Matsumae, Historical castle town in southern Hokkaido, Japan
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Matsumae district).
Matsumae Castle
163 m
Tobetsu Trappist Monastery
51.5 km
Jōmon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan
54.9 km
Fort Hakodate Ruins
61.2 km
Katsuyama-date
41.3 km
Yokozuna Chiyonoyama & Chiyonofuji Memorial Museum
13.3 km
Daisengen-dake
17.2 km
Fukushima Town Seikan Tunnel Museum
13.5 km
Tappisaki Lighthouse
27.2 km
Fukushima Castle
48 km
Shirakami misaki Lighthouse
8.1 km
Kattoshimisaki Lighthouse
53.5 km
Hotoke-ga-ura
59.4 km
Esashi Oiwake Museum and Esashi Yama Museum
48.9 km
Esashi Town Historical Museum
48.8 km
Kōzen-ji
414 m
Matsumae-Yagoshi Prefectural Natural Park
8.2 kmMonpō-ji
49.4 km
Sannobō Site
46 km
Kikonai Town Museum
36.8 kmDaruma Falls
46.3 km七つ滝
33.7 km
Matsumae Town Historical Museum
664 m
Hiyama Prefectural Natural Park
48.9 km
Seikan Tunnel Tappi Shakō Line
27.8 km
Ōdai Yamamoto I Site
54.9 kmUshigataō Tameike
58.3 kmŌsawanai Tameike
61.3 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes