Hasso-an (“eight-window tea house”) is a tea house said to have been designed by the tea master Enshu Kobori (1579-1647) and originally built in Shiga Prefecture. In 1919 Hasso-an was moved to Sapporo where it is located in Nakajima Park. Surrounding Hasso-an there is a small garden which was created in 1989 by Sokei Kobori, a tea master and a 12th generation descendant of Enshu Kobori.

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Japanese Gardens

The teahouse is located in the Japanese gardens which were opened in 1963. This tranquil and beautiful garden has a small pond inside and has a collection of stone lanterns modeled on famous originals from around Japan. This is a very relaxing spot to wander around in, particularly in Autumn, where you can see the changing leaves, and a must see. The best time is late October. Make sure you bring your camera! The gardens are closed in the winter.
 
 

Click here for more information on Nakajima Park

Emperor Meiji

Hoheikan started construction in 1879 and opened in 1881. It is the only hotel built buy the Meiji government and was opened for Emperor Meiji’s visit to Sapporo where he stayed for 4 days. It is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and is the oldest wooden hotel building in existence in Japan. It was originally located around Odori park but was relocated to Nakajima Park in 1958.  It was opened as a civic exchange centre after its restoration in 1958. The whole building was constructed in the American style, but the balcony and its accompaniments at the front of the building was constructed in European style. Its architecture is representative  of the early Meiji period and was built using traditional techniques.

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Hoheiken showcases a reproduction of the guest room where Emperor Meiji  stayed on his visit to Sapporo and there is a video available in the building that shows a short piece on the history of Hoheikan. Hoheikan acts not only as a historical building but as a popular spot for wedding venues. There is a restaurant and cafe, housed in the building, and guests can enjoy snacks here. The restaurant serves Japanese and French cuisine, and uses ingredients harvested in Hokkaidō prefecture!

Click here for more information on Nakajima Park

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!