Want to see cherry blossom in Sapporo? Sapporo is one of the most exciting holiday destinations in all over Japan – from beautiful parks to mountains, cozy restaurants and outstanding shopping areas, it literally has it all.
While Sapporo is breathtaking on a year-round basis, nothing beats Sapporo in winter. But, have you ever thought of visiting Sapporo during its cherry blossom season? You will love the spring season in Sapporo for beautiful cherry blossoms, outdoor adventure, delicious food and wine, and unique parks and museums.
Please get ready for Sapporo Travel Guide for viewing cherry blossoms in spring.
When does Spring Arrive in Sapporo?
The weather during spring in Sapporo tends to be mild, with cool and warm days and colder nights. It’s important to note that spring season starts in the month of April every year in Sapporo and it stays until late May. So, spring arrives in Sapporo late than what you see in mainland Japan.
Early springtime is still very cold, and the mountains around Sapporo tend to be snowy. There, if you visit Sapporo in March, you can expect to see plenty of snow on the ground. In fact, March is when the winter season ends. Most of the ski resorts in Sapporo shut their business down in early April, waiting for next ski season to come.
Sometimes days could be windy and cold even when it’s sunny. I suggest you bring a good comfy jacket or sweater, and hats to keep yourself warm as you travel around the city and outside.
When to See Cherry Blossoms in Sapporo
In Sapporo, cherry blossoms (Sakura in Japanese) start to bloom in mid-April. The best time to see cherry blossom in Sapporo occurs between late April and early May every year. There are also some late-blooming sakura trees to see, which can be enjoyed until mid-May.
Except sakura parks in Sapporo become lively with a variety of other spring flowers, such as plum blossoms (ume), tulips, magnolias, lilacs, and many more.
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Sapporo
Looking for a destination to enjoy the cherry blossoms in Sapporo? Look no further! There are some spectacular places to admire the sakura and I will highlight them here:
1. Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine
Hokkaido Shrine is located in Maruyama Park, which is a significant site for locals to pray, especially on January 1st as part of Hatsumode tradition.
You can visit it on the day you go to Maruyama Park, and trust me, you won’t be disappointed. The entire park houses more than 150 cherry trees, and most of them are the Somei Yoshino cherry variety.
The path from the torii gate to shrine entrance is a beautiful sight to behold. It’s relaxing to take a stroll there and enjoy cherry blossoms on both sides of the road.
Next to the shrine is a plum grove, where you can see many kinds of plum blossoms, including cherry blossoms. It’s interesting to take a stroll around park, which I really like. There are designated hanami areas to enjoy picnicking under the sakura trees.
If you want to avoid the crowds there, you should visit on weekdays for more relaxed experience. This popular park in Sapporo is a perfect place to enjoy Hokkaido’s spring nature. You can spots different plants, wild birds and squirrels.
There is a zoo in the park known as Maruyama Zoo. Visit it and spot some wild animals native to Japan. You can reach Maruyama Zoo easily on foot from Maruyama Koen Station on the Tozai Line (Sapporo Subway).
2. Nakajima Park
There are really good cherry blossom spots to explore in Sapporo City. One of the most famous sakura spots is obviously Nakajima Koen.
With over hundreds of cherry trees, this park has become a must-see place for me. It’s easy to access from Odori or Susukino areas.
Compared to Maruyama Park this is a less crowded place to be. Though in recent years, many come and enjoy its cherry blossoms and experience relaxing boat ride on the pond. It’s a great way to enjoy the natural surroundings.
You will see a large weeping cherry tree right next to the traditional Japanese garden, which I really adore. The entire park is a peaceful arena for those looking for a relaxing atmosphere. The road on the east of the park has a substantial amount of cherry trees. When they are in full bloom, it creates an amazing scene.
The paths in the park are dog friendly. In fact, many locals come for jogging every day and tranquil environment.
3. Makomanaki Park
Larger than Nakajima and Maruyama Park, Makomanai Park is truly a place for relaxation. It takes time to explore the whole area, so don’t rush when you take a stroll there. Bring a bottle of fresh water if you can.
This 85 hectares park is one of Sapporo’s most popular hanami spots. In fact, if you ever come to Sapporo during the fall foliage season, be sure to pay a visit here. You will be overwhelmed seeing its gorgeous autumn foliage.
Its ground houses many wild sakura trees, and if you miss visiting the early blooming cherry blossoms here, you should not be sad about it because there are many late-blooming sakura trees to see, known as Yaezakura.
Yaezakura there blooms around early-mid May. At that time there is no way you can see Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms. They are all gone when Yaezakura bloom.
Many photographers visit this park to photograph wild birds and the surrounding nature. You can also go out there and see if you can spot some. To reach the park you have to walk for 20 minutes from Makaomanai Subway Station on the Namboku Line.
Is Odori Park ideal for sakura viewing?
The answer is yes, but there are not many cherry trees like you see in the parks I have mentioned above. As a local resident, I know which places are worth checking out for cherry blossoms in Sapporo. Sakura trees there are scattered throughout the park.
The view of the TV Tower and cherry blossoms, along with colorful flower beds and lush green lawns, will make your time very special. What will make your Odori Park trip memorable is when you can get a bird’s-eye view of the entire park from Sapporo TV Tower’s observation deck.
Even though Odori Park is not a great place for cherry blossoms, still this park should be on your list because it is the heart of Sapporo, and probably this is the first park you will go to as you arrive in Sapporo city.
Are there other places to see cherry blossoms in Sapporo?
Sure there are many! You may head towards Moerenuma Park. It’s a unique park in Sapporo and quite a popular cherry blossom spot. In addition, Minami 4 Jonishi Sakura Lane is blessed with many late-blooming sakura trees (Yazezakura). This sakura road is not far from Sotoshu Ryukoji, a Zen Buddhist Temple.
When you go to the Sapporo Beer Museum and Sapporo Beer Garden, you will be delighted to see some cherry blossoms trees on the grounds. There are many neighborhoods across the city, where you will find small parks with playgrounds showcasing beautiful cherry blossoms.
Hiraoka Park in Sapporo is another popular place to see sakura, but this place is actually famous for viewing plum blossoms. Many locals visit the park when most of its plum trees are in full bloom.
Best Day Trips from Sapporo for Cherry Blossom Season
You can take a number of amazing day trips from Sapporo during the peak cherry blossom season. The first day trip destination I highly recommend is Otaru. It’s a small port city famous for sea food, old buildings, and glassworks.
Temiya Park is arguably the best cherry blossom spot in Otaru city. This hillside park does not only offer you beautiful cherry blossoms but also panoramic view of the surrounding area, including Otaru Harbor. Take a leisurely stroll along the paths; hopefully you won’t get disappointed with amazing views.
If you are planning a trip for experiencing a Japanese onsen, then I can recommend you two places: Jozankei and Noboribetsu. These places feature good hotels to stay overnight, restaurants, and good quality minerals for soaking your body.
Some of you may want to explore other iconic places of Hokkaido, which can be accessible quite easily by bus or train from downtown Sapporo. For example, you can go to Lake Shikotsu or Lake Toya for looking to capture the essence of spring in Hokkaido. There tourists can engage in a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
Things to Eat and Drinks in Sapporo in Spring
I would definitely recommend you enjoy Sakura Mochi in Sapporo during spring. Hokkaido is famous for its dairy products. If you are not allergic to dairy products, try soft serve ice cream, milk, cakes, cheese, cream puffs, and yogurt.
When you think of a premium brand for beer, then you must try Sapporo Beer. You can buy it almost everywhere, from vending machines to convenience stores to souvenir shops.
Try famous Sapporo soup curry and ramen as there are plenty of restaurants across the city specialized to serve them. Genghis Khan (Jingisukan), grilled lamb served with vegetables is also a must-eat dish in Sapporo.
I don’t think I have to talk about sushi here because you know seafood is famous in Hokkaido. Visit Sushizen Honten, a popular sushi restaurant in the city and it’s located next to Maruyama Koen Subway Station.
Where to stay in Sapporo in Spring?
Visitors coming to Sapporo in spring can enjoy relatively cheap hotel stay. Sapporo is one of the best winter destinations in Japan and millions of tourists come and go, especially in February, when the famous Sapporo Snow Festival is held. And, so you can guess why in Sapporo accommodation cost is higher in winter than in the spring.
There are many hotels around Odori Park. This guide shares the most recommended places to stay in the city.
If you are looking to find an exceptional stay in Sapporo, Shabby House is an amazing option you have. The host is a friendly person, who prepares breakfast for you every morning. He can guide you where to go and what to enjoy based on the time you visit Sapporo.
He knows good English and his house’s interior decor is absolutely gorgeous. There are convenience stores and a supermarket nearby. And most importantly, it’s located near Nishisen juyo jo streetcar station.
Conclusion
No matter where you go, I can guarantee you that you will see cherry blossom during its peak season. There are many hidden cherry blossom spots in Sapporo, which are only known to the locals.
Spring is a good time to visit Sapporo, especially between late April and early May. So, are you planning a trip to Sapporo is coming spring? One of the reasons why people keep returning to Sapporo is the food and nature.
With hiking trails, pleasant weather, beautiful parks, yummy food, historical sites, and picturesque lakes and rivers, there is no better place to see Hokkaido’s cherry blossoms than in Sapporo.