The 8 Best Places to see Cherry Blossoms in Hokkaido

Sapporo

1. Maruyama Park

In the heart of Sapporo, Maruyama Park is one of the most popular places for hanami. Along the paths near the Hokkaido Shrine, some 1,500 cherry trees come into bloom in spring. As the park is located on a hill, the view over the city is all the sweeter!

FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: Maruyama Park & Hokkaido Shrine, Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 064-0959, Japan
Cherry blossoms: late April to mid-May

2. Nakajima Park

Located in the heart of Sapporo, Nakajima Park is a real eye-catcher when spring arrives. In addition to its two ponds, hiking trails and historic buildings, it is home to over 5,000 trees, including a wide variety of cherry trees, amid elms and acacias. Boats are available for hire to admire the flowers from the water.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: 1 Nakajimakoen, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido 064-0931, Japan
Cherry blossoms: late April to early May

3. Moerenuma Park

Located on the outskirts of Sapporo, Moerenuma Park is one of a kind: entirely designed by the artist Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988), it comprises several areas highlighted by various installations and monuments. These include , the cherry-tree forest with its 2,600 trees, a favorite of families in springtime.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Address: 1-1, Moerenuma-koen, Higashi-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido 007-0011, Japan

Cherry blossom: late April to mid-May

This is the place to be if you want to admire the cherry trees in Hakodate! Goryokaku, a former star-shaped fortress converted into a park, is lined with hundreds of cherry trees reflected in the moat. In spring, it's a popular place to stroll, picnic and enjoy the evening illuminations. From the top of the Goryokaku Tower, the panoramic view of the rose-tinted fortification is one of the most impressive sights in the region.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: 44, Goryokakucho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido, 040-0001, Japan
Cherry blossom: late April to early May

Around the eponymous castle, the only one in Hokkaido, Matsumae Park is often considered one of the best sakura viewing areas on the island. With dozens of varieties of cherry trees and over 10,000 trees, it attracts many visitors every year. Night-time illuminations are also organized to highlight the medieval beauty of the site.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: Matsushiro, Matsumae-cho, Matsumae-gun, Hokkaido 049-1511, Japan
Cherry blossoms: late April to early May

Located in the heart of Hokkaido, Asahiyama is the region's second-largest city, after Sapporo. Prized for its zoo and ramen, it is also home to a popular springtime park.

Located on Mount Asahi and adjoining the zoo, the park welcomes thousands of cherry blossom trees in May, inviting visitors to stroll and picnic. Illuminations are also organized at the end of the day to enhance the walkways.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Address: Kuranuma, Higashi Asahikawa-cho, Asahikawa-shi, Hokkaido 078-8205, Japan

Cherry blossom: early to mid-May

7. Ono River Sakura Corridor

The cherry-tree alley along the Ono River is a prime spot for admiring sakura in Hokkaido. More than 650 cherry trees form a tunnel along the riverbank, inviting you to stroll and contemplate as they are reflected in the water.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Address: 2 Chome-10-32 Honcho, Hokuto-shi, Hokkaido 041-1201, Japan 
Cherry blossoms: mid to late April

Less well known to travelers, but much appreciated by locals, Sakurayama Park is home to a hundred cherry trees that come into bloom every spring. A favorite among visitors are the Ezo-yamazakura, a variety specific to Hokkaido, prized for its deep pink hues. We love the peaceful atmosphere here, ideal for enjoying hanami away from the tourist hustle and bustle.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Address: Sakurayama Park, Fukagawa City, Hokkaido, Japan
Cherry blossoms: late April to early May