Sakura Season in Sapporo

By Hana Kamimura

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Every spring, something magical happens here in Sapporo. The weather starts to warm up after a long, snowy winter, and beautiful pink and white cherry blossoms called sakura start to bloom.

Sapporo’s cherry blossoms usually start to bloom a little later than other parts of Japan. While people in Kyoto or Tokyo see sakura in March or early April, Sapporo’s trees bloom in late April or even early May! This makes it one of the last places in Japan to enjoy the cherry blossom season. 

One of the most popular places to see sakura in Sapporo is Maruyama Park. It is full of cherry blossoms and people who come to enjoy hanami (flower viewing)–a Japanese tradition where families and friends bring picnic blankets, food, and drinks to celebrate the season. It’s a fun and peaceful time where people relax and enjoy time together.

There are even different types of sakura trees that bloom at slightly different times, which makes the season last longer. Some common varieties include Somei Yoshino, which blooms first with pale pink petals; Yamazakura, which has a mix of blossoms and fresh leaves; and Shidarezakura, or weeping cherry trees, which bloom a little later with soft, drooping branches full of flowers. These last ones look almost like pink Weeping Willows.

During the sakura season, the air smells sweet, and pink petals float gently like snow. Some people even wear traditional Japanese clothing like a yukata to take beautiful pictures with the sakura trees.

Sapporo’s sakura season is short—about one or two weeks long, so people try to make the most of it. They take lots of pictures, eat yummy snacks like sakura-flavored mochi, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of nature.

Since we live in Sapporo, we are very lucky to be able to see the cherry blossoms every year! It is always exciting when the trees start to bloom, and we get to enjoy this special time with our family and friends.