Purple perfection! (Photo: Devanath / CC0 1.0)

Sapporo Lilac Season

Enjoy purple blooms in Odori Park

Purple perfection! (Photo: Devanath / CC0 1.0)
Kim Bergström   - 1 min read

The Sapporo Lilac Festival has been running since 1959 as a way to recognize the beauty of these stunning springtime blooms, which have since been designated as the city's official tree. The festival is held across two parks; Odori Park (over 400 lilac trees), and Kawashimo Park (approximately 1700 lilac trees).

The event has plenty to enjoy aside from the flora, with a range of stage performances, tea ceremonies (with a unique lilac tea to sample!), a stamp rally, and more. On the first day of the festival, lilac seeds are also given out to attendees.

As this event depends on the seasons, dates can fluctuate annually. Plan for around mid-to-late May.

Getting there

To Odori Park

If you're visiting the area via public transport, the closest station is Odori Subway Station (served by the Namboku, Tozai, or Toho Lines) or a ten minute walk south from JR Sapporo Station (served by the Hakodate Main Line, the Chitose Line, and the Sassho Line).

To Kawashimo Park

Head to JR Shiroishi Station and look for the 23 bus. Alight at the Shiroishi Kokoseimon stop, and the park is approximately seven minutes away on foot.

More info

Find out more about Sapporo Odori Park.

Kim Bergström

Kim Bergström @kim.b

Almost 12 years living in Asia. Passionate about Japan's off-the-beaten-path spots, family-friendly travel, flower events (all of them!) and the amazing tea culture here.  🍵🌼🌸