Sapporo is often thought of as Japan’s winter wonderland, but these 5 amazing cherry blossom spots have people flocking in for Spring too!
Cherry blossoms or sakura (さくら) as they are known in Japanese are one of the defining aspects of Japan that people travel all the way across the globe to see.
Cities like Tokyo and Kyoto typically come to mind to see the bright pink petals of Japan’s spring season. Meanwhile, the cold north capital of Hokkaido island, Sapporo, is known more for its annual Snow Festival as opposed to its cherry blossoms.
I am here to set things straight with that misconception. In fact, Sapporo has some of the most stunning cherry blossom viewing spots you’ll find in all of Japan!
1. Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park or Maruyama-Koen as it’s known in Japanese is such a grand spectacle that it has its own train station, Maruyama-Koen Station, named after it.
The cherry blossoms here are truly something to behold, coming in a bright pink, almost white color and spanning across the entire length of the park. You can walk the entire circuit in under an hour, even passing through the iconic Hokkaido Shrine along the way.
2. Odori Park
Odori Park is best known for its spectacular views of Sapporo TV Tower which can be seen from miles away. There are spectacular colorful gardens along the way as well as playgrounds, fountains, and an Olympic monument commemorating the Sapporo Winter Olympics of 1972.
Given its strong association with winter and snow, many overlook the gorgeous cherry blossoms that bloom throughout Odori Park during the spring season.
Lines of potent pink sakura trees can be found one after the other all along the walkway, creating a beautiful and serene trail as you make your way to the iconic Sapporo TV Tower at the end of the route.
3. Horomitoge Lavender Garden
The Horomitoge Lavender Garden is a popular choice for tourists around July when fields of dark purple flowers can be seen spanning the mountainous terrain. However, if you want to catch the divine cherry blossom trees that stand tall atop the mountain, then you best head there in early May.
One of the misconceptions people have about Horomitoge Lavender Garden is that there’s no point visiting when there are no, well, lavenders. While this might sound like a fair argument given its name and all, the truth is you’ll always have a spectacular view to see from the top, and if you come in May, that view is decorated with beautiful pearly white cherry blossoms for the perfect photo!
4. Asahiyama Memorial Park
Asahiyama Memorial Park is another case where people are drawn to it for other reasons. In this case, it’s to see the large central fountain, big staircase, and wide-angle view of Sapporo City.
Take a little walk around the vicinity, and you’ll be greeted with beautiful bright pink cherry blossom trees all lined up on display along the footpath. Like Horomitoge Lavender Garden, Asahiyama Memorial Park also offers an incredible backdrop of the city to take amazing photos!
5. Hassamugawa Park
Last but certainly not least is a little-known gem called Hassamugawa Park. Located along the famous Sapporo ski slopes, this park is known for stunning rivers, snowy mountainous backdrops, and of course, cherry blossom trees.
The cool thing about Hassamugawa Park is the way the sakura trees are laid out, offering seating spots right under the thick petals and branches.
This offers a unique viewing experience where you can feel totally immersed in the cherry blossoms and enjoy the cool breeze as pink petals float into the palm of your hand.
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!