Nestled in the heart of Hokkaido’s vibrant capital, Sapporo, lies Odori Park, a sprawling green oasis that serves as a central gathering place for both locals and visitors. Think expansive lawns, meticulously maintained flower beds, and a lively atmosphere that pulsates year-round. Whether you seek a leisurely stroll amidst blooming cherry trees in spring or a festive experience during the famed Sapporo Snow Festival in winter, Odori Park offers a unique charm for every season.

To get a taste of the park’s dynamic energy, take a peek at this sped-up walk around its perimeter captured in a timelapse video:

Now, let’s delve deeper into the captivating sights and experiences that await you at Sapporo’s beloved Odori Park.

Exploring Odori Park: Landmarks and Monuments

Sapporo’s Odori Park isn’t just a picturesque strip of greenery; it’s also a treasure trove of landmarks and monuments that hold historical and cultural significance. As you navigate the park, keep an eye out for these intriguing features:

• Sapporo TV Tower: This iconic 147-meter tall structure, completed in 1957, stands as a prominent landmark on the park’s eastern edge. Originally built for television broadcasting, the tower now offers a stunning 360-degree observation deck for panoramic views of the city skyline and surrounding mountains. Be sure to check out their official website for information on opening hours and admission fees.

• Black Mantra Slide: This iconic art installation combines a fun slide for the kids with a statue of a mantra – a sacred utterance (syllable, word, or verse) that is considered to possess mystical or spiritual efficacy – on a scroll in black. You will often see kids playing on it, climbing the steps and going down the coiled slide before running back to have another go.
• Statues of Horace Capron and Kiyotaka Kuroda: These statues pay homage to two influential figures who played a pivotal role in shaping Hokkaido’s development. Horace Capron, an American agricultural advisor, introduced modern farming techniques that revolutionized the region’s agricultural output. Kiyotaka Kuroda, the former Vice Minister of Development, recognized Capron’s expertise and invited him to share his knowledge. Together, their collaboration significantly impacted Hokkaido’s agricultural landscape.
• The Maibaum (Maypole): A splash of German heritage graces the park in the form of the Maibaum, a traditional maypole. This colorful symbol, adorned with ribbons and crests, is a reminder of Sapporo’s sister-city relationship with Munich, Germany.
• The Olympic Rings: A testament to the city’s sporting spirit, the Olympic Rings stand proudly as a reminder of the 1972 Winter Olympics held in Sapporo.

• Sapporo Shiryokan (Former Sapporo Court of Appeal): Built in 1926, this grand building with its elegant Taisho era architecture now serves as a museum. Step inside to explore exhibits on Sapporo’s city archives and delve into the city’s fascinating past.

These diverse landmarks add an extra layer of intrigue to your stroll through Odori Park, transforming it from a scenic escape into a captivating journey through history and cultural exchange.

Exploring Odori Park: Activities and Ambiance

Odori Park transcends the realm of static monuments and transforms into a vibrant hub for leisure activities and a delightful atmosphere. Here’s what you can expect:

• A Green Playground: Unwind with a leisurely stroll on the park’s well-maintained pathways, or spread out a picnic blanket on the expansive lawns and soak up the sunshine. People-watching is another popular pastime here, offering a glimpse into the lives of locals enjoying their downtime. The weather is especially nice in summer as Hokkaido does not have a rainy season in June and July like the rest of Japan.
• A Seasonal Canvas: The park’s charm unfolds throughout the year. In spring, vibrant flower beds burst into color, painting the landscape with a breathtaking display. Summer transforms the park into a lively venue for festivals and outdoor events, buzzing with energy and laughter. Come winter, the famed Sapporo Snow Festival takes centre stage, blanketing the park in awe-inspiring snow and ice sculptures.

Odori Park truly caters to all seasons, offering a unique experience no matter when you visit.

Exploring downtown

Sapporo’s Odori Park isn’t an island unto itself; it sits nestled within the beating heart of Sapporo, offering easy access to a plethora of exciting attractions.

After a refreshing stroll through the park, tantalise your taste buds in the vibrant Susukino district, located just south of Odori Park. This neon-lit haven boasts a diverse culinary scene, with everything from traditional Japanese izakayas to international restaurants. This is a great place to try some of the traditional foods from Sapporo and Hokkaido, such as sushi, miso ramen, Hokkaido crab and more!

The bustling Tanukikoji shopping arcade, stretching east from Odori Park, is a paradise for retail therapy. With over 200 shops crammed into a covered walkway, you’ll find everything from high-end fashion brands to local souvenirs.

History buffs can delve deeper into Sapporo’s past by exploring the nearby Hokkaido Historical Museum. This fascinating institution showcases the region’s rich history and cultural heritage through interactive exhibits and artifacts.

For those who want even more nature, you can walk a short distance to the Hokkaido University Botanical Garden. It is the second oldest in Japan (and the oldest “modern” one) occupying approximately 13.3 hectres.

Odori Park is also a transport hub. Many buses come to and from the perimeter of the park and go to most parts of the city. Long distances buses also go from the nearby bus centre (just west of Sapporo TV Tower). You can also use the underground metro network as all three lines converge here.

Thanks for reading! Want to do some more exploring? Have a look at the travel map:

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