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The last full day in Sapporo. Cherry blossoms in the morning, counter sushi for lunch, lamb chops for dinner, and a parfait to finish. If Day 2 was about ramen and curry, Day 3 was about everything else Sapporo does brilliantly.
- Morning Coffee: Love Espresso
- Cherry Blossoms at Maruyama Park & Hokkaido Shrine
- Lunch: Counter Sushi at Shiki Hanamaru — The Smartest Way to Eat Sushi in Sapporo
- Dinner: Lamb Chops at Yamaka — A Genuine Revelation
- Dessert: Shime-Parfait at Milk & Parfait White Cosy
- Day 3 Summary: The Best of Sapporo in One Day
Morning Coffee: Love Espresso
My brain and body don’t function without coffee. First stop, always, is a café.
We stopped at Love Espresso for a latte before heading out. It was exactly what I needed — clean, well-made, and the perfect fuel for a day of walking and eating.
Cherry Blossoms at Maruyama Park & Hokkaido Shrine
Sapporo’s Secret: A Second Chance at Spring
Here’s something most travelers don’t know: if you missed the cherry blossoms in Tokyo or Kyoto, you can catch them again in Sapporo.
While sakura typically peaks in late March in Tokyo, Hokkaido’s colder climate pushes the season to late April through early May. We visited at the end of April, and the timing was perfect — the blossoms were in full bloom.
It genuinely feels like getting a second chance at spring.
The Park & Shrine
A short subway ride brought us to Maruyama Park, and from there we walked toward Hokkaido Shrine. The approach to the shrine — a wide path lined with cherry trees, leading to a massive wooden torii gate — was breathtaking.
Unlike Tokyo’s humid spring, the air here was crisp and cool. The contrast between the delicate pink blossoms and the clean northern sky felt distinctly Hokkaido.
Don’t Miss the Festival Food Stalls
The path to the shrine was lined with yatai (屋台) — traditional Japanese festival food stalls. Grilled corn, yakisoba, skewers — eating street food under the cherry blossoms is the authentic Japanese hanami experience. Don’t skip it.
How to Get There
From Sapporo Station or Susukino:
- Take the Namboku Line (Green) to Odori Station
- Transfer to the Tozai Line (Orange) toward Miyanosawa
- Get off at Maruyama Koen Station (T06) — just 3 stops from Odori, approx. 5 minutes
- Take Exit 2 or 3, then walk 5–10 minutes through the park to reach the shrine torii gate
Note: Even in late April, the paths can be slippery. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.
Lunch: Counter Sushi at Shiki Hanamaru — The Smartest Way to Eat Sushi in Sapporo
Skip the 4-Hour Line
Everyone knows Hanamaru Sushi — one of Hokkaido’s most beloved conveyor belt sushi chains. The Stellar Place branch near Sapporo Station is famous, but the wait can stretch to 3–4 hours. Not ideal when you have a city to explore.
The smarter move: go to their sister restaurant, Machi-no-Sushiya Shiki Hanamaru.
Why This Place Is Special
Instead of a conveyor belt, this is a proper counter and table service restaurant where chefs prepare sushi right in front of you. The quality is the same — arguably better, since everything is made to order. And the price? Almost identical to the conveyor belt branches.
Reservations are accepted here (unlike the main Hanamaru branches), making it genuinely stress-free. The scallops were exceptional, and the fisherman’s soup was the kind of thing you think about long after the trip.
A Note on Sushi Culture
It’s interesting how sushi has evolved differently around the world. In North America, elaborate sauce-heavy rolls have long been the norm (and still are, in many cities). More recently, expensive omakase has become the marker of “authentic” sushi in places like New York and LA.
But here’s the local reality: Japanese people love casual sushi. Especially in Hokkaido, where the seafood quality is extraordinary, a casual counter restaurant like this rivals high-end restaurants in Tokyo. You don’t need to spend a fortune to eat brilliantly here.
Restaurant Info: Machi-no-Sushiya Shiki Hanamaru (Susukino Branch)
Check current hours before visiting
Address: 2F Recolte Sapporo, 4-2-4 Minami 4-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Reservations: Accepted — highly recommended
Style: Counter and table service (not conveyor belt)
Dinner: Lamb Chops at Yamaka — A Genuine Revelation
For dinner, we headed to Sumiyaki Genghis Khan Yamaka — a local favorite for Jingisukan (Genghis Khan), the Hokkaido tradition of grilling lamb over charcoal.
I’ll be honest: I was so overwhelmed by how good the lamb chops were that I completely forgot to take photos. That, I think, is the best possible review I can give.
The lamb was tender, smoky, and completely free of the gaminess that puts some people off lamb. Paired with cold beer and the casual energy of a local izakaya, it was the kind of dinner that makes you wish you had another night in the city.
Reservations are strongly recommended — this place fills up fast, especially on weekends.
Restaurant Info: Sumiyaki Genghis Khan Yamaka
Check current hours before visiting
Address: 1F Plaza 6.4 Bldg, 4-1 Minami 6-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Reservations: Accepted and highly recommended
Dessert: Shime-Parfait at Milk & Parfait White Cosy
No final night in Sapporo is complete without a shime-parfait — the local tradition of ending the evening with a parfait, usually after dinner or drinks.
We went to Milk & Parfait Yotsuba White Cosy at Sapporo Stellar Place. Run by Yotsuba, one of Hokkaido’s most respected dairy brands, the soft serve here is extraordinarily rich and milky — a fitting final note to three days of exceptional eating.
Practical note: Unlike most shime-parfait spots that stay open late, this café closes at 9:00 PM. Plan accordingly — it works well as an early dessert after dinner rather than a late-night stop.
Café Info: Milk & Parfait Yotsuba White Cosy
Reservations: Not accepted — expect a line
Address: B1F Sapporo Stellar Place Center, 2-5 Kita 5-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Access: Directly connected to JR Sapporo Station (Center Basement Floor)
Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (L.O. 8:00 PM)
Day 3 Summary: The Best of Sapporo in One Day
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Coffee at Love Espresso |
| Mid-morning | Cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park & Hokkaido Shrine |
| Lunch | Counter sushi at Shiki Hanamaru (Susukino) |
| Dinner | Lamb chops at Yamaka |
| Dessert | Shime-parfait at White Cosy (Stellar Place) |
Three days in Sapporo. Miso ramen, soup curry, soft serve, sushi, lamb, cherry blossoms, onsen. I came for the food and the sakura — and left having experienced one of the best cities in Japan for both.
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