of the best times for outdoors with shirts. June in Hokkaido is much cooler than Tokyo and Kyoto, and most importantly, free from the humidity of the tsuyu (rainy) season.

Snow Conditions in Hokkaido in Spring

In short, the snow in Hokkaido in spring stays soft and enjoyable to ride, but it does feel a bit heavier and slushier in April and May - the spring snow may not match your imagination if you are looking for that feather-light powder for pro and technique in January and February.

The increasing sunshine in spring makes the snow softer, and a ride feels like a relaxing spring cruise. The soft, pillowy snow in spring makes your tumble feel more like landing on a cushion, which can be a perfect playground for beginners and families.

You might catch more corn snow in spring in Hokkaido, and snow usually gets wetter with the rising sun. For your best experience, early morning till noon is the best skiing time, since the soft surface will freeze again during the chilly nighttime.

When to See Cherry Blossoms in Hokkaido

Following the delayed spring warm breeze, the cherry blossom season in Hokkaido also runs about a month behind Tokyo. Instead, Hokkaido's sakura season is fairly longer, lasting from late April to mid-May, and late April to early May is the best time for Hokkaido's cherry blossom viewing (right matches the Japan Golden Week holiday).

• Late April to Early May in Southern Hokkaido, like Hakodate, Sapporo, and Matsumae
• Early May to Mid-May in Eastern & Northern Hokkaido, such as Asahikawa, Kushiro
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Best Places to Visit in Hokkaido in Spring

Niseko & Furano: Enjoy Your Crowd-Free Spring Skiing

Ski resorts in Hokkaido return to their peace and tranquility in the early spring, so do popular Niseko and Furano run until early May with their excellent facilities. Enjoy the whole mountain slopes of Niseko without the line for the shuttle bus, equipment rental, or hot chocolate. While the inland Furano with more dry spring snow (you can even find some well-maintained powder in April) for your immersive try.

Matsumae Park: Japan's Top Cherry Blossom Viewing Sites

For the cherry blossoms and the following sakura festival, Matsumae Park is a must-visit during your Hokkaido sightseeing in Hokkaido. Though peaking between late April to early May (also the time to attend the Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival), the huge numbers of cherry trees and a variety of species there make a surprise each time you visit during the whole sakura season.

Cherry Blossoms in Matsumae Park

Hakodate: Lively Market, Sakura & Night

Hakodate in spring is famous for its star-shaped cherry blossom display at the Goryokaku Park, where you can satisfy your warm spring days with a stroll along the petal-filled shore or a panoramic view from the tower. Enjoy some fresh crabs at the port or market restaurant, and grab your coat to capture the stunning night view from Mt. Hakodate. What's more, Hakodate is an ideal base you can take advantage of when visiting Matsumae.

Sapporo: the Fresh Green Season

Sapporo in spring is much quieter compared to the festival season in summer and winter, usually considered as a shoulder green season to enjoy something fresh and nature: cherry blossom, of course, and recommended sightseeing spots include Hokkaido Shrine and Maruyama Park; spring salmon, crab, and sea urchin cuisines are freshly made, as well as those seasonal izakaya side dishes made from edible wild plants.

Noboribetsu & Jozankei: Relaxing Hot Spring

Finding Hokkaido in spring still feels a bit chilly? Then make a few-day stay at those soothing hot springs from Noboribetsu to Jozankei for a warm-up and relaxation. Imagine your Noboribetsu (Hell Valley) mountain hike with those colorful demon sculptures, and the winding natural steaming stream for a foot bath anytime; Or make your way to Jozankei for a simple Sapporo day trip, dotted with flying carp streamers as the celebration of the spring Children's Day.

Spring Hokkaido Travel Cost & Crowd

A trip to Hokkaido in spring is a smart travel time: travel costs are much more affordable, while fewer crowds share the unspoiled scenery compared to the peak summer and winter seasons, as well as the early Autumn before the fall foliage.

Apart from the cherry blossom season from late April to early May (right matches Japan's Golden Week holiday with a short travel rush and rising prices - the highest in spring, yet far from reaching the peak season price), Hokkaido is peaceful and comfortable most of the time.

It is possible to seek some luxury at a more affordable price at most skiing and hot spring resorts during this shoulder season, such as the first half of April, a discount period for your high-quality powder, budget flights, and high-standard hotels. Late spring (or the early summer), from mid-May to June, though with a slightly rising price, is also a tranquil period for your further exploration.

Sample Springday Itinerary in Hokkaido

When traveling to Hokkaido in spring, a good idea is to follow the cherry blossoms, or around the warmer south for your grand round trip. To make your planning clear, below is a Hokkaido spring itinerary from Late April to Early May to meet sakura viewing and skiing.

Note: Since it is a south-to-north journey starting from Hakodate, you can also combine some northern cities in Honshu Island (Sendai, Morioka, Aomori, and Akita, all share a late cherry blossom season around late April) during your northward spring trip.

• Day 1-3 (Tokyo→Aomori→) Hakodate sightseeing with Matsumae cherry blossom trip
• Day 4-5 Niseko spring skiing & hot springs
• Day 6 Otaru food tour and handicraft DIY
• Day 7 Sapporo free day
• Day 8-9 Optional extension to Lake Shikotsu, Noboribetsu, or Lake Toya

Travel Tips in Hokkaido in Spring

• Though spring is the shoulder season of the Hokkaido journey, still make your early planning and booking during your Golden Week period trip to Japan.
• The operating time of some shuttle buses and cable lines at the ski resorts will be reduced during the spring season. Check the schedule before your journey, or contact us and leave all the planning and booking to Odynovo for your carefree Japan tour.
• Apart from layering clothes for your outdoor fun and indoor rest, also prepare more socks for change, sunglasses for skiing, and hats instead umbrella for your spring journey.