🌸 Sapporo Cherry Blossom Season | 5 secret places to explore and unlock the gentle critique of spring in the north

#Sapporo Sakura 🌸 Sapporo Cherry Blossom Season | 5 secret places to explore and unlock the gentle critique of spring in the north 📸 Cherry Blossom Viewing Map and Photo Guide 1. [Marugaoka Park - One of the Three Most Famous Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots in Japan] • Location: Kita 1-jo Nishi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City • Best time: April 20-May 5 (nighttime lighting) • Photography tips: ◦ Wide-angle lens (16-35mm) to capture the layered effect of cherry blossoms and ancient corridors ◦ Golden hour (1 hour after sunrise) to capture the gorgeous light spots shining through the petals 2. [Datong Park: European style and pink and white splendor] • Location: Odori 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo • Highlights: French-style avenues, Ferris wheel and cherry blossoms interweave to create an exotic spring scene • Interactive gameplay: ◦ Rent a "Sakura Kimono" (¥3,000/set) and take photos under the Ferris wheel ◦ Participate in the "Odori Sakura Festival" handmade market (April 28-May 6) 3. [Moiwa Castle Ruins and Cherry Blossoms at the Millennium Shrine] • Location: Moiwa 1-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo City • feature: ◦ The 1,000-year-old Inari Shrine is surrounded by thousands of cherry blossoms. The spring incense and the sea of ​​flowers resonate ◦ Climb up to the observatory and get a panoramic view of Sapporo, with cherry blossoms, snow-capped mountains, and the city skyline all in one frame • Shooting tips: ◦ Use a telephoto lens (70-200mm) to compress the space and highlight the symmetry between the shrine and the cherry blossoms ◦ Shooting in the early morning mist adds a sense of mystery 4. [Shirakawa-go - Secret Cherry Blossoms] • Location: Shirakawa-cho, Minami-ku, Sapporo City • Highlights: ◦ Japan's northernmost "Cherry Blossom Tunnel", a 2-kilometer-long natural wild cherry forest ◦ In winter, you can enjoy both cherry blossoms and snow scenery (it may still snow in May) • In-depth gameplay: ◦ Hike along the Shirakawa Valley Trail to find wild cherry trees and waterfalls ◦ Stay at a local farmhouse and try "Sakura Mochi" and wild vegetable set meals 5. Sapporo TV Tower: High-altitude pink cherry blossoms • Location: Nishi 1-chome, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo City • Must-shoot spots: ◦ The 350-meter-high observatory offers a 360-degree view of the cherry blossoms in the city ◦ The specially designed "Cherry Blossom Observation Window" frames the gorgeous flower fields from a specific angle • Photography tips: ◦ Climb the tower in the evening and use the sunset to color the cherry blossoms and the city skyline ◦ Download the official app "Sapporo View" to get real-time cherry blossom index 🌸 Trip Highlights 🗺️ Three-day in-depth tour route Day 1: • Morning: Marugaoka Park (night cherry blossom light show) • Afternoon: Odori Park (Ferris wheel + Kimono photo) • Evening: Sapporo TV Tower (night view from high altitude) Day 2: • Morning: Moiwa Castle Ruins (Millennium Shrine Cherry Blossoms) • Afternoon: Shirakawa-go (wild cherry forest + farm experience) • Evening: Stay at Sounkyo Onsen Hotel and enjoy the cherry blossoms Day 3: • Early morning: Sounkyo (Japan’s northernmost cherry blossom tunnel) • Afternoon: Free time (recommended "Sapporo Museum of Art" special exhibition "Spring Picture Scroll") ⚠️ Practical tips 1. Best time: • Flowering period: April 20-May 10 (pay attention to the official website of the Sapporo City Tourism Bureau) • Avoid the crowds: Arrive before 10am on weekdays and take the early JR train on weekends 2. Traffic suggestions: • Downtown shuttle: JR "Sapporo Station" → various tourist attractions bus (one way ¥230, every 15 minutes) • Charter service: 8 hours of charter service (¥15,000), connecting Shirakawa-go and Sounkyo • High-speed rail: Tokyo/Osaka → New Chitose Airport → JR "Chitose Line" directly to Sapporo 3. Equipment List: • Clothing: Sakura pink/white sweater + windproof jacket (it is cool in the morning and evening in the mountains) • Equipment: Full-frame camera (such as Sony A7IV) + 24-70mm zoom lens, tripod • Emergency supplies: mosquito repellent, hand warmer, cherry blossom theme filter (enhanced pink tones) 4. Tips for avoiding pitfalls: • You need to reserve your seat 30 minutes in advance for the night light show at Round Hill Park • Some trails in Shirakawa-go are not accessible by car, so hiking shoes are recommended • Strong winds may occur in early May, so a reinforced tripod is required for high-altitude photography #MarchGoodPlaces2025 ✅ Suitable for: couples, literary youth, photography enthusiasts, long-distance travelers 📌 Travel warning: • Hokkaido's spring temperature is low (5-10℃), so you need to prepare warm clothing • Some wild cherry trees require reservations from farmers (cost about ¥1,000/person)