When will cherry blossoms bloom in Sapporo in 2025?

Visitors to Sapporo now know when they can expect to see the first cherry blossoms of the year!

The official “2025 Cherry Blossom Bloom Forecast” released by the Japan Weather Association details when cherry blossoms should start to bloom across the country.

Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, experiences a later cherry blossom season than other parts of the country.

This delayed bloom makes it a perfect destination for those who might have missed the spectacle further south or are simply eager to extend their spring celebrations.

Knowing when to expect these beautiful blossoms is key to planning a delightful springtime visit.  

So, when can you expect to witness this breath-taking display in Sapporo?

Because of its northerly location, Sapporo’s climate is cooler, leading to a later blooming period.

Forecasters trying to determine the start of the season will track a number factors and weather patterns, particularly temperature trends and snowfall.

While the exact dates change from year to year, the cherry blossom season in Sapporo usually start in late April and finishes in early May.

Sapporo offers a variety of locations to enjoy the blossoms. Here are some popular spots:

• Maruyama Park: A popular spot for locals and tourists alike, Maruyama Park offers a tranquil setting with numerous cherry trees. It’s a great place for a relaxing stroll or a picnic.  
• Hokkaido Shrine: Located adjacent to Maruyama Park, the Hokkaido Shrine is a beautiful and culturally significant site. The combination of the shrine’s traditional architecture and the surrounding cherry blossoms creates a picturesque scene.  
• Odori Park: This iconic park, stretching through the heart of Sapporo, is known for its seasonal flower displays. While not solely a sakura spot, Odori Park features cherry trees that add to its springtime charm.  
• Moerenuma Park: Designed by the renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi, Moerenuma Park is a unique and expansive park with stunning landscapes. The cherry blossoms add another layer of beauty to this already impressive space.  
• Sapporo Botanical Garden: This serene garden offers a diverse collection of plants, including beautiful cherry trees. It’s a great place to learn about Hokkaido’s flora while enjoying the cherry blossoms.  

Sapporo is expected to see the annual cherry blossom season start from 23rd April.

The cherry blossom season starts at earlier times in most other areas of Japan.

The season begins in mid March in southern Japan with blossoms starting to appear from 20th March in both Fukuoka and Kochi while it will start in Osaka around the 25th.

Southern and central Japan are expected to be in full bloom by the end of March with Tokyo in bloom from the 22nd and Nagoya from the 23rd.

As warm weather moves to the north, cherry blossoms are expected to start appearing in Sendai from 2nd April and in Aomori from the 16th.

As with any forecast, it may be subject to change and the Japan Weather Association plan to issue updated forecasts if required.