Sapporo Cherry Blossoms: A Romantic Encounter in the Northern Spring

From late April to early May each year, Sapporo's cherry blossom season brings romance and vitality to this northern city. Maruyama Park is a must-visit spot for cherry blossom viewing, with 1,500 Somei Yoshino cherry trees creating a pink canopy. The illuminated night blossoms evoke scenes from Makoto Shinkai's films. At Hokkaido Shrine, the sacred cherry blossom sanctuary features century-old mountain cherry trees lining the path alongside vermilion torii gates, where visitors can draw the "love fortune cherry blossom" for blessings. Moerenuma Park, designed by Isamu Noguchi, boasts geometric cherry blossom groves, and the Ferris wheel offers a panoramic view of the pink whirlpool. Sampling local delicacies is another highlight. Try the sakura shrimp tempura rice bowl at Yakyu-tei, sakura salt ramen at Saimi, or the sakura double-layer cheesecake at LeTAO. Additionally, you can enjoy activities like kimono photography and mystical night cherry blossom experiences. Sapporo's cherry blossoms embody the essence of "Japanese aesthetics," making it a destination worth visiting.