Matsumae, Historical castle town in southern Hokkaido, Japan
Matsumae is a town at the southern edge of Oshima Peninsula that is home to Japan's northernmost castle structure. The area is defined by extensive tree cover, particularly thousands of cherry trees that dominate the landscape.
The town developed as a settlement at Japan's northern frontier during the Edo Period to facilitate trade between Japanese merchants and the Ainu people. This trading purpose shaped how the settlement grew and was organized over time.
The temple precinct here houses several Buddhist structures that came before the castle and remain central to community life today. Visitors can walk through these buildings to understand how faith shaped this place from its earliest days.
The best time to visit is during April and May when the cherry trees flower and the grounds fill with visitors. The town is accessible by roads, and visitors should wear comfortable shoes to explore the different areas.
The place is home to over 250 varieties of cherry trees, meaning the blossoms do not all appear at the same time. This extends the blooming season across several weeks and gives visitors different views depending on when they arrive.
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