Cover It’s not too late to catch beautiful pink blooms in Sapporo this cherry blossom season (Photo: Getty Images)
It’s not too late to catch beautiful pink blooms in Sapporo this cherry blossom season (Photo: Getty Images)
1 / 1
It’s not too late to catch beautiful pink blooms in Sapporo, Japan this cherry blossom season
While cherry blossoms have already flowered in many cities in Japan, there’s still a chance to catch these pink flowers this season—especially if you travel further north to Sapporo. Thanks to its cooler climate, the Hokkaido capital sees these flowers blooming considerably later than the rest of Japan, in late April and early May. According to the Japan Meteorological Corporation’s (JMC) latest update on March 13, cherry blossoms are set to start flowering in Sapporo on April 27, reaching full bloom on May 1.
Like Tokyo and Osaka, Sapporo offers various parks that are perfect for cherry blossom viewing (hanami). What’s more, these parks are home to various species of cherry blossom trees that bloom at different times, meaning you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of pink and white blooms whether you visit earlier or later in the season.
Below, we share some popular spots to visit for stunning views of cherry blossoms.
In case you missed it: Cherry blossoms in Japan: 8 lesser-known spots to see sakura
1. Former Hokkaido Government Office Building
Above The Red Brick Office's front garden is lined with gorgeous cherry trees (Photo: Instagram / @Nataliechu)
The Red Brick Office's front garden is lined with gorgeous cherry trees (Photo: Instagram / @Nataliechu)
1 / 1
Also known as the Red Brick Office, the Former Hokkaido Government Office’s front garden feature around 1,000 cherry trees that bloom each spring. The area features Kasumizakura and Yaezakura trees, with the former blooming in early spring and the latter flowering close to the end of the season.
Tatler Tip: Pack a lunch and have a meal under one of the many cherry trees in the area. You’ll want to head down to secure your spot early, as office workers around the area enjoy taking their lunch breaks there too.
2. Hokkaido University
Above Head to the University’s Sapporo campus and find it lined with beautiful cherry trees (Photo: Instagram / @Ayaken__y)
Head to the University’s Sapporo campus and find it lined with beautiful cherry trees (Photo: Instagram / @Ayaken__y)
1 / 1
Head to the University’s Sapporo campus and find it lined with beautiful cherry trees. Different varieties can be found throughout the campus, with some blooming earlier than others—visit early in the season and find pink sakura around the Graduate School of Health Science building.
Tatler Tip: Explore the area around the campus’ medical school library and walk through a gorgeous pink cherry blossom tunnel lined with yaezakura (double flowered cherry blossom trees). These trees were planted by School of Medicine graduates.
3. Makomanai Park
Above Visit Makomanai Park for beautiful cherry blossom flowers in Spring (Photo: Instagram / @___chandayo)
Visit Makomanai Park for beautiful cherry blossom flowers in Spring (Photo: Instagram / @___chandayo)
1 / 1
Spanning 85 hectares, this park turns pink each cherry blossom season. Along with stunning yaezakura trees, the park is also home to other flowers including dogtooth violets, which bloom during this period. Stroll around the park or grab a picnic mat and enjoy a meal while surrounded by these beautiful spring blooms.
Tatler Tip: As yaezakura trees are late bloomers, visiting the park during the second half of the cherry blossom season is best.
4. Maruyama Park
A popular spot for families, thanks to its proximity to the Maruyama Zoo, this park sees 160 cherry blossom trees bloom in Spring. For an even more enchanting view, the Hokkaido Shrine located next to the park is surrounded by around 2,000 cherry blossom trees. Do note that because the shrine is a sacred spot, hanami picnics are not allowed on the grounds. Instead, head to the park where there’s plenty of space to sit and relax.
5. Odori Park
Located in the heart of downtown Sapporo, Odori Park is the city’s most famous park and is lined with over 4,000 cherry trees of 92 different species. Visit early and sit by the benches to enjoy the stunning views.
6. Moerenuma Park
Designed by American artist and landscape architect Isamu Noguchi, this park is a 30 minute drive from downtown Sapporo and features plenty of artworks and monuments to explore. Within the 188.8 hectare space is the Sakura Forest, a popular cherry blossom viewing spot filled with 1,800 cherry trees.
7. Nakajima Park
If you find yourself exploring Susukino, take a short detour to Nakajima Park to catch the spring blooms. 400 cherry trees have been planted around the park with a range of varieties, including ezo-yamazakura, somei-yoshino and yae-zakura. The park’s Hassouan teahouse in the Japanese Garden is great photo spot too.
8. Hiraoka Park
Regardless of the season, this park is a popular spot for locals thanks to its abundance of flora and fauna. The park is also known for its plum festival which happens during cherry blossom season. During this period, find cherry and plum trees blooming in beautiful shades of red and pink.
Topics
Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
