Seasonal Flowers in Otaru: A Spring and Early Summer Delight

This plant thrives in wetlands and cool climates. Many people in Japan associate it with summer because it’s featured in the lyrics of a famous Japanese song, “Natsu no Omoide (Summer Memories),” but in Hokkaido, it’s actually considered a symbol of spring.

In Otaru, you can see patches of skunk cabbage growing naturally in the wetlands of Nagahashi Naebo Park, a spot beloved by locals. Every year, the delicate emergence of these white-bracted plants is a sign that spring has arrived. 

Interestingly, what looks like a white flower petal is actually a modified leaf called a spathe (butsuenhō in Japanese). The real flowers are tiny and clustered around the central spike inside. 

The park also offers other signs of spring, making it a peaceful place to enjoy nature’s transition. Just be cautious — the trails can get muddy from melting snow, so wear proper footwear when you visit.

Azaleas, designated as the official flower of Otaru, typically bloom from May to early June. Known in Japanese as Tsutsuji , they are beloved all across Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. 

In Otaru, they were officially chosen as the city flower through a public vote about 50 years ago. 

The best place to view azaleas in Otaru is Otaru Park, located on a hill near the city center. Around 3,000 azalea bushes representing about 20 different varieties bloom here, creating a vibrant, colorful scene. You’ll also find a large wisteria trellis in the park, and both plants bloom around the same time, making it an ideal photo spot. 

Another great location is the Temiya Botanical Garden in the Temiya district. Here, azaleas bloom against a backdrop of the sparkling blue sea — perfect for photographers seeking that classic Hokkaido contrast. 

As the cherry blossoms begin to fade, the bright reds, pinks, and oranges of the azaleas mark the shift from spring to early summer for Otaru’s residents.

These luxurious, large blooms are often hard to tell apart, but here’s a quick tip: 

　・If the flower blooms on a branching stem and has deeply cut, non-glossy leaves, it’s a peony (Botan). 

　・If it grows at the top of a single stalk and has a sweet fragrance, it’s a Chinese peony (Shakuyaku). 

One of the best places to see these flowers in Otaru is the Otaru Kihinkan (Former Aoyama Villa), a registered national cultural property. The garden here is home to around 400 peony plants and 250 Chinese peonies, and when they’re in full bloom, the sight is absolutely breathtaking.

Lilacs, known as lailakku in Japanese but often referred to by their French name lilas, are a quintessential part of spring in Hokkaido — including Otaru. 

While white varieties exist, the most iconic lilac color is a reddish-purple hue, which has come to symbolize Hokkaido itself. In fact, this color — along with lavender and lupine — inspired the soft purple stripe on the Hokkaido Shinkansen train. 

A unique local expression, “Rira-bie” (literally “Lilac Chill”), describes the sudden cold snaps that occur when lilacs are in bloom. This poetic phrase was popularized in the 1960s and ’70s through the work of poet Mieko Harutani and novelist Junichi Watanabe. 

Lilacs are native to Europe and thrive in cool, dry climates — making them perfectly suited to Hokkaido. They bloom from mid-May through June in shades of reddish purple, white, pink, and pale blue-violet. Keep an eye out for them around Otaru’s streets and residential gardens. 

And don’t forget to bring an extra layer — the “Lilac Chill” can catch you by surprise!

In Honshu (mainland Japan), white birch trees are typically found in highland areas, but in Hokkaido — including Otaru — they grow even in lowland areas and are a familiar part of the landscape. The white birch (also called Shirakaba) is designated as Otaru’s official tree. 

One of the best-known places to see white birch trees in Otaru is Otaru Park, where a peaceful grove creates a distinctly Hokkaido atmosphere. You can also enjoy scenic, birch-lined roads along the Otaru Kanjo Sen (Loop Road), especially on the way to the Asahi Observatory, near Mt. Tengu. 

Their striking contrast of bright green leaves and white bark makes white birches a symbol of summer resorts. Yet, they’re also often used in winter decorations thanks to their snowy look. 

One common mix-up is between white birch (Shirakaba) and Dakekanba (Erman’s birch). If the bark peels and has a reddish-brown hue, it’s likely a Dakekanba. If the trunk is smooth and white with dark wedge-shaped marks and the branches are dark, you’re looking at a Shirakaba. 

Whether in summer or winter, white birches create an unmistakably Hokkaido landscape. Be sure to capture them in your photos during your visit to Otaru!