The Four Seasons of Hokkaido

Spring reaches Hokkaido far later than Honshū, the main island. From late April into May, plum and cherry burst into bloom all at once — something only the north can offer. The grounds of Maruyama and Hokkaido Jingū are wrapped in clouds of pale pink.

The joy of coming through the long winter shows in the temples and shrines too. Cherry and tulip hanachōzu afloat on the purification basin are the very "first colours" of the year. Spring festivals begin here and there, and the sound of festival music returns to the streets.

北海道の春は遅く、四月の終わりから五月に、梅と桜がいっせいに咲きそろう。

With no rainy season, summer in Hokkaido is dry and refreshing. In mid-June, the Sapporo Festival — the grand rite of Hokkaido Jingū — sends portable shrines (mikoshi) and floats parading through the streets, and food stalls line Nakajima Park. It is the greatest festival heralding the city's summer.

The trees in the grounds deepen to a rich green, and the hanachōzu fill with hydrangea and sunflower. Short but radiant, the northern summer is celebrated by the temples and shrines as well.

梅雨のない北海道の夏。六月中旬の札幌まつり（北海道神宮例祭）が、神輿や山車、露店で街を彩る。

From the end of September, Hokkaido is among the first to take on the colours of autumn. The red berries of the rowan, golden ginkgo, blazing maple — this is the season when the approach paths are draped in brocade. Nearby foliage spots such as Jōzankei are well worth pairing with a round of temple and shrine visits.

The fruitful autumn brings festivals of thanks for the harvest. Hanachōzu arranged with chrysanthemum and maple leaves shine all the more vivid in the clear, crisp air.

北海道は秋の訪れが早く、九月末から参道はナナカマドやイチョウ、モミジの錦に染まる。

At the end of November, the city is wrapped in snow. Halls and approach paths sink into white, and the vermilion torii gates grow all the more vivid. First shrine visits from New Year's Eve into New Year's Day, and hanachōzu of ice glowing in the snow-light — scenes that only the northern winter can make unfold before you.

The stillness of snow and the sacred is where the turning year comes to rest, and where a new one begins. Read more in the feature "Snow & Shrines."

十一月末、街は雪に包まれ、社殿も参道も白に沈む。初詣や氷の花手水など、北の冬ならではの情景。