At one time Nakajima park was originally a lumber yard but after it stopped being used the locals put forth the notion that it be turned into a park so in 1887 Nakajima park was born.  Covering 21 hectares Nakajima is one of the main parks situated in southern Sapporo. It’s a great place to experience all the seasons and there is a lot to do and see. In the snowy winter, the park offers a cross-country skiing course with free access to equipment, such as shoes, skis, and poles, so you don’t have to go all the way to the slopes to enjoy winter sports. In the spring Nakajima park has a large array of cherry blossoms and is a beautiful area to walk around and take photos.

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The park has about 5,000 trees, including the Japanese red spruce, yew, gingko Ezo mountain cherry, and the Japanese elm and wisteria. During summer Sapporo holds the Hokkaido Shrine Festival. The festival has events around Sapporo and Nakajima Park is no exception. Its walkways and roads are bustling with shops, and stalls, game stands and a couple of haunted houses and rides for the kids. It’s a busy time with throngs of people flocking to Nakajima Park to enjoy the festivities. Autumn, as with spring, is a good time to walk around the park and take in the amazing hue of the autumn leaves. Not a bad place for a picnic, or to relax by the large inner pond in the warm autumn sun.

 

 

Shobu Pond By spring after Shobu pond has opened up and the ice has melted, boats are available for rental to paddle around. For 40 minutes you can relax on the water. Great place for a date and to enjoy the spring air. Brinf some bread and feed the ducks. For more information, check out our boating article.

 

 

Hoheikan Building.This historical building and was built in 1880 and served as a guest house and hotel. Famous as it is the oldest wooden hotel in Japan and was opened to commemorate the arrival of Emperor Meiji.  He stayed here for 4 nights. It now serves mainly as a wedding spot and is classed as an important cultural property. For more information check out Hoheikan Building

 

 

Japanese Garden.This was opened in 1963 and houses the Hassaon  (literally meaning “the eight window hut”) tea house. The tea house was designed in the Edo period and was moved to Sapporo in 1919. Hassoan is opened from the end of April to the early part of November. Entry into the hut is not permitted but you are able to look into the house through three shoji that are kept opened. Tea ceremonies several times a year. For more information check out Japanese Garden & Tea House

 

 

Kitara Concert Hall The park contains the
Sapporo Concert Hall, also known as “Kitara”. Opened in 1997, it is the largest concert hall in Hokkaido, and houses a large main hall, small chamber music hall, and rehearsal rooms. A restaurant, nursery room, and museum shop are also located in the building.