| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 - 17:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 011-582-0050 |
| Notes | Sightseeing spot, bird watching, walking trails, parking available, walking spot, jogging spot, picnic area, photography spot |
| Location / Getting There | From "Sumikawa Station" on the Namboku Subway Line, take the Chuo Bus Nishioka Loop Line [Sumi 73] or [Sumi 74]. Get off at "Nishioka Sugenike". It is a 28 minute drive from central Sapporo. 487 Nishioka, Toyohira Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-0039 |
Nishioka Park is located in the southern suburbs of Sapporo. The main feature of this huge park is the equally huge pond at its center. The water feature was originally constructed as a water supply facility for the former army (25th Infantry Regiment) in the Meiji era. Construction started in June 1891 with the blocking of the Tsukisamu River. It wasn’t until 1977 that the land and reserve became Nishioka Park. This waterside park is famous for flora and fauna. A great spot for bird watchers and nature lovers. Take a stroll along the raised paths over the marshlands where you can observe abundant mammals, wild birds, dragonflies, and the fireflies (which come out late July).
The park has a few different areas to wander around in. At the top of the park, there is an observation deck and community center. In this area you can find pine trees and cherry blossoms during the spring. Following the paths, they all lead down to the water. The path crosses over running streams, and grass areas for those who want to sit and have a picnic. There is also a camping ground here! The iconic structure overlooking the pond is the small intake tower. Hexagon in shape, this wooden tower is a nice photo opportunity.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Contact | 011-681-3940 |
| Notes | Sightseeing spot, parking available, walking spot, jogging spot, park golf, baseball ground & football ground available to rent, picnic area, cherry blossoms, photography spot |
| Location / Getting There | Get off at 'Kita 24jo Station' on the Namboku Subway Line. At Kita 24jo Bus Terminal No. 1, take the Chuo Bus Kita 72 bound for Maeda Forest Park and get off at Maeda Forest Park Entrance. For those driving, it is 30 minute drive north from Sapporo Station. Take route 125 and head north. 591-4 Teinemaeda, Teine Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 006-0829 |
Maeda Forest Park began construction in 1982 and was finally completed ten years later. This park has beautiful landscaping and paths to access, plus half the park is made of forest area. The main feature of the park is the long shallow canal that runs in line with a view of Mt. Teine on the horizon. The canal is 600 metres in length and 15 metres wide, and is lined with 240 Poplar trees. The views from the observation lounge are really amazing so be sure to bring your camera. The design of this area in particular has a very European ambience and photos could easily be mistaken as a foreign postcard from distant lands.
The canal is the perfect backdrop to go running, jogging, or even for a stroll. You can enjoy the four seasons. The summer activities, the cherry blossoms in spring, and the beautiful changing leaves in the autumn. The park has numerous paths and spaces that can be used recreationally. The soccer field, baseball ground can be hired out (contact through the website), plus there is a park golf course as well. During the warmer seasons there are numerous flowers and fauna that can be observed, including lilacs and wisteria. You can make a day of it as well by making use of the BBQ area. In the winter, there is a large hill for sledding and snowboarding. Maeda Forest Park is one of the best parks to visit in Sapporo!
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Contact | 011-3642-2111 http://www.town-kyogoku.jp/kanko-event/fukidashi-park/ |
| Notes | Sightseeing spot, parking available, fresh water spring, cherry blossoms, picnic area, jogging spot, restaurants at park, bathrooms, children play area, photography spot |
| Location / Getting There | Fukidashi Park is on the western side of Mt. Yotei. It is between the districts of Kutchan and Kimobetsu and is a 90 minute drive from Sapporo. Take Route 276, and turn right onto route 784. 45 Kawanishi, Kyogoku Town, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0131 |
Fukidashi Park is a relaxing and beautiful park by Mt. Yotei. What makes this park so popular is the pristine waters that can be found flowing along its streams. The ice-cold waters flow down from Mt. Yotei and can be collected by visitors so be sure to bring some water bottles and containers to fill up! Containers can be bought at the park. The water is channelled by various wooden outlets and tourists and locals alike line up to get access to the spring water (this park can get very crowded). There are numerous tree lined paths and wooden walkways to gain access and invite visitors to enjoy the tranquility. Moss covered stones and pleasant streams makes it feel like a scene from a fantasy movie.
The entrance and parking is at the top of the park. Here, there is lush grasslands, and a play area for the kids. During the spring, you can find beautiful cherry blossoms here. There is also a large log cabin from the parking lot which serves as a souvenir store and restaurant. Following the numerous winding paths you can find a nice grove with stone effigies among the trees. Down the bottom, at the water collection point, there is a small lake plus a restaurant to enjoy a lunch overlooking the streams. Fukidashi Park is gorgeous in all seasons and the water here is crisp and fresh, so be sure to take some home with you!
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | Times vary |
| Contact | 011-3622-1099 |
| Notes | Catholic church, parking available |
| Location / Getting There | The church is located in central Kutchan. It is a 13 minute walk from Kutchan station. Can be accessed from route 276 which runs through the center of town. 1 Chome Kita 5 Jonishi, Kutchan, Abuta District, Hokkaido 044-0055 |
Not only can you find Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples throughout the cities and towns of Hokkaido, but there are also churches where people can practice their faith. Many smaller towns don’t have churches but Kutchan is a larger town and the Kutchan Catholic Church is the main church here. The church is on a large plot of land and is made up of a few buildings, one which also serves as a kindergarten. The church opening times in Sunday say from 9:00 in summer and 10:00 in winter, but it is best to call beforehand as the times may vary.
The church has a small parking area for those driving in. During the warm spring months, there are a couple of cherry blossom trees on the premises. The church has a nice view of Mt. Yotei. Also on the church grounds, you can find a nice statue of the Virgin Mary. The statue has been placed in a small hillock and is surrounded by vines which flower during the summer. The spot makes for a good photo. For those driving, the church is easily accessed from the main road that runs through the town of Kutchan. If you are taking public transport, it is not a far walk from the train station. Alternatively, you can take a taxi during the winter.
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥1000 |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 - 16:30 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0136-22-5705 |
| Notes | Coffee shop, small grocery store, wifi, seating 16, parking, wheelchair access, no smoking |
| Location / Getting There | This cafe is located in central Kutchan. It is at the front of Tsutaya book and DVD rental. Can be accessed from route 5 which runs through Kutchan. 〒044-0031 Hokkaido, Abuta District, Kutchan, Minami 1 Jonishi, 1−27 |
In the center of Kutchan and on the main street you can find a very nice small cafe called Vida Café. It is part of the Tsutaya book store and is located on the corner with large glass windows overlooking the parking lot. At this cafe you can pick up a simple coffee or a light snack. The menu has pictures and the friendly speak English. For those from overseas, it is easy to order. The food menu is small but enough. They have hashed beef with rice, pizza and an omelette dish on the menu, plus a few coffees. The comfortable seats are the perfect spot to enjoy a nice meal.
This coffee shop also serves as a small store. The cafe sells souvenirs, plus it has a lot of food items to take home. They have a huge range of curries to buy. These curries are pre mixed and are easy to make a delicious meal. There are plenty of other snacks on the shelves. There are also magazines and brochures to flip through while sipping on your coffee, hot chocolate or tea, plus there is free wifi here. This is one of the few places in Kutchan in which to relax, have a light meal and enjoy a tea. It is also just across the road from the Lucky supermarket so there is plenty of parking.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Contact | 011-1251-0438 https://odori-park.jp/ |
| Notes | Sightseeing spot, paid parking underground, festivals throughout the year (see below), toilets at park |
| Location / Getting There | Odori Park runs horizontally right through the middle of Sapporo. It is a 10 minute walk from Sapporo Station. It is also directly above Odori Subway station. The park can be easily accessed from 3 subway stations along the Tozai Line (subway orange line). 7 Chome Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0042 |
Odori Park is the most famous park in Sapporo, if not Hokkaido. It runs through the heart of Sapporo and is home to the some of the biggest festivals throughout the year. The park runs for twelve blocks and separates the city into north and south. At the eastern most end you can find the iconic TV Tower which has great views overlooking the park. The park was originally constructed as a large street, which also served as a firebreak in 1871. In 1872, the street was named ‘Shiribeshi Dōri’ but this name was not popular so it was renamed ‘Odōri’ in June 1881. Odori meaning ‘large street’ in English. The park itself didn’t become a park until 1909.
Annual Events at Odori Park
| February (2nd week) | Sapporo Snow Festival |
| May (middle of the month) | Lilac Festival. |
| June (2nd week) | Yosakoi Soran Festival |
| July (from mid July) | Sapporo Beer Garden Jazz Festival |
| August (to mid August) | Sapporo Beer Garden |
| September | Sapporo Autumn Festival |
| November (end of month) | Sapporo White Illumination |
The park is hugely popular especially during the warmer months. There are benches that line the park, and the grass areas throughout the park are a great spot to sit and have lunch, or a drink, and relax. There are numerous fountains to admire and to dip your feet in the hotter months. Swings, slides, a stage for performances, and beautiful flower gardens can be found throughout the park. On the western most block are the rose gardens and the Sapporo City Museum. Big events are held at Odori Park. The biggest being the Summer Beer Garden and the Snow Festival are at this park.
