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Season Guide

Spring in Sapporo

Unlike coastal areas or the main island of Japan (such as Tokyo or Osaka) that start warming up as early as March, Sapporo experiences warmth much later due to its northern location.

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Weather

  • April (Transition & Snowmelt)

    • Average Temperature: 3°C – 11°C

    • Characteristics: Remaining winter snow piles begin to melt. The sound of dripping water and cold winds still feel biting, especially at night.

  • May (Peak Spring & Blooming Carpet of Flowers)

    • Average Temperature: 8°C – 17°C

    • Characteristics: Temperatures become comfortable and pleasantly cool. This is the best time to visit Sapporo to see cherry blossoms and various spring flowers blooming simultaneously.

  • Unlike Tokyo or Kyoto, where cherry blossoms bloom in late March, cherry blossoms in Sapporo only bloom from late April to early May (Japan's Golden Week).

Activities

  • Hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing)

    • Maruyama Park & Hokkaido Shrine: Local favorite spots for hosting picnics under cherry blossoms and plum blossoms (ume) that bloom simultaneously.

    • Odori Park: A long park in the city center filled with rows of tulips, lilacs, and cherry blossoms set against the backdrop of the Sapporo TV Tower.

    • Moerenuma Park: A futuristic park featuring thousands of cherry blossom trees (Cherry Blossom Grove).

  • Enjoying Spring Festivals

    • Sapporo Lilac Festival (Mid to Late May): A celebration of Sapporo's signature lilac blossoms in Odori Park, complete with music performances, tea ceremonies, and food stalls.

    • Jozankei Koinobori: In early May, you can see hundreds of carp streamers flying over the river in the surroundings of Sapporo (such as in Jozankei Onsen).

    • Hot Spring Bathing in Jozankei Onsen After a full day of activities in the cool air, soaking in a natural onsen pool in the mountainous area of Jozankei (about 1 hour from the city center) is the best way to relax your body.

  • Spring Culinary Specialties

    • Genghis Khan (Mutton BBQ): Enjoying Hokkaido's signature grilled mutton paired with a cold local beer.

    • Spring Mountain Vegetables (Sansai): Trying tempura dishes made from nutrient-rich wild mountain shoots.

    • Hokkaido Fresh Milk Ice Cream: The cool weather is still perfect for enjoying Hokkaido's delicious pure dairy treats.

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Tips & Tricks

  • Clothing Strategy (Light Layering):

    • In April, stick to a heavy jacket/coat, sweater, and scarf.

    • In May, use a casual layering system (t-shirt/shirt, cardigan, and a light jacket/trench coat). Daytime temperatures can be warm, but once the sun sets, the temperature drops quickly.

  • Watch Out for Slippery Paths in April: Melting snow (slush) often makes sidewalks wet, muddy, or slippery during mornings and evenings. Wear waterproof shoes with deep-tread soles.

  • Book Early for Golden Week: Late April through the first week of May is Japan's national holiday season (Golden Week). Transport tickets and hotels sell out fast and prices surge, so make your bookings well in advance.

  • Use Sapica / ICOCA / Suica: For easy mobility on the Sapporo Subway or local buses, simply tap a contactless IC transportation card.

  • Take Advantage of the Underground Pedestrian Walkway (Chi-Ka-Ho): A massive underground walkway connecting Sapporo Station to Susukino. Extremely useful if it gets too cold outside or if it starts raining.

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