Matsumae, Hakodate; the Southernmost Town in Hokkaido (2024)

Matsumae is the southernmost town in Hokkaido, known as one of the Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan. Its natural scenery is very beautiful, with magnificent coastlines, dense forests, clear rivers, and over 10,000 cherry blossom trees. Every spring, the “Matsumae Cherry Blossom Festival” is held here, attracting many tourists to come and admire the scenery. Additionally, the town still preserves historical buildings from the Edo period (1603-1868), such as Matsumae Castle, Hogenji, and Aunji, showcasing the historical changes of Hokkaido.

Matsumae

Best Places to View Cherry Blossom in Matsumae

1.Matsumae Park

Matsumae Park is the center of Matsumae, where approximately 250 species and over 10,000 cherry blossom trees are planted, blooming from late April to late May in various colors. Combined with the temple town's streets, it is often referred to as “Northern Little Kyoto.” Every year, the cherry blossom festival is held from the end of April, lasting about three weeks, inviting visitors to experience the beautiful scenery and atmosphere of history and cherry blossoms together. Don't miss it if you come here during the cherry blossom season.

2.Matsumae Sakura Museum

The Matsumae Sakura Museum displays various cherry blossom varieties, development information, and paintings and crafts related to cherry blossoms.

Must-See Historical Buildings in Matsumae

1.Matsumae Castle

Matsumae Castle

Tourists climbing the stairs in Matsumae Castle

Matsumae Castle is one of the last castles in Japan and the only Japanese-style castle in Hokkaido. It was built by the first lord of Matsumae in 1600. The current castle was rebuilt after two fires, and the Matsumae Castle Honmaru Imperial Gate, which retains its original appearance, has been designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The Matsumae Castle Museum set up inside the castle displays helmets, ancient costumes, historical materials about Matsumae Castle, and works by Kaneko Otei, a famous Japanese calligrapher who was born in Matsumae. Standing on the rooftop of Matsumae Castle, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the magnificent scenery of Matsumae.

Tickets for Matsumae Castle Museum:

Opening hours:
April 10 to December 10: 9:00 - 17:00, last admission at 16:30
*Closed from December 11 to April 9

2.Matsumae Clan Mansion

People wearing kimono in Matsumae

Matsumae Clan Mansion is a theme park that replicates traditional samurai residences and merchant houses. Here, 14 buildings from the past have been rebuilt, allowing visitors to feel as though they have traveled back in time. You can try on samurai armor or beautiful kimono, wander and take photos freely among the historical buildings, as if walking into the scene of a period drama. In every July, the “Floating Hydrangea Event” at Matsumae Clan Mansion features about 3,000 hydrangea flowers floating on the pond, creating a very dreamy scene.

Tickets:

Note: Joint tickets for the Matsumae Castle Museum and the Matsumae Clan Mansion can be purchased at the Matsumae Castle Museum ticket office.

Opening hours:
April to October: 9:00 - 17:00
*Closed from November to March

3.Hogenji Temple

It is said that the temple is one of the oldest existing temples in Hokkaido, and it still retains ancient architectural style. Visitors can enter for free and receive three incense sticks at the entrance for worship.

Must-Try Food in Matsumae

1.Mastumae-zuke pickles - Local seafood pickles

Mastumae-zuke pickles, made from a blend of squid, cuttlefish and kelp, are renowned for their distinctive flavor. They constitute an essential signature dish to be sampled when visiting Matsumae. This kind of pickle is made by traditional local families and has a history of more than one hundred years. After being passed down through generations, this delicacy has become very famous outside of Hokkaido and is often used as a New Year's dish.

2.Fresh seafood

Adjacent to the vast ocean, Matsumae boasts abundant and diverse seafood resources. Among the common seafood species are striped shrimp, tuna, and squid. Visitors can taste a wide array of fresh seafood dishes in local restaurants and markets, including sushi, sashimi, grilled fish, boiled fish, seafood soup, and so on.

Best Time to Visit Matsumae

The best visiting time is when the cherry blossoms are in bloom from late April to late May and when the hydrangeas are in bloom from mid-July to early August.

How to Get to Matsumae

Admission Fee:

Free entry to the town

Opening time:

All day

A homestay in Matsumae

How to plan a Matsumae tour from Hakadate?

It is recommended to take a two-day round trip from Hakodate to Matsumae. On the first day, take a bus departing from Hakodate Station at 10:10 am and arrive in Matsumae around 1:30 pm. After visiting the attractions, spend the night at a hot spring hotel in Matsumae, such as Onsen Ryokan Yano. On the second day, continue sightseeing in the morning, and then take the bus departing at 2:30 pm back to Hakodate.