Cherry Blossom Forecast 2013

Below is a list of Sapporo's most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing (hanami), including the typical timing for best viewing in the average year and japan-guide.com ratings. See also our nationwide list of famous cherry blossom spots.

Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine Early to Mid May 5 minute walk from the Maruyama Koen Station on the Tozai Subway Line The park and the shrine are located just beside each other and attract some of the largest crowds for hanami parties in Sapporo. The approach to the shrine is lined with dozens of cherry trees, while the park areas offer a lot of open space where people lay out mats and enjoy food and drink with friends under the flowers.

Odori Park (more details) Early to Mid May Beside Odori Station on the Nanboku, Tozai and Toho Subway Lines Odori Park is the city's most famous park in the very center of downtown Sapporo. Although the park does not have any groves of cherry trees that are particularly famous, there are quite a few spots to find blossoms. The cherry trees scattered throughout Odori Park provide an added bonus to a visit if traveling in spring.

Moerenuma Park (more details) Mid May 25 minutes by bus from the Toho Subway Line's Kanjodori-higashi Station Moerenuma Park was designed by the artist Isamu Noguchi and has fascinating design elements that make a visit to the park a truly unique experience. In one section of the massive park there is a dense grove of cherry trees. The park's cherry trees bloom a bit later than the other cherry trees of Sapporo.

Ratings:    best of the best    best of Japan    outstanding

Guide to Cherry Blossoms
How to do hanami?
When do they bloom?
Popular hanami spots
Cherry tree varieties

Cherry Blossom Report 2012
Cherry Blossom Report 2011
Cherry Blossom Report 2010
Cherry Blossom Report 2009

Odori Park
Sapporo Station
Clock Tower
Susukino
Nijo Market
Curb Market
Sapporo Beer Museum
Sapporo Factory
Shiroi Koibito Park
Botanical Garden
Mount Moiwa
Okurayama Observatory
Teine Ski Resort
Historic Hokkaido Village
Moerenuma Park

Sapporo Snow Festival

Hokkaido Food Guide
Cherry Blossom Spots