Hokkaido Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit Sapporo | Travel Guide

Wondering when to visit Sapporo? There are lots of things to consider when you are trying to choose the best time to visit Sapporo. It is obvious that your visit will be different depending on the time of year.

Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido can be visited any time of the year, as it has a mild climate, though during the winter months you may encounter heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. Although Sapporo attracts millions of visitors during the Sapporo Snow Festival in February, your trip may be affected by extreme weather.

We will help you plan the perfect trip so your time in Sapporo can be enjoyable and worth your time. After reading this article, you will know when to experience the seasonal beauty, and enjoy the festivals and events, and of course, enjoy the local food.

Sapporo in Spring (March – May)

Maruyama Park in spring with beautiful ume and sakura blossoms.

Average Temperature: 6.7° – 12°C

Best Places to Visit in Sapporo in Spring: Odori Park, Maruyama Park, Hokkaido Shrine, Nakajima Park, Makomanai Park, Moerenuma Park, Yurigahara Park, Hokkaido Museum, Historical Village of Hokkaido, Hiraoka Park, Takino Suzuran Hillside Park, Mount Moiwa, JR Tower Observatory T38, Sapporo Beer Museum, Susukino, Shiroikoibito Park, Sapporo TV Tower.

Major Festivals and Events: Sapporo Lilac Festival, Hiraoka Park Ume Matsuri, and Jozankei Onsen Keiryu Koinobori Festival.

When it comes to spring, the first thing that comes to mind is sakura (cherry blossoms). Unlike Tokyo or the rest of Japan, spring arrives in Sapporo in April with plenty of flower blossoms, including sakura, ume, tulips, and many more.

Tulips at Odori Park in early May, Sapporo.
A view of Odori Park and snowy mountains in the distance in mid-March, Sapporo.

March is still snowy, though you don’t see a lot on the grounds in downtown Sapporo. As you look at the mountains either from Sapporo TV Tower or JR Tower Observatory T38, or even from the top of Mount Moere in Moerenuma Park, you can notice that they are still covered with a lot of snow.

Visitors in Sapporo admire the beautiful displays of cherry blossoms and plum blossoms around the time of Japan’s Golden Week (late April – early May).

For the best cherry blossom spots in Sapporo, head over to Maruyama Park (Hokkaido Shrine), Makomanai Park, Nakajima Park, and Moerenuma Park.

Cherry blossoms at Nakajima Koen.
Yaezakura in Makomanai Park, Sapporo.

One interesting fact about Hokkaido’s spring, which includes Sapporo, is that you can see both sakura and ume at the same time, which is rare somewhat in other parts of Japan. In addition, late blooming sakura, such as Yaezakura (pink blossoms) can be spotted from early May through mid May.

Colorful plum blossoms in Hiraoka Park are absolutely stunning to see. They are in full bloom around late April. Over the weekend, many locals and tourists alike visit the park and appreciate the blossoms.

Manomanai Park in Sapporo is a place of wild cherry blossoms. There you can see beautiful Yaezakura in early May as well. This is one of my favorite sightseeing spots in the city.

Plum blossoms at Hiraoka Park, Sapporo.

Tulips can be seen almost everywhere in Sapporo, but if you are searching for a perfect place to appreciate the view, be sure to visit Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park. Embark on a trip to this beautiful park in order to celebrate the blooms around mid May.

Take a walk in Odori Park in early May when lilac flowers are in full bloom. Alongside lilacs visitors can see beautiful magnolias; they look very similar to sakura when you gaze at them from a far distance.

Wisteria is considered one of the beloved flowers in Japan. They bloom in Sapporo in late May. Take a trip to Yurigahara Park and see these beautiful wisterias, including other spring flowers on its vast grounds, such as lupines, lilacs, tulips, azaleas and more.

Wisteria flowers of Yurigahara Park.

If you miss the hanami in Tokyo or Kyoto, Sapporo is a perfect alternative! In fact, the city will never disappoint you with its wonderful sightseeing destinations and food.

In early spring, which I mean between mid-March and late-March, you will see plenty of snow in the areas of Lake Shikotsu, Jozankei and Lake Toya.

If you have not seen snow before in your life, come to Sapporo and embark on a lovely day trip to those sightseeing areas by car/bus.

Snow at Nakajima Park in mid-March!

Many ski enthusiasts take the advantage of late ski season in Sapporo. It is because ski resorts offer inexpensive ski lift pass, which is usually higher during the high season and less crowds. You can save some money if you want to hit the slopes in early springtime.

Learn about how to spend a 3-day in Sapporo in spring!

The above are the best highlights that Sapporo has to offer you in the spring. Later, you will see the other places that can be explored at any time of year. So, keep reading!

Sapporo in Summer (June – August)

A dance performance of Yosakoi Soran Festival, Sapporo.

Average Temperature: 16.3° – 22°C

Best Places to Visit in Sapporo in Summer: Odori Park, Hokkaido Shrine, Nakajima Park, Makomanai Takino Cemetery, Sapporo Satoland, Horomitoge Lavender Garden, Takino Suzuran Hillside Park, Yurigahara Park, Jozankei, Hokkaido Museum, Historical Village of Hokkaido, Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Deck, Sapporo Art Park, Mount Moiwa, JR Tower Observatory T38, Sapporo Beer Museum, Susukino, Shiroikoibito Park, Sapporo TV Tower.

Festivals and Events: Yosakoi Soran Festival, Hokkaido Shrine Festival, Sapporo Summer Festival, Susukino Festival, Tanuki Festival, Hokkai Bon Odori, and Jozankei Nature Luminarie.

Summer is a very good time to visit Sapporo. It is not only because of its cool summer weather but also for beautiful places that can easily be visited as a day trip from Sapporo.

Flower gardens at Farm Tomita in Nakafurano, Central Hokkaido.

Central Hokkaido is particularly popular for travelers in summer as it is home to many top flower fields and hiking trails. You won’t run out of itinerary ideas in Hokkaido during summer for sure. So, what to do in Sapporo in summer then?

Many locals visit central Hokkaido – Furano and Biei to see beautiful flower fields and gardens in summer. They usually get there by car and enjoy a perfect weekend with family & friends. You can also go there by car and get back to Sapporo city at the end of the day.

There are local tour operators that offer 1-day bus tour from Sapporo to Furano and Biei as well. It means you don’t have to drive, but self-driving gives you more freedom as you can make multiple stops at designated parking lots and enjoy scenic spots along the way.

Hydrangeas at Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park.

Some of the those parks mentioned above can be visited in summer too, for example, the Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park boasts many varieties of summer flowers, such as lavender, lupines, catnips, alliums, and others. One must-see flower in the park is hydrangeas, which bloom in mid July and they can be seen until late July.

Sapporo is known for many things, such as food, ski resorts, winter festivals and much more. Have you heard of Horomitoge lavender garden? How about the Makomanai Takino Cemetery? These two spots are popular lavender viewing spots in Sapporo.

Visiting Makomanai Takino Cemetery is easier than Horomitoge lavender garden, as there is no direct public transport to the garden. It’d be better if you reach this lovely lavender garden by a taxi from Maruyama Subway Station.

Atama Daibutsu in the summer, Makomanai Takino Cemetery. Photo Credit: 公益社団法人 ふる里公苑.

Horomitoge Lavender Garden is located on a hill overlooking Sapporo City. Mid-July is the best time of year if you want to see tons of lavenders at their finest here. The whole area is beautiful and offers many photo opportunities.

Atama Diabutsu of Makomanai Takino Cemetery is a great sight to behold. This 13.5 meter Buddha Statue’s head peek over the hills of lavender fields. Visit here around mid July and enjoy the views of lavender!

You may also think of going to Yurigahara Park. With beautiful traditional gardens, this is one of the most beautiful and less crowded parks in Sapporo to enjoy summer flowers and nature.

Now, let’s see what festival and event in Sapporo can make your trip memorable in summer. Yosakoi Soran Festival is an annual dance event which is usually held in Odori Park in early June. The streets around Odori Park are occupied by dancers with naruko clappers!

Horomitoge Lavender Garden in Sapporo.

It brings joy to those that participate in the event. Audiences out there enjoy and appreciate their incredible dance performances by clapping their hands.

Every year from June 14 to June 16, locals of Sapporo witness an important Shinto festival, known as Hokkaido Shrine Festival. The final day of the festival features a dazzling parade with portable shrines and floats carried by locals, starting from Hokkaido Shrine to the center of Sapporo. The parade passes along many avenues, where many locals eagerly wait to enjoy the festive atmosphere.  

A long running illumination event, called Jozankei Nature Luminarie is one of the best summer highlights of Sapporo, held from June 1 to October 31 every year. It kicks off in early summer and ends in late autumn.

Futani Suspension Bridge – Jozankei Nature Luminarie. Photo Credit: Jozankei Tourist Association.

An overnight stay is a must at Jozankei Hot Spring Resort Town in order to experience this magical event. You can see lovely lights as you enter Futami Park.

One of the best sightseeing spots at Jozankei is Futami Suspension Bridge over Toyohira River. The way this suspension bridge is illuminated at night with lights creates stunning night scenery.

You can consider visiting Jozankei for another good reason, which is fruit picking experience at Jozankei Farm, located near Hoheiyko Dam. Pick your own fruit and enjoy their delicate tastes! Experience this outdoor activity, especially if your time in Hokkaido is short and planning to avoid the major fruit picking spots in the region.

Hokkai Bon Odori. Photo Credit: MIKI Yoshihito at Wikimedia Commons.

From late July to late August, Sapporo celebrates the Sapporo Summer Festival in Odori Park. It shares similar atmosphere like Sapporo Autumn Fest though the main attraction of this event is the beer garden.

Often regarded as the biggest beer garden in Japan, this festival is a must-see if your travel period in Hokkaido is in August. It encompasses a number of other events, such as the Hokkai Bon Odori, Susukino Festival and Tanuki Festival.

If you are a beer lover and searching for the best beer destination to visit in Japan, then visit Sapporo, especially during the Sapporo Summer Festival. Enjoy glasses of beer and other delicious local dishes.

Sapporo in Autumn (September – November)

Autumn foliage at Jozankei! Photo Credit: Jozankei Tourist Association.

Average Temperature: 4.6°C – 13°C

Best Places to Visit in Sapporo in Autumn: Odori Park, Jozankei, Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, Makomanai Park, Maruyama Park, Hokkaido Shrine, Hokkaido University Ginkgo Avenue, Nakajima Park, Moerenuma Park, Nopporo Forest Park, Maeda Forest Park, Makomanai Takino Cemetery, Benizakura Park, Takino Suzuran Hillside Park, Hokkaido Museum, Historical Village of Hokkaido, Mount Moiwa, Asahiyama Memorial Park, JR Tower Observatory T38, Sapporo Beer Museum, Susukino, Shiroikoibito Park, Sapporo TV Tower.

Festivals and Events: Sapporo Autumn Fest, Jozankei Nature Luminarie, Moerenuma Art Fireworks, Hokkaido University Golden Leaf Festival, and Kamokamo River Nostalgia.

Sapporo in autumn provides cool weather. Often it can be windy! Warm outfits are necessary for sightseeing and outdoor activity. If you want to witness one of Sapporo’s most beautiful sides, you have to visit Sapporo in mid-October.

Nakajima Park’s autumn foliage in mid-October.

Enjoy crisp air as you visit the popular autumn colors spots in and around Sapporo. You may think of visiting Asahidake Ropeway and Kurodake Ropeway from Sapporo by 1-day sightseeing bus tour. With dramatic views of autumn and incredible landscapes, these two areas are considered one of the best fall foliage spots in Hokkaido.

Jozankei, the best onsen resort town in Sapporo boasts beautiful natural surroundings that are perfect to explore in autumn. You will find a number of good spots to admire the autumn colors. Leaves start changing colors here from late September, peaking from mid-late October.

For example, Jozankei Bridge, a perfect place to see the autumn leaves, mountains, Toyohira River and the onsen town. Take a walk to Jozankei Futami Park and then walk across the iconic Futami Suspension Bridge for amazing views.

Come to see the gorgeous fall colors at Kokusai Ski Resort in mid-October. Photo Credit: Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort.

Hoheikyo Dam and Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort are also worth visiting when you come to stay at Jozankei. In fact, along with other autumn leaves spots in the area, they offer the full spectrum of color!

Located northeastern part of Sapporo, Maeda Forest Park is one of the best parks to visit, offering you stunning scenery year-round. Half of the park is forest covered with trees of different kinds. The construction of this park begun in 1982 and took 10 years to complete.

The main icon of this park is the 600m long canal (15m wide) and avenue of poplars, facing towards Mount Teine. Many visitors pay a visit to this canal when those poplar trees turn colors in autumn. Take a stroll through the canal pathways to see the bright yellow poplar trees showcasing brilliant fall colors.

Sapporo Autumn Fest is a great food festival in Japan, offering visitors to try a plenty of local dishes.

Interested in attending a festival during your visit to Sapporo in September? It is Sapporo autumn fest which is held from early to late September in Odori Park. It is said to be one of the biggest food festivals in Japan.

If you are a foodie, this festival is the perfect place to be and enjoy your food trip in Japan. You will see many food stalls set up in the area and offer a wide range of local food and drinks. This arguably the best place where you can try all of Hokkaido’s best food and drinks!

Autumn foliage in Makomanai Park. Photo Credit: t-konno at Wikimedia Commons.

In Makomanai Park, autumn foliage peaks in mid October to late October. This park is home to many maple trees, making extraordinary views for visitors to be wowed. The cherry trees that you see there also turn colors and they look absolutely gorgeous.

Maruyama Park is a magnificent green oasis in Sapporo, offering plenty of activities throughout the year. Autumn is no exception! I promise you that you will have a great time in the park, especially when the trees are at their best in the middle of October and early November.

Autumn leaves at Asahiyama Memorial Park.

Asahiyama Memorial Park offers a panoramic view of Sapporo, which is different than what you experience from the top of Mt. Moiwa. Visit there in the late afternoon so you don’t miss the views of deciduous trees scattered in the park, and the stunning night views of Sapporo city at nightfall.

This article here will make you decide whether or not you would go to see appreciate the fall colors in Nakajima Park and Hokkaido University Gingko Avenue. Overall, these spots also deserve a visit in autumn.

Sapporo in Winter (December – February)

Snow statues during the Sapporo Yuki Matsuri, Odori Park.

Average Temperature: -4.1°C – -1°C

Best Places to Visit in Sapporo in Winter: Odori Park, Jozankei, Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, Maruyama Park, Sapporo Teine, Fu’s Snow Area, Sapporo Bankei Ski Area, Maruyama Zoo, Hokkaido Shrine, Moerenuma Park, Makomanai Takino Cemetery, Takino Suzuran Hillside Park, Hokkaido Museum, Historical Village of Hokkaido, Mount Moiwa, Sapporo Mount Moiwa Ski Resort, Tsudome, Sapporo Olympic Museum, Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Deck, Asahiyama Memorial Park, JR Tower Observatory T38, Sapporo Beer Museum, Susukino, Shiroikoibito Park, Sapporo TV Tower.

Festivals and Events: Sapporo Winter Illuminations, Sapporo Snow Festival, German Christmas Market, Chitose and Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, and Otaru Snow Light Path Festival.

Winter is arguably the best time to visit Sapporo. Even though accommodation seems very expensive during the winter months, especially in February, yet a lot of tourists visit Sapporo. Guess what! Sapporo hosts the largest and most famous winter festival of Japan in February.

Illuminated snow sculptures – Chitose and Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival.

Sapporo is a year-round destination in Japan, but a trip to Sapporo in winter is particularly special. It is a paradise for those who like winter activities, food, and festivals. There are many outdoor activities to experience ranging from skiing and snowboarding to snowmobiling and snowshoeing.  

If you visit Sapporo during Christmas season and New Year you can witness the Sapporo White Illumination. This magical winter event is held at different locations in Sapporo city including Odori Park, Sapporo Station Ekimaedori, and other areas in downtown Sapporo.

One interesting highlight of this winter illumination is the Garman Christmas Market in Sapporo where you can buy beautiful Christmas items and German food and drinks. It is held on 2 chome at Odori Park.

Sapporo White Illumination in Odori Park. Photo Credit: popsaurus at Wikimedia Commons.

Sapporo Snow Festival is an annual winter event which takes place at Odori Park in early February every year. It is the famous snow festival in Japan, attracting over 2 million visitors every year.

The main highlights are the snow sculptures and statues both large and small, ice sculpture competition, live music performances, food stalls, illuminations, ice skating and snowboard jumping area.

For another top winter festival nearby Sapporo, visit Otaru Snow Light Path Festival in Otaru city. With many snow candles and illuminated snow statues, the area along the iconic Otaru Canal looks incredibly breathtaking.

From the top of Mount Teine you can see a great view of Sapporo city. Photo Credit: 加森観光株式会社

Otaru makes a perfect day trip from Sapporo. So be sure to pay a visit to this small port town with beautiful old buildings and shops in February.

If you want to discover one more popular winter festival from Sapporo, visit Chitose and Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival. It’s held on the banks of Lake Shikotsu, one of the clearest lakes in Hokkaido.

The lake water is used to create the giant ice sculptures there. When they are lit up with lights, it feels like you have come to a place like no other.

Snowshoeing is my favorite winter activity, though I also prefer hitting the slopes in the mountains covered with tons of powder snow. There are a number of good ski resorts in and around Sapporo. If you really want to enjoy skiing in Sapporo, I recommend Sapporo Teine.

Snow candles along the iconic Otaru Canal in Otaru City during the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival.

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort in Jozankei is also a great ski area. So, when you visit Jozankei Onsen, you may consider visiting this ski resort. Ski rental service is available there and at Sapporo Teine, allowing you visit the resort without bringing ski equipment!

Jozankei is perfect for snowshoeing in the forest. Besides, Takino Suzuran Hillside National Park also offers trails which are perfect for enjoying snowshoeing in winter.

Where to ride snowmobiling in Sapporo? The ideal place is at Snowmobile Land Sapporo, part of Wonderland Sapporo. Contact them in advance so they can arrange a pickup for you. Their professional guides will make your snowmobile tour a great adventure for sure.

Check out this one-day in Sapporo itinerary for your winter vacation in Hokkaido!

The Best Places to Visit in Sapporo (Year Round)

At Historical Village of Hokkaido in winter.

There are many places in Sapporo that can be visited year round, they are as follows:

1. Hokkaido Shrine: Built in 1869, this is an important Shinto shrine in Sapporo and enshrines four deities. It is one of the top cherry blossom viewing spots in Hokkaido.

2. Hokkaido Museum: This is one of the best museums to visit in Sapporo. It’s dedicated to the nature, history, and culture of Hokkaido, with exhibits on full skeleton reconstructions of the two types of elephants, the ecosystem of Hokkaido, the culture of the Ainu, Hokkaido’s 1.2 million years of history, and more. Anyone interested in learning the history of Hokkaido should pay a visit to this museum.

Hokkaido Shrine.

3. Historical Village of Hokkaido: Located next to the Hokkaido Museum, this is an open-air museum of relocated and restored buildings from 1868 to the 1920s (the Meiji and early Showa eras). The area of this museum is huge, so take enough time to check out all the structures located in the four sections: The Town, Finishing village, Farm village, and Mountain village.

4. Odori Park: Often regarded as the hub of Sapporo, this beautiful park hosts a number of annual events, including the Sapporo Snow Festival, Yosakoi Soran Festival, Sapporo Summer Festival, and Sapporo Autumn Fest.

5. Shiroikoibito Park: Kid’s favorite and family-friendly tourist spot in Sapporo, Shiroikoibito Park is a chocolate entertainment theme park featuring a chocolate factory, shop, and museum.

Night view of Sapporo city from the observatory of Mt. Moiwa.

6. Mount Moiwa: No matter what time of the year you visit Sapporo, you must experience great night views over Sapporo city from the top of Mount Moiwa.

7. Sapporo TV Tower: For a 360° view of Sapporo, this TV Tower is top-notch! You can see the entire Odori Park from its observatory, as well as other areas surrounding Sapporo city and beautiful mountain range in the distance.

8. JR Tower Observatory T38: To get a bird’s eye view of the city both during the day and night, visit this observatory located on the 38th floor of the JR Tower (160 meters high). Visitors can also learn a little bit about the history of Sapporo city.

Hokkaido Beer Museum.

9. Sapporo Beer Museum and Sapporo Beer Garden: Both of these places are located next to each other. Learn the history of beer in Japan and the process of making beer at the museum. On the other hand, try the famous local dish, Jingisukan, at one of the restaurants found at Sapporo beer garden.

10. Okurayama Observatory and Sapporo Olympic Museum: Sapporo offers a number of great observatories, and one of them is definitely this one. The museum introduces many exhibitions and lets you learn about the history of the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo.

Mt. Okura Ski Jump Stadium and Sapporo Olympic Museum.

11. Susukino: It is a red-light district in Sapporo with many restaurants, shops, hotels, bars, and cafes. Tanukikoji shopping arcade in the area is a popular shopping street in Sapporo. You will find gaming and manga shops.

12. Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine: It’s a beautiful shrine featuring a tunnel of red torii gates, which leads you to the main shrine building. Those red torii gates look stunning in winter as snow covers the entire path.

13. Sapporo City Maruyama Zoo: The best zoo to visit in Hokkaido is Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa City. A great alternative could be the Sapporo City Maruyama Zoo, where you can see polar bears and other animals native to Hokkaido.

Hokkaido University Ginkgo Avenue!

14. Hokkaido University: Considered one of the top 10 universities in Japan, Hokkaido University’s campus offers a lot of wonderful discoveries. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the university and learn how to do it here.

15. Sapporo Clock Tower: This is a historic wooden building that was built in 1878. It is small but worth your time, especially when you walk around Sapporo TV Tower.

16. Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Deck: Another historic site in the city is the Sapporo Hitsujigaoka (hill of sheep) Observation Deck. It overlooks Sapporo city and the Ishikari Plains. There you will find the famous statue of Dr. William Clark! Don’t forget to take photos of yourself while replicating his statue’s famous pose.

Conclusion

The iconic statue of Dr. Clark at Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill.

Sapporo is an amazing city. It deserves your visit whenever you decide to travel to Japan. You will find plenty of great things to do and spectacular attractions to see throughout the four seasons.

Visiting Sapporo depends on what you really want to see and experience. Ask yourself first, and you will find the answer in this post!

The only time you don’t need to pack warm clothing in your luggage is during the summer (early June-middle of September). The rest of the time, you must bring dresses that can keep you warm and comfortable.

If you are wondering where to stay in Sapporo, or the best areas to stay in Sapporo, then check this out!

We hope you have some ideas now after reading this post. Come to visit Sapporo based on your interests, weather, and costs. Thank you.

Important Notice!

From September 1st, 2023, the location of the regular sightseeing Chuo Bus Sapporo ticket counter and boarding area has changed to “Sapporo Station (North Exit of the West Concourse).”

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