Sapporo Spring Travel Guide 2025: Cherry Blossoms, Featured Spots & Outdoor Adventures
Known as Hokkaido's central city, Sapporo is not only rich in tourist attractions but also famous as one of Japan's premier gourmet treasures, making it one of the most popular cities in Japan. While the winter climate is harsh, spring brings warmth and beautiful flowers bloom in the parks.
Sapporo spring offers wonderful weather, with many things that can only be enjoyed during spring and tourist destinations that become more accessible with spring's arrival. When spring arrives, numerous events are held throughout Sapporo city, and the pleasant climate makes it the optimal season for strolling.
In this article, we'll explain recommended ways to spend time and spots to visit during Sapporo spring so you can enjoy spring in Sapporo even more.

Climate and Recommended Clothing for Sapporo Spring
March:
Climate characteristics → In March, Sapporo gradually sees rising temperatures, but it's still a cold season. The average temperature remains in single digits and cold, while snowfall becomes less compared to previous months.
Recommended clothing → Due to the harsh cold climate, adequate cold protection is necessary. Wear highly insulated clothing such as Heattech and sweaters. For shoes, choose slip-resistant and waterproof options.
April:
Climate characteristics → April's average temperature reaches 11°C, and signs of spring finally appear. The climate is equivalent to Tokyo's February, with cold weather but occasionally warm days.
Recommended clothing → Since April still retains cold weather, it's recommended to layer thin sweaters or cardigans with jackets.
May:
Climate characteristics → In May, Sapporo experiences a sudden temperature rise from the previously cold climate. Daytime temperatures reach 13°C-15°C, but mornings and evenings remain cold, so be mindful of temperature differences.
Recommended clothing → Since May has significant temperature variations throughout the day, choose clothing that allows for layering and easy body temperature adjustment.
Highlights of Sapporo Spring
Here, we'll explain the highlights of Sapporo spring.
During Sapporo spring, you can enjoy numerous beautiful natural sights and events, so if you're considering Sapporo tourism, please use this as reference.
Colorful Blooming of Cherry Blossoms and Various Flowers
When Sapporo spring arrives, it suddenly becomes warm, making it a beautiful season for the colorful blooming of cherry blossoms and various flowers. Not only cherry blossoms, but spots featuring lilacs and tulips are also highlights, with the colorful flowers displaying artistic beauty.
Sapporo has numerous parks that bloom with beautiful flowers during spring, and when spring arrives, many tourists visit to see the beautiful flower fields. Since all parks have vast grounds, you won't get bored even spending the entire day exploring.
If you're planning to visit during Sapporo spring, definitely visit the parks to see the colorful flowers.
Traditional Japanese Activity "Hanami" Enjoyed Surrounded by Beautiful Nature
An activity you must experience when visiting Japan in spring is the traditional Japanese Hanami. Hanami is a spring event that celebrates the beauty of cherry blossoms, where people typically sit under cherry trees to enjoy meals and drinks. In Japan, Hanami also carries the meaning of celebrating spring's arrival together with companions.
While Hanami season is typically early April, since Sapporo is located north of Tokyo, Hanami season peaks in May during Sapporo spring. In May, cherry blossoms bloom profusely in Sapporo's parks, drawing large crowds to see these beautiful blossoms.
Since Sapporo has many parks overflowing with nature, enjoy them together with the cherry blossoms during Sapporo spring.
Food Events Held in Mild Climate
Source:FASHION PRESS
When Sapporo spring arrives and the climate becomes mild, many outdoor food events are held. Particularly famous is the Lilac Festival held in mid-May at Odori Park, where many food stalls set up shop.
Lilacs are flowers that herald early summer's arrival in Sapporo, and Odori Park is especially famous for having about 400 lilac trees blooming. Lilacs have a refreshing and pleasant fragrance, so please enjoy delicious cuisine while experiencing the pleasant floral scent during Sapporo spring.
The Lilac Festival is also held at Kawashimo Park in Shiroishi Ward, so please visit there as well.
Exquisite Seasonal Wild Vegetables and Seafood
In Hokkaido, there are many ingredients that reach their peak during spring. Popular wild vegetables include tara buds, butterbur, and wild garlic, which taste delicious when eaten as tempura or pickled in soy sauce. Among vegetables, asparagus reaches its peak season, offering tender texture and sweet flavor at their finest.
For seafood, hairy crab, sea urchin, and scallops reach their peak season, and you can taste these fresh ingredients at izakayas and markets. Since you can enjoy a variety of dishes during Sapporo spring, please definitely visit when you come to Sapporo.
5 Spectacular Cherry Blossom Spots You Can Only Enjoy in Sapporo Spring
Here we introduce 5 spectacular cherry blossom spots that you can only enjoy during Sapporo spring. Since Sapporo is located north of Tokyo, the cherry blossoms bloom later than in Tokyo.
The predicted dates for cherry blossom blooming and full bloom are as follows:
All of these cherry blossom spots boast breathtaking beauty. If you're planning to visit Sapporo in spring to fully enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms, please use this as your reference.
Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park is one of Sapporo's representative parks and is famous as a cherry blossom destination. The park has approximately 120 cherry blossom trees planted throughout, which reach full bloom from late April to early May, attracting large crowds of citizens and tourists during Sapporo spring.
In addition to cherry blossoms, Maruyama Park offers colorful flowers such as tulips and skunk cabbage. The park features walking trails suitable for strolling through vast primeval forests, and when I visited, I was able to experience a little adventure in this urban park.
The park grounds include Maruyama Zoo and Hokkaido Jingu, providing a full day of enjoyment.
Address: 3 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Operating hours: 24 hours
Closed: Open year-round
Phone number: 011-621-0453
Official website: https://maruyamapark.jp/
Moerenuma Park
Moerenuma Park is a vast 188.8-hectare park that opened in 2005, representing Sapporo spring attractions. The site was designed by world-renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi and is famous as a beautiful park where nature and art works are fused together.
All playground equipment installed in the park was designed by Isamu Noguchi, and adults are inevitably fascinated by the imaginative and unique facilities. The park has nearly 1,600 cherry blossom trees planted throughout, which bloom beautifully during Sapporo spring.
Since the park is extremely vast, we recommend using rental bicycles (100 yen per hour~) for exploration. Take your time to enjoy the beautiful scenery where art and nature merge.
Address: 1-1 Moerenuma Park, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Operating hours: 7:00-22:00
Closed: Open year-round
Phone number: 011-790-1231
Official website: https://moerenumapark.jp/
Hokkaido Jingu
Hokkaido Jingu, located within the grounds of Maruyama Park, is a shrine that enshrines Okunitamanokami, the deity of Hokkaido's land. Every mid-June, the Sapporo Festival is held, and the entire city celebrates together.
It's also famous as one of Sapporo's representative cherry blossom spots, particularly the cherry blossom tree-lined avenue from the second torii to the main approach. The cherry blossoms that bloom along the approach form a beautiful arch, announcing the arrival of Sapporo spring.
Known as one of Hokkaido's leading power spots, it brings benefits for work luck, financial fortune, and matchmaking. I also experienced several strokes of good fortune after visiting, so if you want to boost your luck, be sure to visit for worship.
Address: 474 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Operating hours: 6:00-17:00
Closed: Open year-round
Phone number: 011-611-0261
Official website: http://www.hokkaidojingu.or.jp/
Nakajima Park
Nakajima Park, one of Sapporo's representative parks, is a nature-filled park in the heart of the city. Known as a cherry blossom destination with approximately 400 cherry blossom trees planted, it blooms beautifully from late April to late May during Sapporo spring.
Since various types of cherry blossoms bloom here, you can enjoy cherry blossoms for a relatively long period, which is its strength. The recommended spot is the weeping cherry blossoms in the Japan Garden, which are beloved as a symbol of Nakajima Park.
The park is adjacent to a subway station, making access convenient. If you want to casually enjoy nature in the city center during your Sapporo spring visit, be sure to visit Nakajima Park.
Address: 1 Nakajima Park, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Operating hours: 24 hours
Closed: Open year-round
Phone number: 011-511-3924
Official website: https://www.sapporo-park.or.jp/nakajima/
Makomanai Park
Makomanai Park is a vast park located in southern Sapporo. After the war, it was used as a golf course, but it was developed as a park when venues for the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics were constructed within the grounds.
The park has approximately 50,000 Cherry Blossom trees planted throughout, making it famous as one of Sapporo's representative Cherry Blossom destinations. The road that runs through the park is affectionately called "Cherry Blossoms Way."
In May, Japanese fawnlily flowers also bloom throughout the park, and I found myself captivated by their vibrant pink color. Additionally, many Wild Birds inhabit the park, so try to spot them while strolling around.
Address: 3-1 Makomanai Park, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Business Hours: 6:30-21:00
Regular Holidays: Open year-round
Phone Number: 011-581-1961
Official Website: http://www.makomanai.com/koen/
6 Recommended Tourist Spots to Enjoy During Sapporo Spring
Here we introduce 6 recommended tourist spots that can be enjoyed specifically during Sapporo spring.
Sapporo is packed with spots where you can enjoy nature to the fullest, including beautiful vast flower fields and wide skies. If you're interested, please check them out.
Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
Source:Official website
Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is one of Sapporo's most popular tourist destinations. From the observation deck, you can see the city of Sapporo and vast grasslands spreading out, where you can witness the pastoral scene of sheep leisurely grazing.
At the observation deck stands a bronze statue of William Smith Clark, known as the "Father of Hokkaido Development." Taking commemorative photos in the same pose as his statue with his right hand raised is popular. There's also a William Smith Clark museum within the grounds where you can learn about his achievements.
Watching the sheep spending their time comfortably on the grasslands, I found myself losing track of time. If you want to enjoy Hokkaido's magnificent nature, this is a must-visit place during Sapporo spring.
Address: 1-1 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Business Hours: (October-May) 9:00-17:00 / (June-September) 9:00-18:00
Regular Holidays: Open year-round
Phone Number: 011-851-3080
Official Website: https://www.hitsujigaoka.jp/
Odori Park
Odori Park, located in central Sapporo, is a park approximately 1.5km long and covering about 7.8 hectares, featuring beautiful flowers and lawns with about 90 species and 4,700 trees. It serves as a relaxation spot for Sapporo citizens and has numerous attractions including Sapporo TV Tower.
At Odori Park, the Lilac Festival is held in May, announcing the arrival of early summer and attracting large crowds. It's popular as a representative Sapporo spring event where you can enjoy music festivals, wine, and cuisine while experiencing the sweet fragrance of Lilacs.
This park hosts numerous events throughout the year, including Beer Garden in summer and Snow Festival in winter. When touring Sapporo, especially during Sapporo spring, make sure to visit here first.
Address: Odori Nishi 1-12 chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Business Hours: 24 hours
Regular Holidays: Open year-round
Phone Number: 011-251-0438
Official Website: https://odori-park.jp/
Yurigahara Park
Source:Official website
Yurigahara Park is a comprehensive park representing Sapporo that opened in 1983. During Sapporo spring, Plum, Cherry Blossoms, and Lilac bloom simultaneously, enveloping the park in a gorgeous atmosphere.
The park is also famous for Lily flowers, which bloom in beautiful colors during early summer, captivating visitors. The Green Center within the park has a greenhouse where flowers can be viewed year-round. Additionally, the Lily Train operates within the park, allowing visitors to admire various flowers from the windows.
The park is filled with the wonderful fragrance of flowers, and I felt happy experiencing these floral scents during my visit. If you want to enjoy strolling surrounded by many flowers during Sapporo spring, this is a recommended park.
Address: 210 Yurigahara Park, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Business Hours: 24 hours
Regular Holidays: Open year-round
Phone Number: 011-772-3511
Official Website: https://yuri-park.jp/
Takino Suzuran Hillside Park
Takino Suzuran Hillside Park is Hokkaido's only National Park with a vast 400-hectare site. During winter, ski slopes are maintained to take advantage of the terrain, making it popular with both adults and children as beginner-friendly ski slopes.
From mid-April, flowers bloom all at once throughout the park, allowing visitors to enjoy the colorful Sapporo spring season. The park is characterized by an abundance of colorful flowers such as Japanese fawnlily, Cherry Blossoms, Tulips, and Lily of the Valley. Even I found myself feeling bright and refreshed while strolling through this magnificent Sapporo spring display.
Within the park, you can see wild birds, insects, and if you're lucky, deer and foxes. If you want to fully enjoy Hokkaido's nature during Sapporo spring, this is also a recommended spot.
Address: 247 Takino, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Operating Hours: April 20 - May 30, September 1 - November 10: 9:00-17:00 / June 1 - August 31: 9:00-18:00 / December 23 - March 31: 9:00-16:00
Closed: Open year-round
Phone Number: [Not provided]
Official Website: https://www.takinopark.com/mobtop/
Jozankei Onsen
Jozankei Onsen, located one hour by car from Sapporo city center, is a hot spring town with an old history of 150 years since its opening. In addition to enjoying the hot springs, you can enjoy various activities such as rafting, canoeing, and camping.
From mid-April, approximately 400 carp streamers dance in the sky at Jozankei Onsen, creating a spectacular Sapporo spring celebration. In May, cherry blossoms and spring autumn leaves with pale and vividly colored foliage add color to the enchanting Sapporo spring atmosphere.
There are about 800 cherry blossom trees, which is the largest scale within Sapporo city. If you want to slowly immerse yourself in nature during the beautiful Sapporo spring season, be sure to visit this destination.
Address: Jozankei Onsen, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Operating Hours: Varies by establishment
Closed: Open year-round
Phone Number: 011-598-2012
Official Website: https://jozankei.jp/
Experience Sapporo Spring with Local Food Guides
If you visit Sapporo during spring, join a bar-hopping tour guided by local residents to enjoy exquisite food during your Sapporo spring adventure. You can tour hidden izakaya (Japanese pubs) in Susukino, Hokkaido's representative entertainment district, and savor dishes made with local ingredients that perfectly capture the essence of Sapporo spring flavors.
During the tour, you can ask the guide about recommended spots and freely choose where you want to go, making your Sapporo spring experience truly personalized. In Susukino, you can taste all types of alcohol, making this the ultimate tour for alcohol lovers during Sapporo spring.
After filling your stomach at the izakaya, this fulfilling tour allows you to taste parfaits made with delicious Hokkaido fruits and ramen, Japan's soul food - perfect ways to conclude your Sapporo spring evening.
Meeting Point: Susukino Station (Sapporo Municipal Subway)
Tour Area: Susukino
Start Time: 18:00
Sapporo Restaurants Featuring Spring Seasonal Ingredients
Here we introduce 5 selected Sapporo restaurants that abundantly use ingredients that become especially delicious during Sapporo spring.
All of these establishments offer exquisite ingredients at reasonable prices, so please use them as reference if you want to enjoy gourmet food during your Sapporo spring visit.
Hitsujigaoka Rest House
Source:Official website
After enjoying the scenery at Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, taste Genghis Khan at Hitsujigaoka Rest House - a perfect way to fuel up during your Sapporo spring sightseeing. Genghis Khan, known as a representative dish of Hokkaido, is popular as a low-calorie, highly nutritious meal that's especially satisfying during the active Sapporo spring season.
To bring out the flavor and texture, it's grilled using a specially-made square iron plate. The vegetables grilled together with the lamb meat use ingredients harvested in Hokkaido, such as potatoes and onions - fresh produce that's at its peak during Sapporo spring. The homemade sauce is also excellent, with a umami that brings out the taste of the meat, making it indispensable for eating Genghis Khan during your Sapporo spring dining experience.
From the restaurant's large windows, you can see the vast grasslands of Hitsujigaoka, which are particularly beautiful during Sapporo spring. This is a popular restaurant, so make sure to make a reservation up to 2 days before your Sapporo spring visit.
Address: 1 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Operating Hours: May-September: 11:00-16:00 / October-April: 11:00-15:00
Closed: Open year-round
Phone Number: 011-852-1271
Official Website: https://sheepgenghis.jp/
Sapporo Genghis Khan (Main Shop)
Source:Tripadvisor
If you want to casually enjoy Genghis Khan, visit Sapporo Genghis Khan. While the building's exterior is quite unique with its prefab appearance, it has a great atmosphere and reasonable prices, making it a recommended restaurant for first-time Genghis Khan diners. During Sapporo spring, this cozy spot becomes especially popular with tourists seeking authentic local flavors.
The ram meat uses New Zealand lamb, which is tender, odorless, and easy to eat. The soy sauce-based sauce is also delicious and essential for enjoying Genghis Khan properly. The rice with kimchi and dried bonito is also tasty, and when enjoyed together with the sauce, I found myself completely absorbed in savoring the Genghis Khan.
If you want to taste fresh Genghis Khan during your Sapporo spring visit, definitely come here.
Address: 1F Dai-6 Asahi Kanko Building, 7-1 Nishi 6-chome, 6-jo, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Business Hours: 17:00〜22:00
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 011-512-2940
North Sea Box to Keep Valuables Wind [Fu]
Source:Official website
North Sea Box to Keep Valuables Fu is an izakaya with carefully selected sake and abundant seasonal ingredients available in Hokkaido. My recommendation is the table-top grilling, where you can grill and enjoy seafood ingredients yourself. Sapporo spring is an ideal time to visit as the seasonal menu features the freshest ingredients.
This restaurant also receives high praise for its desserts, with ice cream and pudding made from Hokkaido ingredients being popular. Tables range from sunken kotatsu to counter and sofa seating, allowing you to enjoy your meal according to your preferred dining style.
It's located right near Susukino subway station, offering excellent access. Weekends tend to be crowded, so make reservations by the day before your visit.
Address: Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Business Hours: 17:00〜22:00
Closed: Sundays and holidays
Phone: 011-200-2077
Official Website: https://huu.jp.net/
Tenohira Izakaya Restaurant
Source:Official website
Located in Susukino, known as an entertainment district, Tenohira Izakaya Restaurant is a homely atmosphere izakaya where you can enjoy fresh Hokkaido fish and sake. All sake served at the restaurant is from Hokkaido, with about 48 varieties to freely enjoy. Sapporo spring brings out the best in their seasonal fish selections.
The restaurant has an excellent reputation for dishes using seafood menu items, allowing you to enjoy Hokkaido fish to your heart's content, including Hakodate squid, grilled mackerel, and sushi. The meat dishes, such as lamb shabu salad and steak, also use high-quality ingredients, making me unable to stop eating.
With its hideaway-like atmosphere, you can enjoy meals sitting on sunken kotatsu or tatami, making it a recommended restaurant for those who want to eat in Japanese style.
Address: B1F New Hokusei Building, 3-chome Nishi, Minami 4-jo, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Business Hours: Tue-Thu 17:00〜23:00 / Fri-Sat-Holiday eve 17:00〜24:00 / Sun-Holiday 17:00〜22:00
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 011-241-5005
Official Website: https://tenohira.jp.net/
Sushi Miyakawa
Source:Tabelog
Sushi Miyakawa is a representative sushi restaurant in Sapporo where you can enjoy high-quality sushi in a comfortable atmosphere. It's a prestigious restaurant with a tasteful 8-seat counter made of white wood, providing heartfelt hospitality and satisfying service for everyone. The elegant ambiance makes it particularly special during Sapporo spring when tourists seek refined dining experiences.
The menu consists only of omakase courses, and the sushi made with fresh seafood spreads flavors instantly across your palate when you take a bite. The shari uses three types of red vinegar, and you'll definitely become enchanted by its elegant umami.
This restaurant is popular year-round and reservations are difficult to secure, so call to make reservations at least one month before your planned visit. Also, since this is a restaurant that values formality, there is a dress code. Avoid casual clothing and dress in smart casual attire when visiting.
Address: 1F Lichtlare Maruyama, 2-2 Nishi 25-chome, Kita 4-jo, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Business Hours: 17:00〜22:00
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 011-613-2221
Official Website: https://www.sushi-miyakawa.com/
Introducing Spring Events You Can Enjoy in Sapporo by Month
From here, we will introduce spring events you can enjoy in Sapporo by month. As the weather gets warmer, numerous events are held in Sapporo, so those visiting Sapporo in spring should definitely use this as a reference.
Must-See Sapporo Events in March
In early March, the Winter Sports Festival is held at Odori Park. You can experience winter sports such as Bobsleigh and Curling for free.
At Shiroi Koibito Park, fantastic Illumination events are held until the end of March. This is a recommended event for families and couples who want to spend happy moments in Sapporo.
In addition to this, Sapporo Factory hosts NATURE BEAT JAM, an event where you can enjoy gourmet food and music. It's a jam-packed event with stage performances and Project Mapping.
※Events held in Sapporo in March:
- Odori Park Winter Sports Festival
- Shiroi Koibito Park Illumination
- NATURE BEAT JAM
Must-See Sapporo Events in April
In Jozankei, known as a hot spring resort area in the suburbs of Sapporo, approximately 400 Carp Streamers fill the sky above the hot spring district in early April to welcome spring. This event, which began in 1987, is now known as a spring tradition of Jozankei.
The sight of colorful Carp Streamers swimming through the air is spectacular, so be sure to see it when you visit Jozankei.
At Hiraoka Park, the Hiraoka Plum Festival is held to coincide with the blooming of Plum trees. In addition to viewing approximately 2,000 Plum trees blooming in the park, many shops selling products made with Plums set up stalls.
※Events held in Sapporo in April:
- Jozankei Carp Streamer
- Hiraoka Plum Festival
Must-See Sapporo Events in May
The Sapporo Lilac Festival held annually at Odori Park in May is a popular event known as a festival that announces the arrival of spring to Sapporo. Many restaurants open at Odori Park, and you can leisurely enjoy meals while sitting at cafe terraces.
In addition to this, a Wine Festival that brings together Hokkaido wines is held simultaneously, where you can taste a total of 200 varieties of wine.
The Genghis Khan Festival held at Sapporo Factory is an event where you can compare and taste Genghis Khan, known as a representative dish of Hokkaido. You can grill and eat Genghis Khan yourself, so you can participate casually.
※Events held in Sapporo in May:
- Sapporo Lilac Festival
- Genghis Khan Festival
To Fully Enjoy Japan's Spring, It's Best to Be Guided by Locals Who Know Each Area Inside and Out!
If you want to fully enjoy Japan's spring, it's recommended to tour with local guides who know the characteristics of each area and delicious restaurants inside and out. Magical Trip has excellent guides in each region, so many tours are prepared that meet tourists' requests.
Magical Trip's strength is that you can travel like a local, not just visiting tourist spots, but also visiting activities and shops for locals. Magical Trip's guides are knowledgeable and have completed comprehensive training courses, so you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
If you want to make your trip to Japan unforgettable, use Magical Trip's tours.