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Maruyama Park in Sapporo: Cherry Blossom Highlights 2025

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Maruyama Park in Sapporo: Cherry Blossom Highlights 2025

Maruyama Park, Sapporo is famous for its cherry blossom tunnel. The nearby Hokkaido Shrine has 1,000 trees, creating a breathtaking sight of around 1,120 trees. This article covers the 2025 peak season, best hanami spots, and access details.

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I live in Osaka Prefecture and work as a freelance writer. I specialize in cheap SIM cards and gadgets, but I also plan to write about a variety of topics, including food and travel.

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Enjoy Cherry Blossoms at Maruyama Park, Sapporo

Maruyama Park, a famous cherry blossom spot that graces spring in Sapporo, has been cherished by residents for generations.

Originally a forestry testing ground by the early-Meiji commission in Hokkaido, the land was reinvented into a nature-rich park, now adjacent to Sapporo Maruyama Zoo and the Mt. Maruyama Primeval Forest, a natural monument.

The expansive grounds are home to Maruyama Baseball Stadium and Maruyama Track & Field Stadium, cherished as a hub for recreation and sports.

With approximately 1,120 cherry trees blooming in spring, including those at the adjacent Hokkaido Shrine, Maruyama Park offers a rich variety of cherry blossoms, including Sargent’s cherries and Yoshino cherry trees, each showcasing different aspects of the blossoms.

Maruyama Park Cherry Blossom Guide

1. Cherry Blossom Peak Season at Maruyama Park
2. Top Spots to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms at Maruyama Park

Cherry Blossom Peak Season at Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park

Photo by Pixta
At Maruyama Park, one of Sapporo’s most famous cherry blossom spots, the beautiful cherry blossoms typically reach full bloom from late April to early May.

The park itself has about 120 cherry trees while the adjacent Hokkaido Shrine has around 1,000, making for a breathtaking sight when all 1,120 trees bloom simultaneously.

The sight of cherry blossoms in bloom throughout the park is magnificent, featuring various types such as Yoshino cherries and Sargent’s cherries. The cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park, heralding the arrival of spring in Hokkaido, are a cherished part of the season that locals and visitors alike eagerly anticipate.

Moreover, the park becomes crowded with visitors during the peak cherry blossom season, with even weekdays expected to be busy. Weekends and holidays are even more crowded, with peak hours typically between 10:00 and 14:00.

Cherry Blossom Forecast

Maruyama Park’s cherry blossom forecast can be found on the park’s official website (Japanese).

The forecast is easy to understand, with up-to-date photos posted on the official website, allowing visitors to check how much the cherry blossoms have bloomed in different areas of the park.

Past cherry blossom forecast records are also viewable, which might help predict this year’s peak season. The forecast is updated frequently, so be sure to check for the latest information before your visit.

Access and Crowd Conditions

Access to Maruyama Park is as follows.

- Get off at Maruyama-koen Station on the Municipal Subway Tozai Line and walk for 5 minutes from Exit 3

- Take the JR Bus from Maruyama-koen Station on the Municipal Subway Tozai Line and alight at Dobutsuen-mae, Sogo-Ground-mae, or Maruyama Nishimachi 2-chome

- Take the JR Bus from Nishi-Nijuhatchome Station on the Municipal Subway Tozai Line and alight at Jingu-mae or Miyanomori 1-jo 10-chome

Maruyama Park and its surrounding area will be busy with local residents and visitors during the peak cherry blossom season. It is expected to be especially crowded on the weekends and during Golden Week.

For this reason, those who wish to enjoy the cherry blossoms comfortably are encouraged to visit during the day or evening on weekdays. On weekdays, you can fully appreciate the beauty of the cherry blossoms while avoiding the crowds.

Hotels near Maruyama Park

Top Spots to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms at Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park

Photo by Pixta
Next, we’ll highlight recommended spots to enjoy the cherry blossoms in Maruyama Park.

1. Central Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park

Photo by Pixta
Central Maruyama Park is the main spot that attracts the largest crowds during the cherry blossom season. You can enjoy food, drinks, and picnics under the beautiful cherry trees, including Sargent’s cherries and other varieties.

The area around Maruyama Park Center offers especially great views of the cherry blossoms and is popular with many visitors.

Precautions
- Permitted Food and Drink Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (*Based on the 2024 hours)
- The use of open-flame devices is strictly prohibited throughout the park (*2024 guidelines).
- Visitors are expected to take their trash home.
- If a temporary trash collection area is set up, please follow the designated sorting rules.
- Toilets are limited, so it’s recommended to locate them in advance.

The hanami (flower viewing) season is very crowded, so please enjoy the blossoms and picnics in a pleasant atmosphere while abiding by the rules.

2. Shrine Torii Gates

Maruyama Park

Photo by Pixta
The area around the Hokkaido Shrine No.2 Torii Gates, located next to the park, is a must-see spot known for its cherry blossoms.

During the hanami season, many visitors will pass through the fully bloomed cherry blossom tunnel to visit the shrine. The weeping cherry trees to the left, just before the shrine gates, are stunning as their flowers hang from graceful branches. It’s also a popular photo spot!

We recommend starting at the shrine torii gates to enjoy the cherry blossoms on the grounds, then heading to the food stalls mentioned later.

However, during peak season, it is important to be cautious when stopping to take pictures near the torii gates or along the shrine approach, as it can become very crowded. Enjoy the cherry blossoms while being mindful of the safety of others.

Hotels near Hokkaido Jingu Shrine

3. Food Stalls at the Shrine Grounds

Maruyama Park

Photo by Pixta
At Hokkaido Shrine, as many as 50 food stalls are lined up in rows to coincide with the peak bloom of the cherry blossoms.

A variety of stalls, from classic street foods to trendy new products, fill the area with a lively atmosphere that people of all ages can enjoy. Walking through the cherry blossoms in full bloom with your favorite street food in hand is a unique way to experience this season.

However, the many food stalls will narrow the approach, increasing the likelihood of bumping into others. For that reason, be mindful of your surroundings while walking around with food and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the cherry blossom season.

Go Cherry Blossom Viewing in Sapporo!

The cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park, which brighten spring in Sapporo, are an iconic cherry blossom spot in Hokkaido. The best season is from late April to early May.

Not only can you enjoy food under the cherry blossoms, but about 50 food stalls will also be set up at Hokkaido Shrine. If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s recommended to visit during the day or evening on weekdays.

Be sure to check the cherry blossom forecast on the official website before your visit and enjoy the flowers at Maruyama Park, a representation of spring in Hokkaido!

I live in Osaka Prefecture and work as a freelance writer. I specialize in cheap SIM cards and gadgets, but I also plan to write about a variety of topics, including food and travel.

more
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