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 120 plum trees blooming at nearly the same time. The cherry trees in the shrine grounds originated from a dedication in 1875 to console the spirit of Shima Yoshitake, known as the father of Hokkaido's development. By around 1900, it had become a popular hanami spot for Sapporo citizens. In the nature-rich grounds, you might also spot cute wild animals like Ezo squirrels in addition to the flora.

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

Maruyama Park, with its natural monument primeval forest, has long been famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot. The park is home to about 160 cherry trees, including Ezo-yamazakura and Somei-yoshino varieties, and it gets particularly crowded with hanami-goers from late April to early May. It's a great spot to enjoy a picnic with a bento box or food from the temporary stalls, or to combine with 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. Citizens and tourists alike spend their time relaxing on the lawns and around the fountains. A uniquely Odori Park way to enjoy hanami is to buy some corn from the "Tokibi Wagons," a classic summer feature, and eat it while strolling. Highly recommended!

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—cherry and wisteria blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, and colorful foliage in autumn—making it a place you'll want to visit again and again. On Shobu-ike Pond within the park, you can enjoy the seasonal scenery and watch waterfowl from a rental boat from late April to early October.

5 Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (Akarenga) (Sapporo): Cherry Blossoms Against a Brick Backdrop

The charm of the Akarenga (Former Hokkaido Government Office Building) lies in its beautiful garden where you can experience the seasons right in the city center. It shows different faces throughout the year: cherry and lilac blossoms in spring, lush greenery and Japanese roses in summer, and vibrant autumn leaves. It's a popular photo spot and a place you'll want to visit repeatedly.

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

From the observation deck 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 atmosphere, making it a famous romantic night view spot. There is also plenty of playground equipment, so families can have fun during the day.

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

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

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

Meisui Fureai Park has a walking path along the Naibetsu River, making it a soothing spot to enjoy cherry blossoms and connect with nature in the spring. The park was established to commemorate the selection of the Naibetsu River spring water, used for the city's tap water, as one of the "100 Famous 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 precious nationally designated cultural property that conveys the prosperity of the peak herring fishing era. It also served as a model for the interior of the "Nishin Goten" (Herring Mansion) in the NHK morning drama series "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 pleasant spot for hanami in the spring.

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

Various types of trees are planted on 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 the 2,468-step staircase, including a straight section of 775 steps, making it a famous 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, comes alive in early May when about 300 cherry trees along the park's avenue bloom all at once, attracting crowds of hanami-goers. The whole family can relax and enjoy the park's petting zoo, playground equipment, barbecue corner, and hiking courses.