1 Hokkaido Jingu Shrine (Sapporo): Enjoy Cherry and Plum Blossoms at the Same Time

At Hokkaido Jingu Shrine, you can enjoy the spectacle of about 1,000 cherry trees and about 120 plum trees blooming at nearly the same time. The cherry trees in the shrine grounds originated from a donation in 1875 to console 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 nature-rich grounds, you might also see cute wild animals like Ezo red squirrels, in addition to the plants.

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

Maruyama Park is home to a primeval forest designated as a natural monument and has long been famous as a cherry blossom spot. There are about 160 cherry trees in the park, including Ezo yamazakura and Somei yoshino varieties. It gets particularly crowded with hanami visitors from late April to early May each year. It's a great spot to enjoy a picnic with a bento box or food from the temporary stalls, or to stop by for hanami while visiting 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. Citizens and tourists alike spend relaxing moments on the lawns and around the fountains. A classic Odori Park experience is to buy some corn from the famous "tokibi" corn wagons, a summer staple, and enjoy hanami while strolling and eating.

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

Located in the city center yet rich in nature, Nakajima Park is truly an 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-chosha) (Sapporo): Cherry Blossoms Complementing a Brick Building

The charm of the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (Akarenga-chosha) is that you can feel the seasons in its beautiful garden despite being in the city center. It shows different faces each season: cherry and lilac blossoms in spring, lush greenery and rugosa roses in summer, and colorful foliage in autumn. It's also a popular photo spot, making it a place you'll want to visit many times.

6 Asahiyama Memorial Park (Sapporo): Enjoy Hanami with a View of Sapporo's Cityscape

From the observatory at Asahiyama Memorial Park, located at an altitude of 137.5m, you can see the Ishikari Plain, the Sea of Japan, and Sapporo city along with the cherry blossoms. At night, the illuminated fountain and the lights of the office buildings in downtown Sapporo create a magical atmosphere, making it a famous romantic night view spot. There is also plenty of playground equipment, so families can enjoy it during the day.

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

Senkoen, a famous cherry blossom spot, is the former residence of Magozaemon Sekiya, who contributed to the development of Ebetsu. In spring, many hanami visitors come to enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom, and the site 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

There is a walking path along the Naibetsu River in Meisui Fureai Park, making it a healing spot where you can enjoy cherry blossoms and connect with nature in the spring. The park was established to commemorate the selection of Naibetsu River spring water, which is used for the city's tap water, as one of the "100 Best Waters of Japan." A replica of the Naibetsu River spring water outlet is also featured.

9 Former Yoichi Fukuhara Fishery (Yoichi): Cherry Trees that Colored 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 herring fishing peak. The interior of its "herring mansion" was also used as a model for the NHK morning drama series "Massan." You can learn about the layout and role of each building while also feeling the vibrant atmosphere of the time. There are also cherry trees on the spacious grounds, where you can enjoy hanami in the spring.

10 Manji Tanzan Shinrin Park (Iwamizawa): A Gorgeous Landscape of Cherry Blossoms and Green Trees

Various types of trees are planted on the grounds of Manji Tanzan Shinrin Park. In spring, you are enveloped in the gentle scent of cherry blossoms, and in autumn, the trees turn red, creating a wonderful landscape. A distinctive feature is the 2,468-step staircase, which includes a straight section of 775 steps, making it a famous spot for walking.

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

Kuriyama Park, the premier cherry blossom spot in Kuriyama Town, comes alive with hanami visitors in early May when about 300 cherry trees in the park's cherry tree avenue bloom all at once. The whole family can relax and enjoy the park's Nakayoshi Zoo, playground equipment, barbecue corner, and hiking courses.