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Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) in Sapporo, Japan

As part of our resources for visitors to Sapporo, we present this guide to enjoying the cherry blossom season in Sapporo. Because Sapporo located in the northern part of Japan, it is one of the last places in Japan to see “sakaura” each season.

Below is an overview of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Sapporo, and some special spots outside of the city.

Sapporo Cherry Blossom Season

When is the Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms in Sapporo?
Most Popular Cherry Blossom Spots in Sapporo
— Maruyama Park (円山公園)
— Hokkaido Shrine (北海道神宮)
— Moerenuma Park (モエレ沼公園)
— Nakajima Park (中島公園)
— Makomanai Park (真駒内公園)
— Shiroishi Kokoro Road (白石こころーど)
— Asahiyama Memorial Park (旭山記念公園)
— Hiragishi Park (平岸公園)
— Tsukisamu Green Dome Area (月寒公園周辺)
Other Popular Cherry Blossom Spots in Central Hokkaido
— Otaru Park (小樽公園)
— Niseko View Plaza & Niseko Town Area (ニセコ町周辺)
— Furano Shrine & Furano Park (富良野神社・富良野公園)
— Asahikawa Tokiwa Park (常磐公園)
— Date Jidaimura & Usu-Zan Area (伊達・有珠山周辺)
— Tsukisamu Green Dome Area (月寒公園周辺)
Hokkaido is the Last Place to See the Cherry Blossoms Each Season

See below for more information.

When is the Best Time to see Cherry Blossoms in Sapporo?

Cherry blossoms in Sapporo usually bloom from late April to early May, with peak viewing often occurring around the Golden Week holiday.

Because Sapporo is located in northern Japan, sakura season starts about 2–4 weeks later than in Tokyo and Kyoto. If you are too late to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo, or if you want to see them twice in one year, come to see the late-season sakura flowers in Hokkaido.

Sapporo Cherry Blossom Locations

For locals and visitors that want to enjoy hanami in Sapporo, we present this list of the best, most popular places for cherry blossom viewing in Sapporo City.

Maruyama Park (円山公園)

Location: Miyagaoka ３, Chuo Ward, Sapporo
Highlights: Over 1,500 cherry trees, lively hanami atmosphere, food stalls during peak season

Maruyama Park is the most famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Sapporo. Located next to Hokkaido Shrine, the park becomes the center of “cherry blossom viewing” (hanami) season, attracting large crowds of locals and visitors. During peak bloom, food stalls line the paths, and evening visits offer illuminated cherry blossoms. This is the most festive and social hanami experience in the city.

Hokkaido Shrine (北海道神宮)

Location: 474 Miyagaoka, Chuo Ward, Sapporo
Highlights: Cherry blossoms combined with traditional shrine scenery

Adjacent to Maruyama Park, Hokkaido Shrine offers a calmer and more cultural cherry blossom experience. Visitors can enjoy sakura while walking through the shrine grounds, making it especially popular with families and those seeking a more traditional atmosphere.

Moerenuma Park (モエレ沼公園)

Location: 1-1 Moerenumakoen, Higashi Ward, Sapporo
Best Time to Visit: Late April to early May
Highlights: Large open spaces, artistic landscape, mountain and sakura views

Moerenuma Park is one of Sapporo’s largest parks and a major cherry blossom destination. The park features long rows of cherry trees, spacious picnic areas, and scenic views designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi. Because the park is large, visitors can enjoy hanami experience without feeling overcrowded.

Nakajima Park (中島公園)

Location: 1 Nakajimakoen, Chuo Ward, Sapporo
Highlights: Central location, ponds, historic buildings

Nakajima Park is a popular urban hanami spot, located to the south of the Susukino district of Sapporo City. Cherry blossoms surround the park’s ponds and walking paths, creating beautiful reflections on the water. The park’s easy access makes it a favorite for casual hanami and short visits.

Makomanai Park (真駒内公園)

Location: 3-1 Makomanaikoen, Minami Ward, Sapporo
Best Time to Visit: Late April to early May
Highlights: Wide lawns, quieter atmosphere, Olympic history

Makomanai Park offers a relaxed cherry blossom experience with wide open spaces and fewer crowds compared to central parks. Originally developed for the 1972 Winter Olympics, it is ideal for families, long walks, and picnics under the cherry trees.

Shiroishi Kokoro Road (白石こころーど)

Location: 札幌コンベンションセンター〜虹の橋, Shiroishi Ward, Sapporo,
Best Time to Visit: Late April to early May
Highlights: Riverside walking paths lined with cherry trees

Shiroishi Kokoro Road is a local favorite spot, featuring paths lined with cherry blossom trees along a former railway line and waterway. It is ideal for walking, jogging, or a relaxed hanami experience, away from major tourist crowds.

Asahiyama Memorial Park (旭山記念公園)

Location: 4 Chome-1-3 Sakaigawa, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0943
Highlights: Elevated city views with cherry blossoms

This park offers cherry blossoms combined with panoramic views of Sapporo City. It is especially popular in the late afternoon when visitors can enjoy both sakura and sunset views.

Hiragishi Park (平岸公園)

Location: 13 Chome-8-8 Hiragishi 4 Jo, Toyohira Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-0934
Highlights: Local atmosphere, spacious grounds

Hiragishi Park is a community-focused park with cherry trees spread throughout its grounds. It is popular with nearby residents and families looking for a calm, everyday hanami experience.

Tsukisamu Green Dome Area (月寒公園周辺)

Location: 8 Chome-1 Misono 11 Jo, Toyohira Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-0011
Best Time to Visit: Late April to early May
Highlights: Green spaces and cherry trees around sports facilities

The area around Tsukisamu Park and sports facilities features seasonal cherry blossoms and open green spaces, making it a pleasant spot for spring activities.

Other Popular Cherry Blossom Spots in Central Hokkaido

There are also some excellent places to see cherry blossoms in other nearby Hokkaido cities like Otaru, Niseko, Furano, and more.

Otaru Park (小樽公園)

Location: 1-1 Hanazono, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0024
Best Time to Visit: Late April to early May
Highlights: Hilltop views, historic city scenery, illuminated blossoms at night

Otaru Park, located on a hill overlooking the port city, is the main cherry blossom viewing spot in Otaru. With over 600 cherry trees, it offers scenic views of Otaru’s historic streets and harbor. During peak season, the park is illuminated in the evenings, creating a romantic and relaxed hanami atmosphere.

Niseko View Plaza & Niseko Town Area (ニセコ町周辺)

Location: 77-10 Motomachi, Niseko, Abuta District, Hokkaido 048-1544
Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-May
Highlights: Mountain scenery, quieter hanami, late-blooming sakura

While Niseko is best known for winter sports, the town also offers beautiful cherry blossom views in spring. Sakura trees can be found around Niseko View Plaza, local parks, and along rural roads, often with Mount Yotei in the background. The area is ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful, nature-focused hanami experience.

Furano Shrine & Furano Park (富良野神社・富良野公園)

Location: 17-6 Wakamatsucho, Furano, Hokkaido 076-0032
Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-May
Highlights: Rural charm, shrine setting, colorful spring scenery

The city of Furano offers a quiet and picturesque cherry blossom experience. Around Furano Shrine and local parks, cherry trees bloom slightly later than in Sapporo. The combination of sakura, farmland landscapes, and fresh spring air makes Furano especially appealing for photographers and slow-paced travelers.

Asahikawa Tokiwa Park (常磐公園)

Location: 5-jo 4-chome, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 070-0044
Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-May
Highlights: Riverside setting, large number of cherry trees, local festivals

Tokiwa Park is Asahikawa’s most famous cherry blossom spot, featuring over 1,000 cherry trees along the Ishikari River. During peak bloom, the park hosts seasonal events and evening illuminations, creating a lively but local-focused hanami atmosphere.

Kaguraoka Park (神楽岡公園), Asahikawa

Location: Kaguraokakoen, Asahikawa, Hokkaido 078-8327
Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-May
Highlights: Elevated views, forested park, long walking paths

Kaguraoka Park is another popular sakura destination in Asahikawa, known for its gently sloping terrain and long rows of cherry trees. The park is less crowded than Tokiwa Park and is ideal for walking, picnics, and enjoying cherry blossoms in a natural setting.

Date Jidaimura & Usu-Zan Area (伊達・有珠山周辺)

Location: 53-1 Nakanoboribetsucho, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido 059-0463
Best Time to Visit: Late April to early May
Highlights: Scenic roads, historical town views, coastal spring atmosphere

The southern Hokkaido area near Date City features cherry blossom-lined streets and parks that bloom slightly earlier than central Hokkaido. Combined with ocean views and historical townscapes, this area is a popular stop for road trips during sakura season.

Hokkaido is the Last Place to See the Cherry Blossoms Each Season

If you have missed the chance to see Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka cherry blossoms, Hokkaido is the last place to see the cherry blossoms each season in Japan. While the sakura season in most Japanese cities peaks some time in late March to early April, the cherry blossoms bloom in Sapporo and central Hokkaido from late April to mid-May.

The cherry blossoms in inland Hokkaido, and mountain areas such as Furano, Asahikawa, and Niseko, may bloom even later, making Hokkaido an ideal location for travelers that want to see sakura in in late spring.

Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) in Sapporo, Japan

Sapporo Cherry Blossom Season

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