Planning Tips for Sapporo Cherry Blossom Viewing in Hokkaido

Cherry blossom in Sapporo blooms at a later date than the other parts of Japan and cherry blossom viewing in Sapporo can be done at several great spots. Get into proper gears and enjoy the stunning and beautiful views of the flowers, and learn how to properly plan your future trip for Hokkaido in spring.

The Best Season and Timing for Cherry Blossom in Sapporo

The season of Cherry Blossom viewing will definitely be in spring. But due to its location being further north than the other regions of Japan, the timing for the cherry blossom season will be slightly later that the rest.

If the normal timing for cherry blossom is around the end of March and early of April (depends on location), the timing in Sapporo is normally around early of May. Do check the cherry blossom forecast for better estimation on when to expect the best time for cherry blossom viewing.

Even though it is no longer winter, but the temperature will still be low and cold, average at 13-degree Celsius. Unless you are comfortable with the cold, be sure to bring a light jacket to cover yourself from the cold wind.

The Best View Spots in Sapporo

There are a number of great spots to view Cherry Blossom in Sapporo in its peak time:

Maruyama Park & Hokkaido Shrine

This is one of the best sites, easily accessible from within the central of Sapporo. Maruyama Park offers an open area for people to sit down and enjoy the beauty of the full bloomed cherry blossom while eating and drinking with friends and family under the shades of the cherry blossom flowers. Not far from there, directly connected via a path, you will see the Hokkaido Shrine Mikado. The path heading straight to the shrine is covered with many cherry blossom trees.

Spot information

  • Street address: Miyagaoka, Chuo, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0959, Japan
  • Access: 5 minutes-walk west of Maruyama Koen Station

Nakajima Park

Another place for cherry blossom viewing, that is also easily accessible from Sapporo station, is Nakajima Park. Apart from just enjoying the cherry blossom from the ground, you can also enjoy them on water, because Nakajima Park also have pleasure boat for rent.

Spot information

  • Street address: 1 Nakajima-koen, Chuo, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0931, Japan
  • Access1: 6 minutes on Namboku Line from Sapporo station (to Horohirabashi station), 5 minutes-walk from Horohirabashi station

Odori Park

If you simply do not plan to explore much, just head to Odori Park, Sapporo’s most well-known park, being right in the center of Sapporo. Odori Park might not be as spectacular as the other viewing spots in Sapporo, but cherry blossom trees being planted all over the park is definitely still better than having none at all, and the fact that it is the most easily accessible from Sapporo Station makes it an even easier place to go.

Spot information

  • Street address: Odorinishi, Chuo, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042, Japan
  • Access1: 10-minutes-walk south from Sapporo Station, 1-minute direct access from Odori Station

Index

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