There’s Still Time To Catch Sakura Season. Here’s Where To Go
Missed cherry blossom season in Tokyo? There’s still time to hang out among the hanami at these spots in Hokkaido, where sakura season happens later than the rest of Japan.
Blooming good time: May 1 to 5
Huay to go for the best sakura views: Maruyama Park (above), where you can find the most hanami-zing views. The park brims with over 1,700 wild cherry trees, so yes, there will be pink — lots of pink — during sakura season. The park is connected to Hokkaido Shrine via a walkway flanked by cherry blossom trees, so dress up and snap that #OOTD here, then go to the Maruyama Zoo and Wild Forest, which is next to the park. City folk will appreciate the convenience of the sakura at Odori Park — it stretches across downtown Sapporo — one of the city’s prime spots for hanami appreciation amid the concrete jungle. Fuel up on Japanese snacks sold in the park while you're there.
Stay here for maximum convenience
This HomeAway vacation rental has both modern rooms and traditional tatami nooks that are great for your Instagram feed. But don’t spend all your time indoors — the apartment is conveniently located right beside Maruyama Park. Book at https://www.homeaway.com.sg/p4624823 (from $417).
Stay here if you're on a budget
At $62 per night, Hotel WBF Sapporo Susukino isn’t just one of the most affordable lodgings in the city, it’s also among the most central. It’s right smack in the city centre, and is a mere few minutes’ walk to Odori Park and other tourist spots like Sapporo TV Tower. Compare best deals for hotel rates at HotelsCombined.com.
Hakodate
Blooming good time: Apr 28 to May 2
Huay to go for the best sakura views: Goryogaku Park, tucked within the historical Fort Goryokaku. The best way to enjoy the sea of pink cherry blossoms is to head to the moat that surrounds the star-shaped fortress. Rent a row boat and take a leisurely 1.5km journey at the moat that lasts about 40 minutes.
Stay at: Hotel Paco Hakodate Bettei (from $125 per night), which boasts panoramic views, spacious rooms and its own onsen. Plus, it’s only 15 minutes away by car from from Goryogaku Park. Book at Hotels.com.
Shopping
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![We stan a kind-hearted boss with a good heart! 💕 Link in bio to read more
📍Rui Ji Chicken Rice
Blk 93 Toa Payoh Lor 4,
#01-48, S310093
📍148 Beach Road,
#B1-01 The Gateway,
S189720
📍Blk 305 Ubi Ave 1,
#01-179, S440305
[till 16 Apr 2024]
https://tinyurl.com/5dudypkh](https://onecms-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/s---y3eV-Ts--/c_fit,h_396,w_223/f_auto,q_auto/v1/8days-migration/17999638880322602.jpg?itok=Tiqm3SVR)
