In summer, everybody wants to enjoy some
time in the sun and Sapporo has a lot of parks to do so!
The most famous park is just in the middle
of the city. Odori Koen, literally ‘big street”, stretches over 13 blocks. At
its beginning, you can see the main landmark of Sapporo, the TV tower. You can
take the elevator to the upper floor (about 700yen), from which you will have
an amazing view.
There are also several festivals hold in this park throughout the
year. In winter, you can see huge sculptures carved out of snow.
Spring is the
time for cherry blossom and a variety of other flowers.
In summer, there are all sorts of festivals
with Japanese and international food stalls and autumn is famous for its beer
festival.
So year round, Odori is a nice place to hang out.
Written by Irene
Maruyama Koen is probably the biggest park
in the area and it is famous for Hanami in spring. In April, the park is full
of picnickers and it smells of Ghingiskhan. It is Sapporo’s most popular spot
for cherry blossom viewing.
The biggest shrine in Hokkaido (with the very
fitting name “Hokkaido Shrine”) is also located in this park and it’s the venue
for many festivals, e.g. the annual Hokkaido Shrine Festival.
Just behind the park is Sapporo’s Zoo and a
small hill to climb for a view of the city.
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| For more information about the climb click on the picture |
One tiny park in the middle of the city
doesn’t get much attention although it is a really beautiful spot – especially
in autumn and during cherry blossom season. It is the garden of the Former
Governmental Building “Aka Renga” (=Red Brick House”). The building itself
looks really nice and houses a small exhibition on Hokkaido history. Though it’s
the garden that is most beautiful. It has two little ponds, surrounded by many
trees, which are especially pretty in autumn foliage.
The best park to see autumn foliage might be Makomanai Park. It's 50000 trees shine in a bright red and orange in fall. There is also a Salmon Muesum in the park, a little hill to climb, a stadium and an Ice skating arena.
Another nice park in walking distance from
the hostel is Nakajima Koen. There is a big pond in the middle of the
park. You can rent a boat and enjoy the reflections of the trees in the water.
There is also a small Japanese Garden and an old tea house, which is an “important
cultural property”. In summer, you can visit some flea markets from time to
time and some festivals are held here, too, e.g. the Hokkaido Shrine Festival
in June.
But the coolest thing is probably the
Sapporo Astronomical Observatory, where you can see Saturn, Jupiter or the moon
(depending on the season).
But the most unique and fun park is Moerenuma park, a large artistic greens space. It was constructed on a former landfill and designed by the famous sculptor Isamu Noguchi. His idea was to design the whole park as an artwork and it definitely worked out! The park is filled with playgrounds, pyramids, a huge water fountain, a small beach and even a baseball field!
It is actually so large, that it is best explored by bicycle. There is a bicycle rental at the park entrance. But you can also cycle from Sapporo to the park (you could for example use our bicycle rental service at the hostel and start from there!):
Another park filled with art is the Sapporo Art Park a little South of Sapporo city. 74 sculptures are spread over an area of 7.5 hectares, mainly inside a lush green forest.
This park is also fun in winter, as it offers snow shoe walks.Some sculptures are almost buried int he snow and you can experience art from a different eye level than usual. We wrote about this experience back in February. You can read the blog entry here.
But Sapporo Art Park is more than that. It also has an indoor museum, a glass studio, music hall, ceramic studio and cafe. Definitely a place to spend the whole day!
You see, Sapporo has a lo of green to offer ans there is something for everybody!
For more information as us at the reception ;)
Written by Irene
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