Sapporo Events April 2026: Spring Festivals, Hanami Spots & Local Culture Guide
Sapporo is the capital city of Hokkaido, and while the area in front of the station has an urban atmosphere with high-rise buildings lined up, you can feel abundant nature by venturing a little from the center, making it an area where city and nature coexist in perfect balance.
In April in Sapporo, many events are held where you can experience the arrival of spring, including cherry blossom viewing. This time, we will introduce the details of events you can enjoy in April, centered around Sapporo, along with access information.
Table of Contents
-3 Annual Events to Enjoy in Sapporo Event April 2026
-Sapporo Event April 2026: Cherry Blossom Viewing Guide
-Sapporo Event April 2026: Local Cultural Events Unique to Hokkaido
-Special Events in April 2026 Held in Cities Easily Accessible from Sapporo
3 Annual Events to Enjoy in Sapporo Event April 2026
Hiraoka Plum Blossom Festival
Source:Official website
Hiraoka Plum Blossom Festival is a festival held at Hiraoka Park, known as a famous plum blossom spot, timed with the blooming season of plum blossoms. In the park, which has an area of 65,000 square meters, 1,200 plum trees are planted, and you can enjoy the scenery of red and white plum blossoms in full bloom and the sweet fragrance of plums.
What you should pay attention to at the festival is, of course, the beautiful natural scenery, but the plum-themed gourmet foods such as plum soft serve ice cream and plum soba sold at the shop "Hiraoka Ume Honpo," which appears for a limited time during the festival period, are also a must-see.
I have also eaten plum soft serve ice cream while viewing the blossoms. When I took a bite of the popular soft serve ice cream that is available every year, the aroma of plums spread throughout my mouth, and I could feel the arrival of spring.
The shop also sells plum sweets that have a long shelf life, such as plum rice crackers and plum dorayaki, so why not purchase them as souvenirs?
Date: Late April to early May 2026
Access: From Subway Tozai Line Sapporo Station Bus Terminal, take a bus and get off at Hiraoka Koen Higashi 2-chome bus stop
Admission: Free
Website: https://hiraoka-park.jp/category/umematuri/
Jozankei Onsen Stream Carp Streamers
Source:Official website
Jozankei Onsen Stream Carp Streamers is an event where approximately 400 carp streamers (carp-shaped streamers displayed to celebrate the growth of boys on May 5th) can be seen in the sky above Jozankei Onsen. The carp streamers dancing in the sky are ones that became unnecessary at homes and companies in Hokkaido but are filled with precious memories.
Among the hot spring town, parks, shrines, and other places where carp streamers are displayed, my recommended viewing spot is "Jozankei Gensen Park." At the park, you can see large and small carp streamers swimming in the sky up close, so you can enjoy the powerful scenery.
Participate in this event that is loved as a spring tradition of Jozankei Onsen and experience the Japanese spring.
Date: Early April to early May 2026
Access: Approximately 60 minutes by direct bus from Sapporo Station to Jozankei
Admission: Free
Website: https://jozankei.jp/event/koinobori/
Otaru Umeshu Festival (Otaru City)
Source:Tanaka Shuzo
Otaru Umeshu Festival is an event where you can sample and purchase various alcoholic beverages and plum-related foods, mainly plum wine, hosted by the long-established sake brewery "Tanaka Sake Brewery" in Otaru City.
At the venue, not only classic plum wines but also plum wines with high rarity value such as limited quantity and limited period varieties are available.
At Tanaka Sake Brewery Main Store, you can sample plum wine without a reservation. You can casually enjoy plum wine by visiting the shop during spare time between sightseeing.
Date: Late April to early May 2026
Access: 5-minute walk from Minami-Otaru Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://tanakashuzo.com/
At Tanaka Sake Brewery Kikkogura, you can also sample plum wine like at the main store, but please note that reservations are required.
I have also participated in a tasting session, and by drinking plum wines with different flavors and acidity levels, I was able to discover new charms of plum wine.
Since the event ends when the capacity is reached, I recommend making a reservation early from the advance website.
Try comparing different plum wines and eating plum foods to fully enjoy Japan's representative plum food culture.
Date: Late April to early May 2026
Access: 7-minute walk from Minami-Otaru Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://tanakashuzo.com/
Sapporo Event April 2026: Cherry Blossom Viewing Guide
April 2026 brings one of Sapporo's most beloved seasonal events - cherry blossom season. This Sapporo Event April 2026 guide introduces the best cherry blossom viewing spots across the city, where you can experience the breathtaking beauty of sakura in full bloom.
Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park was renovated from a site that the Hokkaido Development Commission used as a tree testing ground during the Meiji era and turned into a park. The park has about 120 cherry blossom trees planted, including Somei Yoshino and Ezo Yamazakura, and together with the adjacent Hokkaido Jingu, you can enjoy approximately 1,120 cherry blossom trees.
On the north side of the park is the Maruyama Primeval Forest, designated as a National Natural Monument, where you can also enjoy the contrast between the green of the primeval forest and the pink of the cherry blossoms.
From late April to mid-May when the blossoms reach their peak, many food stalls open, so enjoying cherry blossom viewing while eating your way through is also recommended.
The park has a free square and playground equipment areas, and Maruyama Zoo is also adjacent, so you can enjoy a full day with your entire family while viewing cherry blossoms.
<Information>
Schedule: Late April to early May 2026
Access: 5-minute walk from Maruyama Station on the Tozai Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://maruyamapark.jp/
Nakajima Park
Nakajima Park is one of the most popular parks in the city where you can enjoy seasonal landscapes together with historical buildings.
Selected as one of "Japan's Top 100 Urban Parks," the park features various types of cherry blossoms including Yaezakura, Ezo Yamazakura, and Shidarezakura, and is characterized by the ability to enjoy cherry blossom viewing for an extended period from late April to late May.
My recommended cherry blossom viewing spot within the park is "Hōheikan." Hōheikan is designated as a National Important Cultural Property and is Japan's oldest existing wooden hotel, where you can enjoy the tasteful scenery where the retro Western-style building collaborates with cherry blossoms.
At Nakajima Park, you can enjoy illuminated cherry blossoms after sunset or cherry blossom viewing while boating on the iris pond, allowing you to enjoy various cherry blossom landscapes.
<Information>
Schedule: Late April to early May 2026
Access: Immediate walk from Nakajima Park Station on the Namboku Line
Admission: Free
Website: https://www.sapporo-park.or.jp/nakajima/
Moerenuma Park
Moerenuma Park is a comprehensive park where nature and art are integrated, designed by world-famous sculptor Isamu Noguchi, and you can view approximately 2,600 cherry blossom trees including Ezo Yamazakura, Somei Yoshino, and Yaezakura.
While you can view cherry blossoms at various locations in the park, the most popular cherry blossom viewing spot is the "Sakura no Mori" (Cherry Forest) area.
In "Sakura no Mori," colorful playground equipment designed by Isamu Noguchi that looks like art pieces is installed, and you can see the wonderful landscape where art and cherry blossoms merge.
I was able to let my nephew who accompanied me play on the playground equipment, so I could leisurely enjoy the cherry blossoms.
Let's enjoy cherry blossoms together with art, nature, and play in the vast park grounds.
<Information>
Schedule: Late April to early May 2026
Access: Immediate walk from Moerenuma Park East Exit bus stop by bus from Kanjo-dori Higashi Station
Admission: Free
Website: https://moerenumapark.jp/
Hokkaido Jingu
At Hokkaido Jingu, you can see about 1,000 diverse types of cherry blossoms including Ezo Yamazakura, Somei Yoshino, and Yaezakura along the approach path. Since cherry blossoms are planted on both sides of the approach, when walking along the path, you can experience the sensation of passing through a cherry blossom tunnel.
Since plum blossoms also bloom in the shrine grounds during the same period, you can also enjoy the contrast between the pink of cherry blossoms and the white of plums, which is another feature. When I first saw the scene where cherry blossoms and plums performed together, I was so captivated by its splendor that I forgot about time and stared at it.
Maruyama Park, adjacent to Hokkaido Jingu, is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, so please visit them as a set.
<Information>
Schedule: Late April to early May 2026
Access: 15-minute walk from Maruyama Koen Station
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.hokkaidojingu.or.jp/
Makomanai Park
Makomanai Park is a prefectural park that was used as the main venue for the 1972 Sapporo Olympics. In the park, you can enjoy beautiful scenery that makes you feel the arrival of spring, with approximately 1,000 cherry blossom trees including Ezo Yamazakura and Yaezakura blooming alongside katakuri flowers.
Since cherry blossoms bloom at various locations in the park, I enjoyed cherry blossom viewing while walking around the approximately 3km course that goes around the park. The vast grounds have about 13,000 planted trees and about 50,000 natural trees remaining, so you can view cherry blossoms while feeling Hokkaido's great nature.
Cherry blossom viewing in this abundant nature will surely help you forget the hustle and bustle of the city and relax.
<Information>
Schedule: Late April to early May 2026
Access: 25-minute walk from Makomanai Station
Admission: Free
Website: http://www.makomanai.com/koen/
After Enjoying Daytime Events, Experience Bar Hopping at Locals' Favorite Spots at Night!
After thoroughly enjoying sightseeing during the day and working up an appetite, why not spend the evening bar hopping at popular local establishments? Magical Trip offers tours where you can enjoy bar hopping in Sapporo.
With Sapporo Bar Hopping Food, you can enjoy food and drinks at three izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) confidently recommended by local guides in "Susukino," Sapporo's famous entertainment district. To wrap up the drinking session, try the "shime parfait" (closing parfait), which is part of Hokkaido's drinking culture.
With Beer Lover's Night in Sapporo: 10 Craft Beers to Taste, you can sample 10 different craft beers at three breweries in Sapporo. The guide provides explanations about the history and flavors of the beers, giving you an opportunity to deeply understand the appeal of Hokkaido beer.
Delicious food and drinks are sure to help you relax both physically and mentally.
<Information>
Meeting point: Susukino Station
Area: Sapporo
Meeting time: 18:00
<Information>
Meeting point: In front of the tourist information center below Sapporo TV Tower
Area: Sapporo
Meeting time: 16:00
Beer Lover’s Night in Sapporo: 10 Craft Beers to Taste
Sapporo Event April 2026: Local Cultural Events Unique to Hokkaido
ZINE Fest Sapporo
Source:Instagram
ZINE Fest Sapporo is an event for exchanging and selling "ZINEs" - small booklets independently produced by individuals or groups on chosen themes without going through publishers.
At the venue, ZINE creators and readers can communicate directly, and the appealing point is that you can fully enjoy the various worlds of ZINEs.
I also participated in the event, and listening to the creators' feelings about their work made my heart warm, to the point where I wanted to try creating something independently myself. The venue displays works on various themes such as essays, illustrations, and photographs, which are enjoyable just to browse.
The event has a homey atmosphere, so why not casually visit and enjoy interacting with the creators?
<Information>
Date: April 5, 2026
Access: 8-minute walk from Higashi-Sapporo Station on the Tozai Subway Line
Admission fee: 500 yen
Website: https://x.com/zinefarmtokyo/status/1988819810306969880
Sapporo Handmade Marche
Source:Official website
Sapporo Handmade Marche is Hokkaido's largest handmade event where works and food by over 1,000 creators and artists are exhibited and sold.
At the venue, a wide variety of works including accessories, interior items, and general goods are available, and you can find one-of-a-kind items exclusive to this event.
I participated in a workshop to make tile coasters with my niece. Since you just select and arrange your favorite tiles, even my 4-year-old niece could complete it on her own.
Many works that attract children's interest are also displayed, so it's reputed to be easy to attend with children. Be sure to find your favorite work at the venue!
<Information>
Date: April 25-26, 2026
Access: 15-minute walk from Sakaemachi Station on the Toho Line
Admission fee: 500 yen on the day, 400 yen advance ticket (free for elementary school students and younger)
Website: https://spr.handmade-marche.jp/
Special Events in April 2026 Held in Cities Easily Accessible from Sapporo
BIBAI SAKURA 2026
Source:Official website
BIBAI SAKURA 2026 is a cherry blossom event in Bibai City, centered around Tomei Park, which is famous as the northernmost cherry blossom grove of Somei Yoshino in Japan.
About 2,000 cherry trees including Somei Yoshino and Ezo Mountain Cherry are planted in the park, and many people visit for flower viewing in spring.
At the venue, various events are planned including cherry blossom illumination, fireworks on the opening day, and free distribution of pork soup. I enjoyed the atmospherically illuminated cherry blossoms and fireworks while savoring yakitori, pizza, and alcohol purchased from food booths.
During the event period, a free shuttle bus operates from the west exit of Bibai Station, which takes about 35 minutes by express train from Sapporo to the park, so it's convenient to use.
<Information>
Date: March 2026 (to be determined)
Access: Shuttle bus available from Bibai Station
Admission fee: Free
Website: https://bibai-event.com/bibaisakura2025/ (2025 site)
Akabira Haru Ranman Festa 2026
Source:Hokkaido Shimbun
Akabira Haru Ranman Festa 2026 is an event where you can enjoy flower viewing and gourmet food, aimed at promoting the appeal of Akabira City, which can be reached in about 1 hour by express train from Sapporo.
The former "Ran Festa Akabira" was renewed and is now held at Akabira City Exchange Center Mirai.
The highlight of the event is seeing various types of orchids. Particularly must-see is the "blue phalaenopsis" which has the flower language meaning "miraculous encounter."
The "blue phalaenopsis" is the world's first variety born after years of research and is said to have high rarity value. I was captivated by the beautiful blue orchid that doesn't exist in nature and took many photos.
At the venue, you can also enjoy workshops and food trucks gathering from various parts of Hokkaido. Participate in the event and fully enjoy the spring unique to Akabira.
<Information>
Date: March 2026 (to be determined)
Access: Immediately from Akabira Station
Admission fee: Free
Website: https://www.city.akabira.hokkaido.jp/docs/4908.html (2025 site)
Savor Exquisite Sapporo Food with Locals Who Know Sapporo Inside Out!
When visiting Sapporo, why not enjoy not only the abundant nature and tourist spots but also savor exquisite Hokkaido gourmet food? Magical Trip introduces hidden gem restaurants known by locals who know Sapporo inside out.
With Sapporo Local Food Tour: Dine Like a Local in the Evening, you can enjoy fresh seafood caught in nearby waters, Hokkaido's local dish Genghis Khan (grilled mutton), and shime parfait (closing parfait), which is Hokkaido's drinking party closing culture.
With Sapporo Market & Seafood Brunch Tour: Taste Hokkaido's, you can eat seafood cuisine at Nijo Market, which has been loved by locals for a long time, and at popular sushi restaurants, and you can enjoy sweets made with local ingredients around Odori Park.
Both tours are reputed to allow you to fully enjoy local flavors!
<Information>
Meeting point: Under the Nikka Whisky sign
Area: Sapporo
Meeting time: 17:00
Sapporo Local Food Tour: Dine Like a Local in the Evening Glow
<Information>
Meeting point: In front of the tourist information center below Sapporo TV Tower
Area: Sapporo
Meeting time: 10:30
Sapporo Market & Seafood Brunch Tour: Taste Hokkaido’s Freshness
