1 Hokkaido Jingu Shrine (Sapporo): Enjoy Cherry and Plum Blossoms Simultaneously

At Hokkaido Jingu Shrine, you can enjoy the beautiful sight of about 1,400 cherry trees and 250 plum trees blooming almost at the same time. The shrine's cherry trees were first planted in 1875 to honor the spirit of Yoshitake Shima, known as the father of Hokkaido's development. It became a popular hanami spot for Sapporo citizens around 1900. In the lush shrine grounds, besides the flora, you might also spot cute wildlife like Ezo red squirrels.

2 Maruyama Park (Sapporo): A Classic Hanami Spot in Sapporo

Maruyama Park, with its primeval forest designated as a Natural Monument, has long been famous as a cherry blossom spot. The park has about 160 cherry trees, including Ezo Yamazakura and Somei Yoshino varieties, and it gets especially crowded with hanami visitors from late April to early May. It's a great spot to enjoy hanami while having a picnic with a bento box or food from the temporary stalls, or as part of a visit to the adjacent Maruyama Zoo or Hokkaido Jingu Shrine.

3 Odori Park (Sapporo): Refresh Under the Cherry Blossoms During a Work Break

Odori Park is an oasis in the business district, surrounded by about 4,700 trees of 92 species, including cherry, lilac, and Japanese elm. Around the lawns and fountains, citizens and tourists alike relax and enjoy their time. A recommended way to enjoy hanami in true Odori Park style is to buy some corn from the famous "Tokibi Wagons," a summer staple, and enjoy it while strolling.

4 Nakajima Park (Sapporo): View Cherry Blossoms from a Boat

Located in the city center yet rich in nature, Nakajima Park is a true urban sanctuary. The scenery changes with the seasons, from cherry and wisteria blossoms in spring, to lush greenery in summer, and colorful foliage in autumn, making you want to visit again and again. At Shobu Pond in the park, you can enjoy the seasonal scenery and watch water birds from a boat from late April to early October.

5 Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (Akarenga) (Sapporo): Cherry Blossoms Complementing Brick Architecture

The Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, despite being in the city center, has a beautiful garden where you can feel the seasons. It shows different faces throughout the year: cherry and lilac blossoms in spring, lush greenery and rugosa roses in summer, and vibrant foliage in autumn. It's a popular photo spot and a place you'll want to visit many times.

6 Asahiyama Memorial Park (Sapporo): Hanami with a View of the Sapporo Cityscape

From the observatory at Asahiyama Memorial Park, located at an altitude of 137.5 meters, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Ishikari Plain, the Sea of Japan, and Sapporo city along with the cherry blossoms. At night, the illuminated fountains and the lights of the downtown office buildings create a magical and romantic night view spot. With plenty of playground equipment, it's also a great place for families to enjoy during the day.

7 Senkoen Park (Ebetsu): A Beautiful Cherry Blossom Spot Alongside Cultural Assets

Senkoen Park, a famous cherry blossom spot, is the former residence of Magozaemon Sekiya, who contributed to the development of Ebetsu. In spring, many visitors come to enjoy the full bloom of cherry blossoms, and the park is also designated as a city cultural property.

8 Meisui Fureai Park (Chitose): A Relaxing Time with the Murmur of a River and Graceful Cherry Blossoms

Meisui Fureai Park has a walking path along the Naibetsu River, making it a healing spot where you can connect with nature while enjoying the cherry blossoms in spring. The park was established to commemorate the selection of Naibetsu River spring water, used for the city's tap water, as one of the "100 Famous Waters of Japan," and features a replica of the Naibetsu River spring water outlet.

9 Former Yoichi Fukuhara Fishery (Yoichi): Cherry Trees from the Peak of the Herring Fishing Era

The Former Yoichi Fukuhara Fishery is a valuable nationally designated cultural property that conveys the prosperity of the peak herring fishing era. The interior of its "Herring Mansion" was also used as a model for the NHK morning drama "Massan." You can learn about the layout and role of each building while sensing the bustling atmosphere of the time. The spacious grounds also have cherry trees, making it a great place for hanami in spring.

10 Manji Tanzan Forest Park (Iwamizawa): A Gorgeous Landscape of Cherry Blossoms and Greenery

Various types of trees are planted in the grounds of Manji Tanzan Forest Park. In spring, the park is filled with the gentle scent of cherry blossoms, and in autumn, the trees turn red, creating a stunning landscape. A distinctive feature is its 2,468 steps, including a straight flight of 775, making it a popular spot for walking.

11 Kuriyama Park (Kuriyama): Be Enveloped in a Cherry Blossom Tunnel and Interact with Animals

Kuriyama Park, the premier cherry blossom spot in Kuriyama Town, bustles with hanami visitors in early May when its approximately 300 cherry trees bloom all at once. The whole family can relax and enjoy the park's petting zoo, playground equipment, barbecue area, and hiking courses.