Matsumae Park

Matsumae Park is a large park located on the site of Matsumae Castle in Matsumae town, Matsumae Town, Hokkaido; centered around the Castle’s remaining structures, the Park also includes a group of temples and the Matsumae Clan Residence open-air museum. Approximately 10,000 cherry trees belonging to around 250 different varieties have been planted in Matsumae Park, and come into flower gradually between late April and May each year. The Park has been selected for inclusion in the list of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. The “Sakura Specimen Garden,” where cherry trees of 140 different varieties can be seen, is well worth a look. The single biggest attraction of the Park is the “Three Famous Cherry Trees of Matsumae”: the Kechimyaku-zakura (Blood cherry blossoms) at Kozen-ji Temple, the Yezo-kasumi-zakura cherry tree at Ryuun-in Temple, and the Meoto Cherry Tree at the Tenjin-zaka Gate. A “Matsue Cherry Blossom Festival” is held when the cherry trees are in full bloom, with special products on sale and a variety of special events; the Castle is also illuminated during the Festival. Toilets, shops, and parking available.