At the conclusion of the long cold winter, the colour slowly returns to Asahikawa. Japan’s all time favorite, Sakura (cherry blossom) starts to bloom around Golden Week (Japan’s holiday week starting from the end of April to the beginning of May.) Tulips, azaleas, and many other flowers start to bloom and the trees start to display pale green leaves which darken during subsequent months. The mountains start to lose their snow-tops making them accessible to climbers and hikers, while the snow melt provides ideal conditions for river adventures.