| 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 | 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.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Contact | 011-3821-3323 |
| Notes | Sightseeing spot, parking for 40 (closed in winter), food stall on site, historical landmark |
| Location / Getting There | Located in the southern part of Hakodate city on the bluff. It's about a 20 minute drive south west, from Goryōkaku Park. If you need public transport, the closest station is Yachigashira tram station (seven stops from Hakodate tram station). From here it is a 16 minute walk south. 9-9 Sumiyoshicho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0045 |
Cape Tachimachi is on the south east side of the Hakodate headland. Rising thirty meters above sea level, Cape Tachimachi has beautiful views over the Tsugaru Strait. The word ‘Tachimachi’ is derived from the Ainu word ‘Yokoushi’ which means, a place to wait and catch fish. There is a small lookout point with equally stunning views down the coast. This cape is part of Hanamasu Park. The park is full of pink Hanamasu flowers which are indigenous to Hokkaido. On the way to the park, you pass through the Hakodate Shiei Sumiyoshimachi Kyodo Cemetery and the Grave of Ishikawa Takuboku, which is a fascinating area.
There is ample free parking here, though in the winter the parking may be closed from 16:00 during heavy snow in the winter. This spot is great to wander around, plus there are a couple of benches to take a seat and admire the views. There is a small food stall on the cape. They sell scallops, grilled corn, oden, potatoes and some local seafood sticks. All costing around ¥300. Other points of interest include monuments to Okada Kenzo, which is close by. Okada Kenzo was the founder and first director of the Hakodate Municipal Library.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9:30 - 20:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0138-23-3763 |
| Notes | Park, historical buildings, photography spot, kids playground, toilets, wheelchair access |
| Location / Getting There | Hakodate Park is located in the southern end of Hakodate City. It is near the base of Mt. Hakodate. Without a car, the best way to get to the park is to take the tram from Hakodate station and get off at Aoyagi-cho (¥230). It is a 2 minute walk from here. 3-15 Aoyagicho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0044 |
Hakodate Park is one of the gems in Hakodate. During the cherry blossom season from mid April to the beginning of May, it is covered in beautiful cherry blossoms and is one of the top spots in Hokkaido to enjoy these flowers. The blossoms here are stunning and a must see if you are in Hakodate at this time. The park was established in 1874, but was transformed into its current layout in 1879. The new park was proposed by Richard Eusden, the British Consul of Hakodate. The park has western elements to it and is home to many attractions and sightseeing spots.
The park is hugely popular in the spring time due to the cherry blossoms. Throughout the park you can find many other attractions that are there throughout the year. There are several historic colonial buildings here. These include the Kyushiritsu Hakodate Library, and the Hakodate City Museum. For those with kids there is a small amusement park, and a small zoo down the bottom of the park. Other points of interest include the grave of a German consul, Ludwig Haber. He was a murdered in 1874 by an anti foreign Japanese national. And up near the top, overlooking the park is a stone carving plus a small pavilion.
