“Maruyama Park: Where Sakura and Sapporo’s Spirit Bloom Together”

#cherryblossom25 Maruyama Park (円山公園, Maruyama Kōen) is one of the most famous and beloved cherry blossom viewing spots in Sapporo, and it offers a classic, lively hanami experience that feels both festive and deeply connected to nature. Cherry Blossom Season at Maruyama Park Timing: Similar to the rest of Hokkaido, sakura season in Maruyama Park typically runs from late April to early May — often peaking around Japan’s Golden Week. Because of Sapporo’s northern latitude, the blooms arrive later than in places like Tokyo, making it a fantastic destination for anyone who missed the main sakura wave in the south. The Setting: Maruyama Park is nestled next to Hokkaido Shrine and the wooded Maruyama Primeval Forest, so the park feels more like a natural sanctuary than an urban garden. The cherry trees — mostly Somei Yoshino and Ezo Yamazakura (Hokkaido’s native cherry species) — burst into bloom across the wide open lawns and pathways, and the park fills with people spreading picnic mats, grilling food, and enjoying drinks beneath the blossoms. The Vibe: Unlike the quiet elegance of Hokkaido University’s campus, Maruyama Park during cherry blossom season is a social, joyful, almost festival-like experience. Families, students, coworkers, and friends gather for traditional hanami parties, complete with barbecues and drinks. The smell of grilled meat mixes with the scent of sakura, and people linger from morning till evening. In the evenings, the park sometimes lights up the cherry trees, offering a romantic yozakura (night sakura) viewing experience. Nearby Highlights: • Hokkaido Shrine (just next door) also has beautiful cherry blossoms, so visitors often combine the two. • The Maruyama Zoo and Maruyama Mountain hiking trail are nearby, making it easy to spend a whole day in the area. Why It’s Special: Maruyama Park offers one of the most “authentic” northern Japan hanami experiences — friendly, unpretentious, and deeply local. Unlike more tourist-heavy spots, you’ll see a genuine slice of Sapporo life here, with people relaxing, cooking, and simply celebrating the arrival of spring.