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. 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 2024
In Sapporo, the cherry blossom season typically begins in late April to early May, depending on weather conditions. In the 2024 season, it is expected that sakura will start blooming on May 1st and will reach its full bloom on May 5th. 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.
Day Tours to Enjoy 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, located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, is a picturesque green space renowned for its stunning cherry blossoms during springtime. Situated near the iconic Hokkaido Shrine, the park features hundreds of cherry trees that burst into bloom. Visitors can stroll along winding pathways, relax on lush lawns, and enjoy traditional hanami (flower viewing) picnics beneath the blooming trees.
Hiraoka Park
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
Makomanai Park boasts a significant number of cherry trees that erupt into bloom during springtime. 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
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.
