Sapporo Park Guide 2025: Odori Park & Top 7 Must-Visit Parks for Nature, Culture & Festivals
Sapporo is the prefectural capital of Hokkaido and serves as the central hub for Hokkaido's economy and culture. Buildings essential for understanding Hokkaido's history and restaurants where you can savor Hokkaido's cuisine are scattered throughout the area, making it one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations.
Hokkaido, where Sapporo is located, is positioned in the northern part of Japan and temperatures remain relatively low throughout the year. While winter requires attention to snowfall, summer is refreshing and has a reputation for being easy to tour.
Sapporo has many tourist attractions, and there are numerous Parks and Hiking Spots where you can experience magnificent nature. From here, we will introduce Parks around Sapporo and its surrounding areas where you can fully enjoy nature, along with their attractions.
Sapporo Has Many Parks Where You Can Enjoy Events and Rich Nature
Sapporo has numerous parks where you can enjoy events and rich nature. Because they are located within the vast expanse of Hokkaido, each park is spacious and allows for a relaxing experience. Normally, visitors can experience nature surrounded by colorful flowers and trees, and depending on the season, numerous events that can be enjoyed by people of all ages are held, so the parks are always bustling with many people.
When I traveled to Sapporo, I explored various parks myself. Each park was full of charm with its own unique character, and what I intended as a brief rest turned into extended stays as I lost track of time. Events held in the parks can be checked in advance on their websites, so I recommend checking before you go
First, Let's Visit Sapporo's Symbol "Odori Park"
If you're going to explore parks in Sapporo, first visit Sapporo's symbol, "Odori Park."
"Odori Park" is located in the center of Sapporo and stretches approximately 1.5 km from Odori Nishi 1-chome to Odori Nishi 12-chome. As a symbol of the international city of Sapporo, the park is divided into five themes and zones:
- Flowers: Sunken Garden Zone
- Gathering: Play & Event Zone
- Frontier: History & Culture Zone
- Oasis: Water & Light Zone
- Exchange: International Exchange Zone
The zones are divided according to themes, and the attractive point is that you can enjoy different charms in each area.
Scenery and Atmosphere Colored by Roadside Flower Beds and Trees
When you visit the park, enjoy the scenery and atmosphere colored by the flower beds and trees along the roadside!
The roadside flower beds include "Spring flower beds (late April - late June)," "Summer flower beds (late June - late August)," "Perennial flower beds (late April - late October)," and "Sponsor flower beds (late April - late October)." The lush trees offer fresh green foliage from spring to summer and autumn colors in the fall. Since you can enjoy different scenery depending on the season, it's understandable that there are many repeat visitors.
As a place where you can easily feel nature while being in the city, it's popular not only with locals but also with tourists using this comprehensive Sapporo Park Guide 2025.
Large-Scale Events Held Regularly
Source:FASHION PRESS
Large-scale events are held regularly in the park. There are three events that show great excitement:
- Sapporo Summer Festival
- Autumn Fest
- Sapporo White Illumination
The Sapporo Summer Festival, held from July to August, features Japan's largest beer garden where you can enjoy drinks and snacks. The Autumn Fest, held from September to October, focuses on Hokkaido and Sapporo cuisine where you can taste local gourmet food. The Sapporo White Illumination, held from November to December, allows you to enjoy Christmas objects and Christmas light displays.
I once participated in the Sapporo Summer Festival. The food and drinks enjoyed in the open atmosphere of the spacious park were amazing, and I was able to spend a blissful time.
All events are easy to participate in, so please visit and experience them. This Sapporo Park Guide 2025 provides comprehensive information to help tourists make the most of their park visits throughout the seasons.
Numerous Must-See Tourist Attractions Located in the Surrounding Area
The area surrounding Odori Park is dotted with must-see tourist attractions for visitors to Sapporo. Using Odori Park as your starting point, all locations are easily accessible by public transportation such as trains and buses.
Many of these tourist attractions are spots with historical value, so be sure to capture them in photographs! This comprehensive Sapporo Park Guide 2025 will help you discover the best destinations around this iconic central park.
Surrounding Tourist Attraction 1: Sapporo TV Tower
Sapporo TV Tower is a broadcasting tower located within Odori Park that was designated as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property in March 2025. This tower, visible from far away, serves as a landmark of Sapporo and is one of the city's popular photo spots.
The tower features an observation deck at approximately 90 meters high where you can enjoy panoramic views of Sapporo's cityscape, and on clear days, you can see all the way to the Sea of Japan. From sunset until 24:00, you can also enjoy the illumination that brilliantly decorates Sapporo's night. There are even personal illumination plans available, allowing you to color the Sapporo TV Tower in your favorite hue. At 20,000 yen for 20 minutes, why not give it a try as a memorable part of your sightseeing experience?
Store Information
- Address: Chuo-ku, Odori Nishi 1, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Operating Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone Number: 011-241-1131
- Official Website: https://www.sapporo.travel/spot/facility/sapporo_tv_tower/
Surrounding Tourist Attraction 2: Sapporo Clock Tower
The Sapporo Clock Tower was built in 1878 as the drill hall of the former Sapporo Agricultural School, which was the predecessor of Hokkaido University. At that time, it was used as an auditorium for student military training and ceremonies. It's also famous as Japan's oldest existing clock tower, with its bell chiming every hour on the hour.
Inside the clock tower, you can learn about history through materials related to the former Sapporo Agricultural School and the Sapporo Clock Tower, and enjoy shopping at the souvenir store. If you want to take photos, photo spots for capturing beautiful shots of the clock tower are posted on the homepage, so please use them as reference.
Store Information
- Address: Chuo-ku, Kita 1-jo Nishi 2, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Operating Hours: 8:45-17:10
- Closed: January 1-3
- Phone Number: 011-231-0838
- Official Website: http://sapporoshi-tokeidai.jp/
Surrounding Tourist Attraction 3: Hokkaido Prefectural Government Red Brick Building
The Hokkaido Prefectural Government Red Brick Building served as the center of prefectural administration for approximately 80 years until the current new government building was completed. This government building, constructed in 1888, is a historically valuable structure that attracts tourists with its retro atmosphere created using approximately 2.5 million bricks. It was designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 1969.
Inside the building, you can view materials and exhibits that trace Hokkaido's history, and in the gardens created around the building, you can appreciate seasonal plants throughout the four seasons. Why not take a stroll through the gardens while experiencing Hokkaido's history?
Store Information
- Address: Chuo-ku, Kita 3-jo 6, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Operating Hours: 8:45-18:00
- Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
- Phone Number: 011-231-4111
- Official Website: None
Nature-Rich Parks Near Sapporo to Enjoy Together with Odori Park
↑Moerenuma Park
From here, this Sapporo Park Guide 2025 will introduce nature-rich parks in the Sapporo area that you'll want to enjoy together with Odori Park.
Moerenuma Park is a park designed by world-renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi based on the concept of "making the entire area one sculptural work." The vast 188.8-hectare site features geometric hills, fountains, playground equipment, and other installations where you can enjoy the fusion of nature and art. There are three main highlights:
- Mount Moere
- Moere Beach
- HIDAMARI
My recommendation is HIDAMARI, the park's symbolic presence. HIDAMARI is a pyramid-shaped facility made of glass that houses restaurants, galleries, shops, and more inside. Despite being a modern building, it blends seamlessly with both summer lawns and winter snow scenes, creating a sight that can only be seen here without any sense of incongruity!
The grounds are extensive with plenty to see, so this is a park you'll want to spend a full day leisurely enjoying.
Store Information
- Address: Higashi-ku, Moerenuma Park 1-1, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Operating Hours: 7:00-22:00
- Closed: None
- Phone Number: 011-790-1231
- Official Website: https://moerenumapark.jp/english/
Maruyama Park
Source:Sapporo Tourist Association
Maruyama Park is a nature-rich park that was developed from what was originally a tree testing facility established by the Development Commission in the early Meiji period. Adjacent tourist attractions include Hokkaido Shrine, Maruyama Zoo, and the Maruyama Primeval Forest designated as a natural monument, making it appealing that you can enjoy these together with the park.
Throughout the park, numerous monuments and stone markers are installed that offer glimpses into the history of when it was a testing facility, so please look for them while strolling. For breaks, use the Park Center which has a shop and vending machines. The rest area in the Park Center also has books about nature and history, so it's interesting to take a look.
This green and lush park is refreshing, so please take a stroll during breaks between sightseeing in the surrounding area.
Store Information
- Address: Chuo-ku, Miyagaoka 3, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Operating Hours: 6:00-22:00
- Closed: None
- Phone Number: 011-621-0453
- Official Website: https://maruyamapark.jp/
Mt. Moiwa
Source:Mt.Moiwa Ropeway
Mt. Moiwa is a 531-meter high mountain located almost in the center of Sapporo city, where you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of Sapporo's cityscape and the Sea of Japan's Ishikari Bay from the summit observatory.
The night view is particularly beautiful, certified as one of Japan's "New Three Great Night Views," offering breathtaking spectacular scenery.
From the base to the middle of the mountain, you can travel by ropeway or the Mt. Moiwa Sightseeing Motor Road, and from the middle to the summit, you can take a mini cable car that adopts the world's first drive system. However, since it's a mountain that can be climbed even in light clothing, why not try hiking and challenge yourself to mountain climbing?
I have challenged the trail course that climbs Mt. Moiwa from Maruyama. Although I was also a beginner at mountain climbing, I was able to enjoy climbing to the top while feeling nature up close.
Why not visit together with the nearby Maruyama Park?
Store Information
- Address: Mt. Moiwa, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Operating Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 011-561-8177 (Ropeway)
- Official Website: https://mt-moiwa.jp/
Nakajima Park
Source:Tripadvisor
Nakajima Park is an oasis-like park in the city where rich nature, historical buildings, and cultural facilities come together with Mt. Moiwa as a backdrop. Certified as one of "Japan's 100 Best Urban Parks" and "Japan's 100 Best Historical Parks," it has been beloved as a place of relaxation for locals for many years.
The highlights include the "Iris Pond" where you can enjoy the collaboration of water and plants, and "Hoheikan" and "Hasso-an," which are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. My recommendation is "Hoheikan," featuring Western-style architecture built during the Meiji era. I was captivated by the beautiful exterior of "Hoheikan" with its white base accented with light blue, and ended up taking many photos.
The interior, where historical figures once stayed, is open for visits, so please take a close look at the architectural beauty packed with traditional Japanese techniques of that time.
Store Information
- Address: 1 Nakajima Park, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Operating Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 011-511-3924
- Official Website: https://www.sapporo-park.or.jp/nakajima/
Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observatory
Source:Official website
Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observatory is an observation deck where you can enjoy various experiential events such as interacting with sheep, lavender picking in summer, and snow play in winter. The facility is reputed to provide a full day of entertainment, where you can see a bronze statue of Dr. Clark who contributed to Hokkaido's development, dine at restaurants, and learn history at a museum related to the Sapporo Snow Festival.
I have experienced lavender picking. Surrounded by the refreshing scent unique to lavender, I harvested about 50 lavender stems and took them home to enjoy as dried flowers. Even without the harvesting experience, just seeing the 1,000 lavender plants blooming across the vast grounds is well worth it.
Please fully enjoy the activities available each season! With plenty of content that children can enjoy together, it's also recommended for families with children.
Store Information
- Address: 1 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Operating Hours: 9:00-18:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 011-851-3080
- Official Website: https://www.hitsujigaoka.jp/
During Autumn Season, Jozankei Area for Nature and Hot Springs is Also Recommended
During the autumn season, the Jozankei Area, where you can enjoy nature and hot springs, is also recommended as featured in this Sapporo Park Guide 2025. Jozankei Area is a valley located in the southwestern part of Sapporo city, known as one of Hokkaido's leading hot spring resorts. It's easily accessible, less than an hour by car from Sapporo, making it a popular tourist destination.
The autumn foliage in Jozankei Area is from early to mid-October, and the autumn colors viewed from Hoheikyo Dam, Sapporo International Ski Resort, and mountainous areas are reportedly magnificent.
I have also visited during the autumn season and rode the special autumn gondola operated at Sapporo International Ski Resort, enjoying the red and yellow autumn foliage from the air. I was so mesmerized by the constantly changing wonderful autumn scenery that I forgot to speak.
Please visit various autumn foliage spots and burn into your memory the autumn colors that can only be seen in each location.
Store Information
- Address: Southwestern Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Operating Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: None
- Phone: 011-598-2012 (Tourist Information Center)
- Official Website: https://jozankei.jp/
At Night, Enjoy Exquisite Food with a Guide Who Knows Sapporo Inside and Out
At night, let's enjoy exquisite food with a guide who knows Sapporo inside and out. The Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour allows you to experience Sapporo's nightlife around the Susukino area where restaurants gather.
You'll visit three restaurants recommended by the guide, where you can enjoy Hokkaido gourmet food including fresh seafood caught in Hokkaido, along with Hokkaido-produced whiskey and beer. At the end of the bar hopping, you can choose between a ramen shop or a parfait shop depending on your mood at the time. In Hokkaido, there's a custom of eating "shime parfait" (closing parfait) at the end of drinking parties, so please try the parfait.
After savoring delicious drinks and food, by the time the tour ends, you'll surely be satisfied both physically and mentally.
Information
- Meeting Point: Susukino Station
- Tour Area: Sapporo
- Start Time: 18:00