
Best Parks & Green Spaces in Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan
1. Odori Park
A popular city park featuring annual events such as the Sapporo Snow Festival.
- Central Location: Ideally located in downtown Sapporo, making it easily accessible.
- Year-Round Activities: Offers activities throughout the year, including winter ice skating and summer concerts.
- Historical Significance: Has a rich history dating back to Sapporo's development as a city.
2. Moiwa Observatory Park
Park offering panoramic views of Sapporo from the top of Mt. Moiwa.
- Nighttime Illuminations: Features a stunning nighttime illumination display.
- Cable Car Access: Reach the top via a scenic cable car ride.
- Restaurants and Gift Shops: Offers restaurants, cafes, and gift shops at the observatory.
3. Tanukicoji Park
A small but charming park nestled in the heart of Sapporo's shopping district.
- Shopping Proximity: Located near major shopping streets like Susukino.
- Art Installations: Features unique and changing art installations throughout the year.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.
4. Fugaku Teichiku-en
A beautiful flower park showcasing over 600 varieties of roses.
- Rose Garden: Features one of the largest rose gardens in Japan.
- Seasonal Displays: Offers seasonal displays throughout the year, including tulips and irises.
- Botanical Library: Has a botanical library with over 30,000 books on plants and gardening.
5. Maruyama Park
The oldest park in Sapporo, famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms.
- Historical Significance: Established in 1876, it holds a special place in Sapporo's history.
- Cherry Blossom Trees: Over 200 cherry blossom trees bloom in late April to early May.
- Sapporo TV Tower Proximity: Located near the iconic Sapporo TV Tower.
6. Moon Park
A peaceful park designed to mimic the shape of a crescent moon.
- Unique Shape: The park's unique crescent shape makes it stand out.
- Art Installations: Displays changing art installations throughout the year.
- Scenic Pond: Features a picturesque pond with a waterfall.
7. Shikotsu-Toya National Park
A breathtaking national park known for its volcanic lakes and hot springs.
- Natural Beauty: Offers stunning natural landscapes, including two beautiful crater lakes.
- Hot Springs: Features numerous hot spring resorts for relaxation.
- Wildlife Spotting: Provides opportunities to spot rare wildlife like the Blakiston's fish owl.
8. Ishikari River Park
A large park along the Ishikari River offering walking trails and picnic areas.
- Riverfront Location: Offers a scenic view of the Ishikari River.
- Walking Trails: Provides well-maintained walking trails for exploring nature.
- Picnic Spots: Has numerous picnic spots for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.
9. Okurayama Lookout Park
A park offering panoramic views of Sapporo from Mt. Okura.
- Mountain Views: Provides breathtaking views of Sapporo and the surrounding mountains.
- Winter Olympics History: Was used as an Olympic ski jump during the 1972 Winter Olympics.
- Peace Memorial: Features a peace memorial dedicated to the A-bomb victims.
10. Sapporo Dome Park
A large park surrounding the Sapporo Dome sports stadium.
- Sports Stadium Proximity: Located next to the Sapporo Dome, home of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.
- Open Spaces: Offers vast open spaces for activities like picnics and frisbee.
- Concert Venue: Serves as a concert venue during summer, hosting famous artists.
11. Otaru Canal Park
A picturesque park along the historic Otaru Canal.
- Historic Canal: Features a beautifully preserved early 20th-century canal.
- Glassware Shops: Nearby glassware shops offer unique souvenirs.
- Scenic Walkway: Offers a scenic walkway with stunning views of the canal and surrounding buildings.
12. Sapporo White Ichiba
A large indoor market offering fresh seafood and local produce.
- Local Produce: Features a wide variety of Hokkaido's famous fresh produce.
- Seafood Specialties: Known for its seafood specialties like crab and scallops.
- Street Food Stalls: Offers a variety of street food stalls to try local delicacies.
13. Odori Park Zoo
A zoo located within Odori Park, featuring a variety of animals.
- City Location: Conveniently located in the heart of Sapporo.
- Animal Exhibits: Features a variety of animal exhibits, including pandas and polar bears.
- Children's Zoo: Has a children's zoo area with interactive activities for kids.
14. Sapporo Kokusai Park
A large park featuring sports facilities and a concert venue.
- Sports Facilities: Offers various sports facilities like tennis courts and a golf course.
- Concert Venue: Serves as an outdoor concert venue during summer.
- Green Spaces: Provides ample green spaces for relaxation and picnics.
15. Fureai Soko Park
A park featuring a unique underpass to observe wild birds.
- Wild Bird Observation: Offers an opportunity to observe various species of wild birds.
- Underpass Design: Features a unique underpass design for bird observation.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Provides a peaceful atmosphere for relaxation and bird watching.