Beni Sakura Park, Hokkaido | Complete Guide to Hidden Autumn Foliage Spot and Four Seasons’ Charm in Minami Ward, Sapporo
What is Beni Sakura Park – A Little-Known Japanese Garden in Sapporo’s Suburbs
Located at 389 Sumikawa, Minami Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido, Beni Sakura Park (べにざくらこうえん) is a private Japanese garden spanning approximately 25,000 tsubo (about 80,000 square meters). Also called “Benizakura Park,” “Benizakura Garden,” or “Benizakura Amusement Park,” it has been developed over more than 100 years by people who settled in this area during the Meiji period.
Despite being easily accessible from Sapporo city center—about 10 minutes by car from Makomanai Station on the Namboku Line—the park is surrounded by quiet forests, making it a true oasis in the urban landscape. Spread at the foot of a mountain called “Sakura Mountain,” the park features various facilities including a charming Japanese garden, a sukiya-style tea house, fishing ponds, a distillery, cafes, and a Genghis Khan restaurant. The beauty of Hokkaido’s nature harmonizes perfectly with the aesthetic of a Japanese garden reminiscent of Kanazawa’s Kenroku-en Garden.
The park was used as a filming location for the movie “Hotel Royale” released in November 2020, drawing attention for its fantastical scenery. Known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in fall, it is Sapporo’s premier hidden tourist attraction offering beauty in all four seasons.
Autumn Foliage at Beni Sakura Park – Best Viewing Times and Peak Season
Peak Foliage Season
The autumn foliage at Beni Sakura Park reaches its peak typically from mid-October to early November. Specifically, mid-to-late October is the peak period, when the trees throughout the park turn brilliant shades of red and yellow, creating the most beautiful landscape.
Since Hokkaido’s autumn colors arrive earlier than in Honshu, leaves begin changing color in early October, and from around October 15, vivid reds and yellows create striking contrasts. After November begins, leaf fall progresses gradually, though autumn foliage can still be enjoyed through early November.
Fantastical Reflections
The greatest charm of autumn foliage at Beni Sakura Park is the fantastical reflections mirrored in the park’s ponds and fishing holes. Trees dyed red and yellow reflect mirror-like in the water, creating a painting-like landscape where the foliage and its reflection become one.
Especially on calm, windless mornings, the water surface becomes mirror-like, offering the perfect opportunity to photograph beautiful reflections. The unique landscape combining the artificial beauty of a Japanese garden with Hokkaido’s natural environment is a charm found nowhere else but at Beni Sakura Park.
Expected Crowded Times
During peak foliage season, especially on weekends from mid-to-late October, many tourists and photography enthusiasts visit. To avoid crowds, the following times are recommended:
- Weekday mornings (right after opening to around 11 AM): Least crowded; enjoy foliage peacefully
- Late afternoon on weekdays (3 PM onward): Soft dusk light makes foliage particularly beautiful
- Right after opening on weekends: Early risers can enjoy relatively relaxed strolls even on weekends
Conversely, 11 AM to 2 PM on weekends tends to be the most crowded. Parking lots may fill to capacity, so avoid this time or plan for early arrival.
Spring Cherry Blossoms – Another Major Attraction
Beni Sakura Park is known not only for autumn foliage but also as a cherry blossom destination in spring. The park’s name “Beni Sakura” (紅櫻) expresses both spring’s cherry blossoms and autumn’s foliage.
Typically, cherry blossoms throughout the park bloom simultaneously from late April to early May. Since Hokkaido’s cherry blossoms bloom later than in Honshu, the best time is often around Golden Week, making it ideal for holiday tourism.
The contrast between cherry blossoms and the traditional Japanese garden’s charming buildings, along with cherry blossoms reflected in the pond, offer a different kind of beauty than autumn foliage. Visiting both spring and autumn to experience different sides of Beni Sakura Park is highly recommended.
Abundant Park Facilities – Fusion of Nature and Culture
Japanese Garden and Tea House
At the heart of Beni Sakura Park is a traditional Japanese garden. This strolling pond garden features artificially placed arched bridges, stone lanterns, and stepping stones, allowing visitors to enjoy the garden’s beauty from various angles while walking the paths.
The sukiya-style tea house offers experiences of authentic tea ceremony, while the main building also serves “Omae Coffee,” self-roasted on-site, allowing visitors to enjoy relaxed moments while gazing at the Japanese garden. The architectural beauty of the tea house and the garden’s harmony embodies the essence of traditional Japanese aesthetic.
Beni Sakura Distillery – Hokkaido’s First Craft Gin
The Beni Sakura Distillery, opened during renovation in 2017, has attracted attention as Hokkaido’s first full-fledged craft gin distillery. Gin distilled within the park uses Hokkaido-grown botanicals and possesses a unique flavor harmonizing with the park’s natural environment.
The distillery is open for tours (reservations may be required), where visitors can learn the gin-making process, participate in tastings, and make purchases. Special tasting events are sometimes held during spring festivals and other events, making it a must-see spot for spirits enthusiasts.
Dining Facilities – Soba Restaurant and Genghis Khan Restaurant
The park has a soba restaurant and a Genghis Khan restaurant, where visitors can enjoy Hokkaido cuisine.
The Genghis Khan restaurant serves Genghis Khan, a representative Hokkaido regional dish, while enjoying views of the Japanese garden. Especially during foliage season, dining on Genghis Khan while viewing colorful autumn leaves is an exceptional experience.
The soba restaurant serves freshly ground buckwheat noodles, ideal as a light meal after strolling. While the entrance fee is 500 yen, dining facility purchases result in the 500-yen entrance fee being deducted at checkout, making entry essentially free for those planning to eat.
Fishing Pond and Campground
For those wishing to experience nature, fishing ponds and a campground are available. The fishing pond offers seasonal fishing and is popular with families.
The campground sits in forests retaining much of their natural state, allowing visitors to escape urban bustle and relax peacefully. Operating from spring through autumn, foliage season camping is particularly popular and early reservations are recommended.
Access Information – Getting There from Sapporo City Center
Public Transportation Access
By Subway:
- Exit at Makomanai Station on the Namboku Line, then taxi for about 10 minutes
- Exit at Jieietai-mae Station on the Namboku Line, then walk about 25 minutes (about 2 km)
By Bus:
- Transfer to bus from Makomanai Station on the Namboku Line, then walk 5-10 minutes from nearest bus stop
- Since bus frequency is limited, checking the schedule in advance is recommended
Public transportation access is somewhat inconvenient, making taxi use most reliable. Taxi fares from Makomanai Station average 1,500-2,000 yen one way.
Car Access and Parking
From Sapporo City Center:
- Head south on National Route 230 (Ishiyama-dori), approximately 30 minutes
- Set GPS to “Sapporo City Minami Ward Sumikawa 389” or “Beni Sakura Park”
From New Chitose Airport:
- Via Doo-oh Expressway, approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
Parking:
- Free parking available (capacity approximately 50 vehicles)
- Parking may fill on weekends during foliage season, so early morning arrival is recommended
- If parking is full, consider nearby paid lots or returning at a different time
Operating Hours and Admission
Basic Information
Operating Hours:
- Normal period: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM)
- Hours may vary with seasons and events
- Winter closure or shortened hours possible; advance confirmation via official website is recommended
Admission Fee:
- Adults: 500 yen
- Using park dining facilities (soba restaurant, Genghis Khan restaurant, cafe, etc.) results in the 500-yen entrance fee being deducted at checkout
- For those planning to eat, entrance is essentially free
Closed Days:
- Irregular (winter closures possible)
- Special operating hours may apply during events
Event Information
Beni Sakura Park hosts various seasonal events:
- Spring Festival: Special events at Beni Sakura Distillery coinciding with cherry blossom blooming
- Autumn Foliage Night Illumination: Some years feature nighttime illumination during foliage season
- Distillery Tour: Special tours allowing visitors to learn the craft gin manufacturing process
Event details and latest information are continuously updated on the official website and SNS (Instagram: @benizakurakouen2017).
Nearby Autumn Foliage Spots to Beni Sakura Park
When visiting Beni Sakura Park, exploring nearby foliage spots is recommended. Several beautiful autumn foliage locations dot the Sapporo area.
Nishi-oka Park’s Autumn Foliage
Nishi-oka Park, located about 15 minutes by car from Beni Sakura Park in Toyohira Ward, Sapporo, is a nature-rich park. Centered on Nishi-oka Water Source Pond, this park’s foliage typically peaks from mid-to-late October.
Well-maintained wooden boardwalk paths allow foliage viewing while walking waterside. Unlike Beni Sakura Park’s Japanese garden-like beauty, Nishi-oka offers more natural autumn scenery. Known for bird watching, it allows simultaneous enjoyment of birdwatching and foliage viewing.
Nakajima Park’s Autumn Foliage
Nakajima Park, also a famous foliage spot, is conveniently located near Sapporo’s center, just a 20-minute drive from Beni Sakura Park and immediately adjacent to Nakajima Park Station on the Namboku Line.
Typically peaking mid-to-late October, the foliage around Shobu Pond is particularly praised. The park contains cultural facilities including the Hokkaido Literature Museum, Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara, and Toyohirakan, allowing combined foliage viewing and cultural experiences.
As a beloved foliage spot for residents enjoying walks and jogging, it offers vibrant autumn scenery contrasting with Beni Sakura Park’s serene atmosphere.
Jozankei Onsen Area Autumn Foliage
Jozankei, a famous hot spring destination in Sapporo’s suburbs, is also known for autumn foliage. About 40 minutes by car from Beni Sakura Park, it combines gorge beauty with foliage for stunning views.
Foliage typically peaks from early-to-mid October, arriving slightly earlier than Beni Sakura Park. Views from Futami Suspension Bridge and Nishiki Bridge are especially popular, with gorge-spanning foliage offering spectacular beauty.
Numerous day-use hot spring facilities allow relaxation in hot springs after foliage viewing. Combining Beni Sakura Park and Jozankei in a one-day tour is recommended.
Nearby Facilities Worth Visiting from Beni Sakura Park’s Autumn Foliage
Numerous worthwhile stops dot the areas around Beni Sakura Park. Combining foliage viewing with these attractions allows for more enriching Sapporo tourism.
Ishiyama Shrine
About 10 minutes by car from Beni Sakura Park, Ishiyama Shrine in Sapporo’s Minami Ward Ishiyama is a historic shrine. Created as a guardian deity of stone quarries, enormous stones are enshrined within the grounds.
Believed to grant blessings for matchmaking and safe childbirth, it is beloved by local residents. Shrine grounds also display autumn foliage in fall, allowing peaceful worship in quiet surroundings. Excellent access from Beni Sakura Park makes it ideal for visits during foliage tours.
Maruyama (Ropeway)
Maruyama, Sapporo’s representative observation spot, sits about 15 minutes by car from Beni Sakura Park. Riding the ropeway and mini cable car to the summit reveals stunning views of Sapporo city and Ishikari Bay.
Night views especially rank among “Japan’s Three Greatest Night Views,” renowned for romantic atmosphere. Base foliage also displays autumn beauty, with views from the ropeway offering another foliage attraction.
A restaurant at the summit allows dining while enjoying views. A luxurious foliage tour combining Beni Sakura Park’s Japanese garden foliage with Maruyama’s overview is possible.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari Shrine in Sapporo’s Chuo Ward received enshrined spirits from Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Taisha. Located about 20 minutes by car from Beni Sakura Park.
Twenty-seven shrine gates form a “thousand torii gates” line, with scarlet gates and foliage creating beautiful contrasts. Though relatively compact, it has gained recent popularity as an Instagram-worthy spot.
Positioned on highlands with Sapporo cityscape views from the grounds, it offers both foliage and scenery enjoyment.
Yahiko (Iyahiko) Shrine
Yahiko Shrine (Iyahiko Shrine) in Sapporo’s Chuo Ward received enshrined spirits from Niigata Prefecture’s Yahiko Shrine. Located approximately 25 minutes by car from Beni Sakura Park.
Positioned in the Maruyama area with nearby Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine, allowing shrine-hopping and foliage tours combined. This quiet residential-area shrine maintains a calm atmosphere, drawing local faith.
Toyohira Shrine
Toyohira Shrine in Sapporo’s Toyohira Ward, serving as local guardian deity, is about 15 minutes by car from Beni Sakura Park.
Located along the Toyohira River with autumn foliage in the shrine grounds, this community-focused shrine draws many visitors during New Year visits and shichigosan celebrations. Nearby Toyohira River embankment allows strolling.
Tips for Maximizing Enjoyment at Beni Sakura Park
Photography’s Best Times
For enjoying photography at Beni Sakura Park, these times are recommended:
- Early morning (right after opening): Dew-covered foliage and quiet water reflections are beautiful
- 10 AM to 11 AM: Sunlight softens while foliage colors display most vibrantly
- Late afternoon (one hour before closing): Sunset-illuminated foliage glows golden, creating magical atmosphere
Even cloudy days produce soft, even lighting allowing non-harsh contrast foliage photos.
Clothing and Necessities
Clothing:
- From mid-October onward, temperatures drop to around 10 degrees Celsius, making warm outer layers essential
- Though paths are maintained, comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Early morning and evening chill especially necessitates layering-friendly clothing
Necessities:
- Camera (smartphone photos suffice for beautiful images)
- Beverages (available in-park but bringing is convenient)
- Rain gear (Hokkaido autumn weather changes frequently)
Time Estimate
The following time frame serves as strolling estimate:
- Garden strolling only: 1-1.5 hours
- Strolling plus cafe/meal: 2-3 hours
- Strolling plus meal plus distillery tour: 3-4 hours
For leisurely strolling with photography and facility enjoyment, allocating a half-day is recommended.
Beni Sakura Park’s History and Cultural Background
Beni Sakura Park’s history reaches back to the Meiji period. People settling in this area developed over 100+ years a beautiful garden from what was formerly forest.
The area called “Sakura Mountain” was originally forest-covered, but careful maintenance and planned plantings created its unique landscape harmonizing Japanese garden aesthetics with Hokkaido’s nature.
The 2017 renovation preserved traditional Japanese garden appeal while adding modern facilities like the Beni Sakura Distillery and cafe, transforming it into a broad-appeal tourist destination. Use as filming location for “Hotel Royale” brought nationwide recognition of its beauty, establishing Beni Sakura Park as Sapporo’s notable tourist attraction.
Conclusion – Experience Hokkaido’s Four Seasons at Beni Sakura Park
Beni Sakura Park, situated at Sumikawa in Sapporo’s Minami Ward with accessible city access yet surrounded by quiet forests, is a hidden destination. Across its expansive 25,000-tsubo grounds, the Japanese garden displays spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage showcasing each season’s beauty.
Foliage typically peaks mid-to-late October, with fantastical pond reflections creating unseen-elsewhere scenery. Soba restaurants, Genghis Khan restaurants, cafes, and Hokkaido’s first craft gin distillery offer diverse facilities, allowing nature appreciation, gourmet dining, and cultural experiences.
The 500-yen entrance fee becomes essentially free through dining facility use, so enjoy meals and tea while spending leisurely time. Abundant nearby stops including Nishi-oka Park, Nakajima Park, Jozankei Onsen, Maruyama, and various shrines enable full-day Sapporo Minami Ward tourism.
Why not experience the special landscape where Japanese traditional beauty and Hokkaido nature merge at Beni Sakura Park, Sapporo’s hidden autumn foliage destination?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When is the best time to see autumn foliage at Beni Sakura Park?
A1: Typically mid-October to early November is the peak season, with mid-to-late October being the absolute best time. From around October 15, vivid red and yellow contrasts become visible, with the most beautiful fantastical reflections in ponds and fishing holes occurring during this period.
Q2: How much is admission to Beni Sakura Park?
A2: Admission is 500 yen. However, when using park dining facilities (soba restaurant, Genghis Khan restaurant, cafe, etc.), the 500-yen entrance fee is deducted at checkout, making entry essentially free for those planning to dine.
Q3: How do I access Beni Sakura Park?
A3: By public transportation, taking a taxi from Makomanai Station on the Namboku Line for approximately 10 minutes is most convenient. By car, approximately 30 minutes south from Sapporo city center via National Route 230, with free parking (approximately 50 spaces). Weekend parking fills quickly during foliage season, so early morning arrival is recommended.
Q4: Is Beni Sakura Park open in winter?
A4: Winter sees park closure or shortened hours. Hokkaido’s heavy snowfall makes normal strolling difficult. Before visiting, check official website or SNS for latest operating information. Spring cherry blossoms (late April-early May) and autumn foliage (mid-October-early November) are primary seasons.
Q5: What nearby tourist spots do you recommend around Beni Sakura Park?
A5: Many options exist. For foliage viewing, Nishi-oka Park (about 15 minutes by car), Nakajima Park (about 20 minutes), and Jozankei Onsen area (about 40 minutes) are recommended. Maruyama Ropeway (about 15 minutes) also offers Sapporo night views. For shrine-visiting, nearby options include Ishiyama Shrine, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Toyohira Shrine, allowing combined foliage and shrine-hopping day tours.
Q6: When is the best time for photography at Beni Sakura Park?
A6: Best times include early morning (right after opening) with dew-covered foliage and mirror-like water reflections, 10 AM-11 AM with soft sunlight and vivid foliage colors, and late afternoon (one hour before closing) with sunset-illuminated golden foliage. Calm, windless mornings offer mirror-like water surfaces creating the most beautiful reflections.
Q7: What facilities exist within Beni Sakura Park?
A7: The park features a Japanese garden, sukiya-style tea house, fishing ponds, campground, soba restaurant, Genghis Khan restaurant, self-roasted coffee cafe, and Hokkaido’s first craft gin distillery “Beni Sakura Distillery.” Visitors can enjoy matcha coffee while viewing gardens, observe gin manufacturing, and enjoy diverse experiences.
Q8: How can I avoid crowds at Beni Sakura Park?
A8: Mid-to-late October weekends are crowded. To avoid crowds, visit weekday mornings (opening to around 11 AM), late weekday afternoons (3 PM onward), or right after weekend opening. Weekends 11 AM-2 PM are most crowded with parking likely full, so avoid or arrive early.
