Cherry Blossom Viewing in Sapporo
The cherry blossom season in Hokkaido starts in late April and ends in late May. In Sapporo, the largest city in Hokkaido, this year's cherry blossom season is expected to start on April 27, a bit earlier than usual.
Most cherry blossom spots in Sapporo are easy to access. Some are also located close to each other, so you can visit multiple locations in one day. Since many cherry trees bloom late, you can enjoy cherry blossoms for a relatively long period.
The following is a list of 10 recommended cherry blossom spots in Sapporo, from famous ones to lesser-known locations.
Sapporo Cherry Blossom Forecast 2024
The dates for flowering (Japanese) and full bloom (Japanese) in 2022 and 2023 were provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
The dates for flowering/full bloom in 2024 are provided by tenki.jp (Japanese).
Sapporo's Top Cherry Blossom Spots
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1. Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (Red Brick Office)
The Former Hokkaido Government Office Building is a five-minute walk from Sapporo Station. The classic architecture, covered in red bricks and tiles, appears to have time-traveled from another era.
During the cherry blossom season, the color combination of pink blossoms and the building's red brick will captivate visitors.
Kasumizakura (Kasumi cherry tree) and Yaezakura (double-flowered cherry blossom) can be viewed at this location. The former is an early-blooming type, flowering in early May, and the latter a late-blooming type, flowering from mid-to-late May.
There are many office buildings in this area with business people taking a break outdoors. It is also an ideal place to enjoy lunch.
The Red Brick Office is being renovated and scheduled to reopen in April 2025. Until then, those who wish to enter the building will have to wait.
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2. Hokkaido University
Among national universities, Hokkaido University boasts the largest campus grounds. Students can be seen enjoying flowers in a rich, natural environment.
Since the campus is open to the public, it is a famous cherry blossom spot. In April, you may see couples doing bridal photoshoots ahead of their wedding, as well as, of course, many new university students.
The best time for cherry blossom viewing at Hokkaido University would be early May. After the Shidarezakura (weeping cherry trees), an early bloomer, have finished their blooms, the Yaezakura will bloom in mid-May.
There will be a tunnel created by cherry trees where visitors can enjoy a romantic ambiance.
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3. Odori Park
Photo by Pixta
Odori Park, located in the central area of Sapporo and home to the Sapporo TV Tower, is another well-known sakura spot. Various events are held year-round, and the grounds will be bustling with locals and tourists on holidays.
Ezoyamazakura (Sargent's cherry tree), which flowers in late April, is planted on the premises.
Many picnickers come to Odori Park. With the temperature rising during the holiday season from late April to early May, they can enjoy cherry blossom viewing in an urban area with local cuisine and beer.
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4. Nakajima Park
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Nakajima Park, also located in the central area of Sapporo and rich in nature, is frequented by locals. It is an amusement spot where the scenery changes seasonally.
During spring in Nakajima Park, people can enjoy a picnic under cherry blossom trees or take a boat ride. The area in front of Hoheikan is another well-known place to view the blossoms.
Ezoyamazakura, Chishimazakura (Kurile cherry), Somei-Yoshino (Yoshino cherry), Shidarezakura, and Yaezakura can be found on the premises. Their flowering periods are different, so visitors can enjoy hanami for an extended period.
The early bloomers appear in late April, while the Yaezakura, a late bloomer, can be viewed in late May.
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5. Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Jingu Shrine
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Maruyama Park, located southwest of Sapporo Station, is a famous cherry blossom spot.
It is perfect for a picnic, situated next to the Maruyama Zoo and a primeval forest, which is also a natural monument. Please note that cooking is not allowed, which prohibits dishes such as Mongolian mutton barbecue.
Ezoyamazakura and Somei-Yoshino can be viewed on the grounds. Moreover, there are over 160 trees, which bloom from late April to early May. This is a place to enjoy the flowers in a spacious setting.
Maruyama Park
Address: Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo, Miyagaoka 3
Official Website: https://maruyamapark.jp/en/
6. Asahiyama Memorial Park
Photo by Pixta
Asahiyama Memorial Park is at the foot of Mt. Moiwa, offering a panoramic view of Sapporo. An observatory at 137.5 meters above sea level provides a nighttime view of the cherry blossoms and city lights.
Ezoyamazakura and Yaezakura are planted on the grounds. The row of cherry trees by the promenade colors the stunning scenery in pink.
Since Mt. Moiwa is a habitat for brown bears, be sure to bring a bell to ward them off and pay attention to announcements.
Asahiyama Memorial Park
Address: Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo, Sakaigawa 4-1-3
Official Website: https://www.sapporo-https://www.sapporo-park.or.jp/asahiyama/?page_id=8372
7. Civil Engineering Research Institute for Cold Region
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The Civil Engineering Research Institute for Cold Region is a national institute surrounded by the Toyohira and Shojin rivers. It is open to the public only during the blooming season of the Chishimazakura.
The best time would be late April. About 10,000 people came to the site in 2023. Don't miss the announcement of the open grounds on their official website, which will be made about a week before the flowering season.
Civil Engineering Research Institute for Cold Region
Address: Hokkaido, Sapporo, Toyohira, Hiragishi Ichijo 3-1-34
Official Website: https://www.ceri.go.jp/english/
8. Makomanai Park
Makomanai Park in Sapporo's Minami Ward is another spot to view cherry blossoms. Measuring 85 hectares, it offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy picnics and bird watching.
Visitors will be greeted by the Yaezakura double-petaled cherry blossoms, which are best viewed from mid to late May. Other flowers, such as katakuri (dogtooth violet), will also bloom during this period.
Makomanai Park
Address: Hokkaido, Sapporo, Minami, Makomanai Koen 3-1
Official Website: http://www.makomanai.com/koen/ (Japanese)
9. Moerenuma Park
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Moerenuma Park, designed by the architect Isamu Noguchi, is in Sapporo's Higashi Ward. The whole site, including the glass pyramid, is a work of art.
The 1,600 cherry trees in this park consist of Ezoyamazakura, Kasumizakura, Minezakura, Yaezakura, and Somei-Yoshino, which bloom from early to late May. The grounds also have a playground, making it suitable for families.
Moerenuma Park
Address: Hokkaido, Sapporo, Higashi, Moerenuma Koen 1-1
Official Website: https://moerenumapark.jp/english/
10. Senkoen Garden
Senkoen Garden is an ideal destination to take a drive from Sapporo. Ezoyamazakura welcomes visitors to this park, which is designated as an important cultural property by Ebetsu City.
Due to its beauty, Senkoen attracts many visitors in early May when the flowers begin blooming.
Senkoen Garden
Address: Hokkaido, Ebetsu, Higashi-Nopporo 375
Official Website: https://www.ebetsu-kanko.jp/archives/sightseeing/194.html
Enjoy the Cherry Blossoms in Sapporo
Sapporo boasts a wide variety of cherry blossom spots along many places of interest, so do plan a visit in early May when the cherry blossoms reach full bloom!
Main image by Pixta
