Hello everyone! It has been a little while since my last post, but I hope you are all doing well.

While the rainy season (“Tsuyu”) is just around the corner for most of mainland Japan, here in Hakodate, Hokkaido, we are entering the most refreshing and comfortable season of the year.

In this June greeting, I would like to recap our April cherry blossoms, share some essential weather tips for May and June, and alert you to a massive upcoming event this month.

1. Looking Back at the 2026 Sakura Season: 10 Days of Perfect Weather

This year, Hakodate’s cherry blossoms officially opened on April 18 and reached full bloom on April 20.

In fact, many trees started blooming a bit earlier than the official announcement, turning the entire city into a stunning sea of pink almost overnight.

Compared to my blog’s unique prediction rule—“30 days after Tokyo’s opening” (which would have been April 23 this year)—the blossoms actually made their appearance a few days earlier than expected!

In typical years, Hakodate often gets strong winds or rain right after the flowers open, making it rare to see a perfect contrast of blue skies and pink petals. However, this year we were blessed with incredible weather, allowing everyone to enjoy the beautiful scenery for about 10 full days.

I am already brainstorming and creating new helpful articles for the 2027 Sakura season, so stay tuned!

2. May Recap & Crucial Weather Tips for June

【May】Intense Heat Across Japan vs. Chilly Hakodate

May 2026 saw unseasonably high temperatures across Japan. In the Kanto region (including Tokyo), many areas experienced hot summer days exceeding 30°C (86°F), with some spots even hitting a scorching 35°C (95°F).

Meanwhile, here in Hakodate… it was still far too cold for short sleeves, just like any typical year. We finally had a few days near the end of the month where temperatures crept above 20°C (68°F), but nighttime temperatures routinely dropped below 10°C (50°F).

At the hotel where I work, we received numerous phone calls from guests asking, “What is the weather like in Hakodate right now?” Travelers arriving from Tokyo and other warmer areas were visibly struggling to adjust and choosing the right clothes was quite a challenge for them.

【June】If You Are Visiting from the Mainland, Bring “One Extra Layer”!

In June, Hakodate’s high temperatures settle into a very comfortable range of 20°C to 25°C (68°F–77°F).

In contrast, cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto will see many more days reaching 30°C, combined with high humidity due to the rainy season. If you are planning a route that takes you to those cities before heading up to Hakodate, I highly recommend packing a long-sleeved shirt or a light jacket as an extra layer!

3. June’s Major Event: What Travelers Need to Know About the “Hakodate Marathon”

The biggest event in Hakodate this month is the Hakodate Marathon, a major race where thousands of runners sprint through the city. This year, it will take place on Sunday, June 28.

If you are planning to visit Hakodate around this weekend, please be aware of these two critical factors:

• Fully Booked & Expensive Hotels: On the night before the race, Saturday, June 27, hotels across the city will be heavily booked, and room rates will skyrocket.
• Traffic Restrictions on Race Day: On Sunday, June 28, certain routes of the local buses and streetcars will be temporarily suspended, and major roads will face strict traffic closures. Checking transport schedules in advance is absolutely mandatory.

Conclusion & What’s Coming Next

Even though I took a short break from blogging in April and May, I actually spent that time visiting and staying at various hotels around the city! I am currently hard at work crafting detailed, honest hotel reviews to share with you all very soon.

Additionally, for international travelers planning to visit Japan during the upcoming weeks, I am preparing a guide on how to navigate and enjoy Japan’s unique rainy season (“Tsuyu”).

June is a beautifully cool, crisp, and comfortable time to experience Hakodate. I look forward to welcoming you here!

Enjoy every moment of your Hakodate journey, and travel safe!