Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan. So, spring has come at the beginnings of May, as the latest spring in Japan.
Goryokaku, located in Hakodate, is a starshaped fortress in Tokugawa era, which was originally built in 1864 to defend Hokkaido against northern invasion. It is known as the first and the largest Western-style fortress in Japan, where the final battle, the Battle of Hakodate, was fought between the Imperial Force and the last remaining supporters of the Tokugawa shogunate. The site of the fortress was later converted into a park and is now an immensely popular viewing spot for cherry blossoms. In the first weekend of May, first weekend of newly started Reiwa era, many people have enjoyed Hanami party there.
Shiretoko National Park on the Shiretoko Peninsula in northeastern Hokkaido is a pristine wilderness area inhabited by countless species of wildlife, which consists of virgin forests, caldera lakes, volcanoes, and coastal cliffs. This World Natural Heritage-listed site is famous for Hokkaido’s highest volcanic mountain named Mt. Rausu, which is reflected on the breathtaking Shiretoko Five Lakes. In early spring, although Shiretoko is still windy and cold, the series of mountains, including Mt. Rausu, with remaining snow are impressively beautiful.
Jun-Spade 