Cherry blossoms, or “sakura,” are a significant part of Japanese culture. Sapporo, the capital city of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, boasts a remarkable display of these delicate pink flowers during the springtime. It is one of the best places in Japan for cherry blossom viewing, especially for those who miss the peak season in Tokyo or Kyoto. Parks, gardens, riverbanks, and streets throughout the city become adorned with cascades of soft pink petals, creating a breathtaking spectacle against the backdrop of Sapporo’s urban landscape.
We’ve tried to create a detailed guide about cherry blossoms in Sapporo; you’ll get information about the best places to see sakura, day tours to join, and the best time to visit the city.
Sapporo Sakura Season 2025
In Sapporo, the cherry blossom season typically begins in late April to early May, making it one of the latest places in Japan to experience sakura season. In the 2025 season, it is expected that sakura will start blooming on April 25 – 28, with a full bloom on April 30 – May 5.
Please note, that this data is for reference only and the actual dates can differ due to climatic changes. You can also check our guide on cherry blossoms season in Japan.
Travel Essentials To Help See Sakura in Sapporo
From the top of Sapporo TV tower you can enjoy the beauty of the city and cherry blossoms blooming here and there, click here to buy ticket to the TV tower observation deck.
If you’re looking for luxury experience and opportunity to adjust tour itinerary in accordance with your personal preferences, click here to book private day tour with visits to the best places around Sapporo where you can enjoy cherry blossoms.
Add more authenticity to your sakura trip and rent a kinomo to walk around Sapporo. Click here to book.
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Sapporo
As there are so many places to see sakura in Sapporo, we’ve tried to choose the most popular ones, so you can consider them while starting your exploration.
Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park (円山公園), located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in northern Japan. It is a picturesque green space renowned for its stunning cherry blossoms during springtime. The park is home to over 150 cherry trees, mainly Somei Yoshino and Ezoyamazakura varieties, creating a stunning contrast against Hokkaido’s cool blue skies.
One of the highlights is the proximity to Hokkaido Shrine, where visitors can admire sakura trees framing the historic Shinto shrine. The park also has open grassy areas, making it a perfect spot for picnics and relaxing under the blossoms.
Except of the shrine you can also visit Maruyama Zoo – One of Japan’s best zoos, home to polar bears, red pandas, and Hokkaido-native species. You can buy tickets to the zoo here.
Hiraoka Park, Sapporo: A Hidden Gem for Cherry & Plum Blossoms 🌸🌿
Hiraoka Park (平岡公園) in Sapporo, Hokkaido, is one of the best places to enjoy cherry and plum blossoms, offering a peaceful and less crowded alternative to other popular hanami spots. Located in Shiroishi Ward, this spacious park is known for its breathtaking plum grove, which blooms slightly earlier than cherry blossoms, making it a great destination for early spring visitors.
Like many parks in Sapporo, Hiraoka Park boasts beautiful cherry blossom trees that burst into bloom during the spring months. Hiraoka Park offers a serene and picturesque setting, with expansive green lawns, wooded areas, and ponds. It is conveniently located within the city of Sapporo, making it easily accessible by public transportation or car.
Makomanai Park
Located in the southern part of the city, this vast green space was originally built for the 1972 Winter Olympics, and today it remains a favorite spot for cherry blossom viewing, outdoor activities, and seasonal beauty.
Makomanai Park is home to over 1,400 cherry trees, making it one of Sapporo’s best hanami (flower-viewing) spots. The park’s open spaces provide ideal settings for hanami picnics, where friends, families, and couples gather to admire the cherry blossoms together.
Some parks, including Makomanai Park, offer evening illuminations during cherry blossom season, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the sakura against the backdrop of illuminated trees.
Moerenuma Park
Moerenuma Park, located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, is a breathtaking blend of nature and art, designed by the renowned Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi. One of the most striking features of Moerenuma Park is its sculptural landscapes, which seamlessly integrate art with nature.
Visitors can explore a variety of sculptural installations, including hills, mounds, and geometric shapes, which serve as both artistic expressions and functional elements of the park’s design. It’s a place where you can enjoy the harmonious blend of nature and art while marveling at the cherry blossoms in full bloom. The park’s vast lawns, sculptural installations, and tranquil ponds provide a serene setting for a leisurely hanami experience.
Shiroishi River
Shiroishi River (白石川) in Sapporo is one of the most picturesque cherry blossom viewing spots in Hokkaido, offering a tranquil and scenic riverside experience during sakura season (late April to early May). With over 600 cherry trees lining a 3-kilometer-long walking path, this hidden gem creates a breathtaking pink tunnel that is perfect for a peaceful stroll, hanami picnic, or photography.
The Shiroishi River offers a picturesque setting for cherry blossom viewing, with its tree-lined riverbanks providing a tranquil and idyllic backdrop. Some visitors opt to experience the cherry blossoms from the water by taking boat cruises along the Shiroishi River.
