Hey there, welcome to Sapporo!
Having lived in Sapporo for 40 years, I’m excited to share the best part of spring in this city: hanami, or cherry blossom viewing. I hope I can give you, our visitors from overseas, some real local insights and charm that you might not find in the usual guidebooks.
Spring arrives a bit later in Sapporo compared to mainland Japan, usually around Golden Week (late April to early May). It’s a fantastic season when the snow melts and the city bursts into color almost overnight.
Hokkaido’s Cherry Blossoms: A Little Different, A Lot of Charm
The most famous cherry blossom variety in Hokkaido is the Ezo Yamazakura. Its pink color is deeper than the common Somei Yoshino, and its leaves tend to emerge at the same time as the flowers. Unlike on the main island where the cherry blossom front slowly moves north, here in Hokkaido, plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, and other flowers all seem to bloom at once in a short, vibrant spring. There’s incredible energy to it – powerful and full of life. Maybe because our winters are long, the joy of spring feels explosive.
A Local’s Honest Take:
Right now is prime cherry blossom season. Actually, I just went to Maruyama Park yesterday, and the contrast between the white cherry blossoms and the pink plum blossoms was absolutely stunning. There were food stalls out, and it was bustling with both Japanese locals and international visitors. Seeing everyone enjoying themselves made me happy too.
Sapporo Hanami Hotspots: A Local’s Recommendations
Sapporo has many wonderful hanami spots, but here are a few I particularly recommend:
- Maruyama Park (円山公園) – The Classic Choice, Still Amazing!
This might be Sapporo’s most famous spot for cherry blossoms. Maruyama Park is super accessible, just a short walk from Maruyama Koen Station on the Subway Tozai Line.
Why Visit? The avenue lined with about 150 cherry trees (mostly Ezo Yamazakura, I think) is truly spectacular. Right next door is Hokkaido Jingu Shrine, the main Shinto shrine in Hokkaido, which also has many cherry and plum trees in its grounds – perfect for a combined stroll. Plus, Maruyama Zoo is adjacent, making it easy to spend a whole day here. During hanami season, many food stalls pop up, creating a lively atmosphere.
A Minor Point: Being so popular, it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and during peak bloom. Finding a spot to lay down your picnic sheet might require an early start.
But Hey: The bustling vibe is part of the fun festival atmosphere! Plus, weekday mornings are relatively calmer. A unique charm here is seeing cherry and plum blossoms together – the mix of white and deep pink is really beautiful.
- Moerenuma Park (モエレ沼公園) – Where Art Meets Nature for Unique Hanami
Designed by the world-renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, this is a park as art. Moerenuma Park is a bit outside the city center, but absolutely worth the trip.
Why Visit? The entire park feels like a sculpture, with geometric mountains, fountains, and play structures. Within this vast landscape is the “Sakura Forest,” home to around 1,900 cherry trees. Sitting on a grassy hill, picnicking while gazing at cherry blossoms against the backdrop of unique art installations, is an incredibly refreshing experience.
A Minor Point: Access can be a bit inconvenient without a car, usually involving a bus ride from a subway station. Also, the park is huge, so be prepared for a fair bit of walking if you want to see it all.
But Hey: They offer rental bicycles (for a fee), which is a great way to explore the vast grounds efficiently. It’s the only place you can experience this unique fusion of art, nature, and cherry blossoms.
Fees & Hours: Entry to the park itself is free, but some facilities may have fees. Opening hours also vary by season, so be sure to check the latest information on their official website before you go.
- Nakajima Park (中島公園) – An Urban Oasis for Easy Hanami Access
Located right next to Nakajima Koen Station on the Subway Namboku Line, Nakajima Park is a convenient park within walking distance of the central Susukino district.
Why Visit? Despite being central, it’s lush and green, featuring a large pond (Shobu Pond), the historic Hoheikan building (Official English Website), and a Japanese garden, offering a calm atmosphere for hanami. You’ll find various cherry tree types like Ezo Yamazakura, Somei Yoshino, and Yaezakura, meaning the viewing season might last a bit longer here. Boating on Shobu Pond is also pleasant.
A Minor Point: Compared to Maruyama or Moerenuma, the sheer number of cherry trees might feel a bit smaller.
But Hey: The accessibility is unbeatable, making it perfect for a casual stroll. If you want to escape the city buzz and enjoy cherry blossoms peacefully, this is a great choice.
Boat Fees & Hours: The operating season and fees for boat rentals can change, so checking this in advance is also recommended.
(Bonus) Unexpected Cherry Blossom Spots Around Town
It’s not just parks! Keep an eye out for unexpected cherry blossom spots in Sapporo’s neighborhoods. For example, “Shinkawa-dori” is a long, straight road lined with a magnificent stretch of cherry trees. Driving down roads like this during the season feels like discovering a beautiful secret. So, when you’re moving around by car or bus this time of year, pay attention to the scenery outside, especially the cherry trees blooming along the roadsides – it’s another lovely way to enjoy spring.
A Quick Intro to Japanese Hanami Style
The classic way to enjoy hanami in Japan is to spread out a picnic sheet under the cherry trees and share food and drinks brought from home. It’s a social affair, often enjoyed with family, friends, or coworkers.
Food Stalls (Demise): In popular spots like Maruyama Park during peak season, you’ll often find demise (food stalls). They sell things like yakisoba (fried noodles), takoyaki (octopus balls), sausages, beer, and more, adding to the festive mood.
Manners: Enjoying yourself is key, but there are a few manners to keep in mind. Always take your trash home with you, avoid being overly loud or disruptive to others, and respect the space. Note that open flames (like BBQs) are prohibited in many parks.
A Local’s Honest Take: This is going back a few years, but there was a time when using personal grills was allowed in parts of Maruyama Park. People used to bring their own Jingisukan (Mongolian BBQ) grills and enjoy sizzling meat right under the blossoms. Honestly, for me, hanami almost meant beer and BBQ! (laughs). That rule has changed, and personal fires are banned now. But when I went yesterday, I saw people enjoying Jingisukan they bought from the food stalls. Times change, eh? Night cherry blossoms (yozakura) are also beautiful when lit up, but remember it gets cold at night, so dress warmly!
In Closing
So, what do you think about Sapporo’s cherry blossoms? The season is short, but that makes their beauty and the joy they bring even more special.
Besides the places I mentioned, you can find beautiful cherry blossoms all over the city.
I truly hope you enjoy Sapporo’s brief but brilliant spring and make some wonderful memories here. Wishing you a safe and fantastic trip!
