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

Sapporo Lilac Season

Enjoy purple blooms in Odori Park

Kim Bergström
By Kim Bergström
Japan Travel Staff

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.

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Kim Bergström

By Kim Bergström

Japan Travel Staff

Purple perfection!
Part of the festival takes place at Odori Park
Odori Park has around 400 lilac trees to enjoy!

Information

Sapporo Odori Park

7 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042 (Directions)

odori-park.jp

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Join the discussion

Elizabeth S
Elizabeth S 4 years ago
Lilac is one of my favorite scents. I checked to see where they grow. Are they limited to Hokkaido? Do they grow in the Kanto region?
Reply
Sleiman Azizi
Sleiman Azizi 4 years ago
There are so many flower-themed festivals and celebrations in Japan.
Reply
Kim Bergström
Kim Bergström Author 4 years ago
It's something I feel fortunate to have experienced! Something to enjoy in every season!
Reply
Elena Lisina
Elena Lisina 4 years ago
We have many lilac bushes here, but they bloom later - usually in the end of May and the beginning of June. Besides usual (as in Sapporo) we have Persian lilac. We always search for a flower with 5 petals as it brings good luck, but a flower must be eaten. )))
Reply
Kim Bergström
Kim Bergström Author 4 years ago
I like hearing about different traditions from around the world!
Reply
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