| Admission | ¥ 600 per boat Up to 3 people per boat |
| Opening Hours | - |
| Closed | Winter |
| Contact | 011-521-1019 http://www.sapporo-park.or.jp/nakajima/lang/english.html |
| Getting There | 1-15 Nakajimakōen, Chūō-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaidō 064-0931, Japan. Catch the "Nanboku-sen" (Green line) subway to Nakajima-koen station or Horohirabashi Station. |
After the winter has finally shed its cloak and the snow has melted away, NAKAJIMA PARK is a great place to walk around and take in the sights and smells of spring. Shobu pond sits in the heart of the park and during spring, summer and autumn the public can take out the boats and slowly float along its surface.
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The boats fit up to 3 people and cost a very modest ¥600 per boat for 40 minutes. Its the perfect opportunity to wind down and enjoy the park via the water. Float around or tune up your boating skills. Nakajima Park is home to a large family of ducks and they will happily swim up to the boats which adds to the serenity. After your paddle around the pond, why not lay out a blanket on the banks and have a picnic and lay back with that special someone.
Click here for more information on Nakajima Park
One of Japans oldest and most famous symbols is that of the cherry blossom (sakura). Such is the beauty of this national flower that the practice of “Hanami” (cherry blossom viewing) started over 1000 years ago. Under the sakura trees, people had lunch and drank sake in cheerful feasts. This tradition is as popular now as it was back then. BBQ’s, quiet picnics, lunches and of course, the consumption of beer and wine are very popular all over the country. In Japan, cherry blossoms symbolize clouds due to their nature of blooming en masse, and are said to be an enduring metaphor for the ephemeral nature of life.
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So! With that in mind, when and where is the best spot in Hokkaido to have a Hanami, get some good cherry blossom pics, or to simply walk around and enjoy the beauty of these flowers?
First, the when. Hokkaido’s cherry blossoms come out in early May! Usually in the first or second week. Cherry blossoms are very fleeting, and the blooming is usually over within 2 weeks. Full bloom (mankai) is usually reached within about one week after the first blossoms (kaika) open. Another week later, the blooming peak is over and the blossoms are falling from the trees. Strong wind and rain can cut the blooming season even shorter. Hokkaido is the last place in Japan for cherry blossoms to bloom, as the warm weather travels north.
Next, is the where! There are hundreds of great spots to see the cherry blossoms in Hokkaido, but these are our picks for the top ten spots in Hokkaido.
1) Matsumae Park
Noted as one of Japans top sakura viewing spots, Matsumae is Hokkaido’s number one place for viewing cherry blossoms. Sitting at the bottom of Hokkaido it is a trek to get there. There are approximately 10,000 sakura trees. The Matsumae Sakura Festival is held here during the hanami season, usually from late-April to mid-May each year. In addition, The Matsumae Castle, Ryuunin Temple, Kozenji Temple, Sakura Museum, and Matsumae Shrine are a must see and all are inside the park grounds.
2) Fort Goryokaku
Located in Hakodate, Goryokaku is a star shaped fort and was built in the last years of the Edo Period. This beautiful public park is home to more than 1600 cherry trees. There is a 107 meter observation deck where you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the massive star-shaped fortress filled with tons of cherry blossoms, the Mt. Hakodate range, and the ocean in the distance.
3) Hakodate Park
Also in Hakodate this park is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing and especially for Hanami – picnics and BBQ’s under the sakura trees. In this park there are street food stalls, a fountain, children’s playground and a mini zoo. What makes this spot unique is that it is set up for Yozakura which is night time viewing!
4) Shizunai Nijukken Road
Nijukken Road in Shizunai is also said to be on the list of Japan’s top 100 hanami spots. The road is very straight, about 7 kilometers long and 36 meters wide, and is lined with approximately 3,000 sakura trees. It is said to be the longest row of cherry trees in Japan and offers you an amazing tunnel of cherry blossoms so a car is needed. There are places to stop and walk along the path and get some great photos! The best time to see sakura here is from early May to mid May. Also home to the Shizunai Sakura Festival. For more information look at our article on Shizunai Cherry Blossom Festival.
5) Nakajima Park
Perfect spot for a picnic
Nakajima Park has been listed as one of “100 most popular urban parks in Japan.” Like other planned Japanese gardens, Nakajima Park changes with seasons. Definitely a great place to take a stroll. The park highlights both early and late blooming cherry trees of different kinds. Where as Maruyama park has tonnes of BBQ’s going on, and lots to do, Nakajima park is a lot more tranquil, due to its bigger area. Nakajima park is more suited to a quiet picnic under the trees.
6) Moerenuma Park
Designed and built by Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi, this park took 7 years to complete. There are many things to see at this park but for cherry blossoms there is a whole section called the ‘Sakura no Mori’ or ‘Forest of Cherry Trees’. It has about 2300 sakura trees of different kinds. There are also huge grass areas where you can have a picnic and unwind. Great spot for walking around!
7) Maruyama Park
Cherry blossom season
Maruyama park is located in Sapporo and is easy to get to! Probably, the top place for hanami in Sapporo. There are lots of stalls, and lots of BBQ’s and picnics going on during this time! Maruyama park is also home to Hokkaido Shrine. The path to the shrine is lined with sakura trees so it makes for a breathtaking sight as you look down to and from the shrine. Maruyama also has plum blossoms on the grounds. Though not as stunning as the sakura trees, these stay in bloom much longer and are still worth a look!
8) Asahiyama Park
Shrine among the cherry blossoms
Asahikawa is famous for its ramen (chinese noodles) and Asahiyama zoo, which is the biggest in Hokkaido. It also can lay claim to having a fantastic park to view cherry blossoms, so coming in at no. 8 is Asahiyama park in the central city of Asahikawa. This park is an excellent spot for parties, picnics and enjoying the atmosphere to the fullest. The cherry trees here are also lit up at night so yozakura (sakura night viewing) is also on the menu! This park is home to more than 3000 wild sakura trees.
9) Noboribetsu Onsen Sakura Tunnel
Noboribetsu Onsen is said to be the most famous hot spring resort in Hokkaido. The road leading from the JR Noboribetsu Station to Noboribetsu Onsen is lined with about 2000 Ezo Yamazakura cherry trees. It’s a fantastic road to cruise along in your car or motorbike, breath in the mountain air and enjoy the cherry blossom tunnel! Mid May is said to be the best time to see these cherry blossoms!
10) Seiryuji Temple
Last and coming in at no.10 you will have to travel east, far east to the city of Nemuro. Situated on the eastern most point of Hokkaido the sakura trees are located on the grounds of the Seiryuji Temple. The trees are Chishima-zakura cherry trees and they feature one of the oldest cherry blossom trees, which is 150 years old! These are known as the ‘Trees of Nemuro’. Because Nemuro is one of the last places for the cherry blossom trees to bloom, it is best to go around mid May.
Ungyō
Chuo-ji is a Buddhist Temple located in downtown Sapporo, in Susukino (the entertainment district). It is not a big temple in regards to temples in Japan but its a good temple to go and check out and experience a little of the Japanese culture. The entrance is framed by a two story gate. The gate, as typical with most Buddhist temples, is guarded by the Nio or Kongōrikishi. These two muscle bound guardians are carved from wood and according to Japanese tradition, travelled with Gautama Buddha to protect him. These two characters, named Agyō and Ungyō, together symbolize the birth and death of all things. The entrance is a nice spot to take some photos.
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Chuo-ji practises ‘zazen’. Zen is the belief that every human being is born with clear minds and the capacity to live in an open-minded way. Chuo-ji is free to enter but they do offer Zen classes for a fee of ¥500 which is held in the Temple Zazen Hall. This is held on Sundays and they offer this course in English! The program is 3 hours and runs until midday, so why not try something new AND relaxing!
| 8:20 am | Zazen instruction (for newcomers) |
| 9:00 am | Zazen begins |
| 9:30 am | Kinhin (walking meditation) |
| 9:35 am | Teisho (dharma talk) 2nd zazen session |
| 10:05 am | Kinhin (walking meditation) |
| 10:10 am | Fukanzazengi chant |
| 10:20 am | Zazen Hall cleaning period |
| 11:10 am | Tea and discussion |
| 11:50 am | Zazenkai ends |
Tax counter
Daimaru department store was opened in 2003 in connection with Sapporo station and JR Tower. Daimaru is a high end department store and contains 8 floors and 4 basement floors, including parking. It has wifi, Chinese interpreters, store information & signage in English, Chinese, Thai, Korean, and Japanese. China Union Pay, VISA, JCB, Master, Amex, and Diners cards are accepted.
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| Floor Guide | |
| 8th Floor | Restaurant area, Pokemon Center Sapporo Stationery, Office supplies, Glasses, Art gallery |
| 7th Floor | Japanese and Western tableware, Kitchenware, Japanese arts & crafts, Lifestyle & Interior goods, Kimonos Tax Refund Counter |
| 6th Floor | Men's clothes, Men's shoes, Haberdashery, Gentlemen's bags, Golf wear, Traveling gear ATM |
| 5th Floor | Women's wear, Jewelry, Clocks and watches |
| 4th Floor | Women's wear, Women's underwear, Baby & Children's' Clothes, Toys |
| 3rd Floor | Women's wear Prayer Room |
| 2nd Floor | Women's shoes, Handbags, Women's clothing, Women's wear |
| 1st Floor | Special Boutique, Cosmetics, Accessories, Women's clothing Interior Information Desk, Cloakroom |
| B1 Floor | Food items, Hokkaido made souvenirs, household dishes, Japanese and Western sweets Japanese and Western liquors, beers |
| B2 - B4 Floor | Parking |
Japanese cuisine
The restaurants are open longer than the shops and close at 10 pm. There are many restaurants to choose from. Soba, eel, udon, sushi, okonomiyaki, tempura, yakitori (grilled meat on sticks) and other Japanese style restaurants can be found here. Other restaurants include Chinese, hamburg (grilled meat patties), Italian, fried pork cutlet, and a popular buffet style restaurant are located here.
The tax free counter is located on the 7th floor, just follow the signs! The tax refund amounts to 6.9%. You will need to bring your passport, the receipt, and the purchased good. Any items purchased over ¥5400 in total for that days spending is available for a tax refund. When you purchase your goods, the staff will ask if you have your passport for this service.
| Admission | – |
| Opening Hours | 10:30am - 8:00pm |
| Closed | – |
| Contact | 0120-866-201 |
| Notes | - |
| Location / Getting There | Sapporo-shi, Chūō-ku, Minami 1 Jōnishi, 3 Chome, 南1条西3丁目LA GALLERIA 2 minute walk from Odori Station |
Let’s go shopping! H&M has a few stores dotted around Japan and it wasn’t until 2013 that it opened its doors to the Sapporo public. H&M has been and is a popular retail store for many Japanese and overseas travelers alike. H&M Sapporo is located in the heart of the city. It’s a short walk from Odori station which makes it convenient to get to. It takes up 4 floors and covers apparel for men, women and children.
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Peruse at your leisure
H&M clothing is a popular brand, especially with the younger crowd as its prices are quite affordable. The biggest draw card though, for the H&M store is its SALES. Every time an eager shopping enters its doors there always seems to be a sale on. Prices for many items can drop as far as ¥300 for an item. Don’t be surprised to see a winter coat or summer dress have its price slashed from around ¥5000 to ¥500! And, after your shopping spree, there are a dozen coffee shops close by to sit back, rest your feet, and relax.
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | 1200 yen - 1500 yen |
| Opening Hours | 11:30 - 15:00 & 17:30 - 23:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | http://samurai-curry.com/ 011-272-3671 |
| Notes | Menu available in English |
| Location | 〒060-0063 Hokkaidō, Sapporo-shi, Chūō-ku, Minami 3 Jōnishi, 6 Chome, 南3条西6丁目1-3 ティアラ３６ |
Choice selection
Samurai Soup Curry Sakura is the one of best soup curries in Sapporo. There are 4 stores located around Sapporo, and each serves up a delicious soup curry, time and time again. This soup curry chains’ philosophy is to put its focus and appreciation into 5 disciplines; the soup, the rice, the vegetables, the atmosphere, and the customer service. The thing which differs this soup curry restaurant from other soup curries is its extras that can be added which really makes this one the top soup curry restaurants around.
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Fresh vegetables
The menu offers the usual ingredients, chicken, chicken and vegetables, pork, vegetables, and sea food dishes though Samurai Soup Curry has its unique style. Most of the ingredients are Hokkaido grown and are absolutely delicious. What makes Samurai unique is its offers extras to its menu. The chicken can be normal or crispy (a personal favorite), or you can select the special local Shiretoko chicken which is more juicy and succulent. The vegetable dish can be upgraded to a selection of 20 vegetables in season, which are locally produced and adds so much to the flavor.
Chicken & 20 Vegetables
The biggest feature is the option of coconut milk which really adds to the flavor. All these options require and extra 300 yen added to the bill but they’re definitely worth the extra investment!The stores aren’t huge so smaller groups are recommended. As with other soup curry restaurants, be prepared to wait a while especially around dinner time. And “a while” can take anywhere from 5 minutes to 30 minutes. Still, soup curries are awesome, especially having one in a nice warm, cozy restaurant out of the winter chill. Samurai Soup Curry Sakura is one of the best in Sapporo and well worth the visit!
