Hey there! Welcome to Sapporo. As someone who’s lived in this city for a long time, let me introduce you to a place I really hope you’ll visit. It’s “Nakajima Park,” right in the heart of Sapporo.
Even though it’s within walking distance from the bustling Susukino entertainment district, stepping inside feels like entering a whole different world. The city noise just disappears, replaced by this quiet, lush green space. For us Sapporo locals, it truly feels like an urban oasis.
Why Recommend Nakajima Park?
Sapporo has other big parks, but what makes Nakajima Park special, I think, is its easy access and how it packs nature, history, and culture all into one place.
- Excellent Access: Just hop off the Namboku Subway Line at Nakajima-Koen Station or Horohira-Bashi Station, and you’re right there. It’s only 3 stops from Sapporo Station on the subway. You can check the route map and fares on the Sapporo City Transportation Bureau website. (It’s in Japanese, but maybe try your browser’s translation feature).
- Beauty in Every Season: Cherry blossoms and lilacs in spring, vibrant green in summer, stunning autumn colors, and snowy landscapes in winter. It shows you a different face no matter when you visit throughout the year. The area around Shobu Pond is especially great for seeing these seasonal changes.
- Experiencing Culture and History: Dotted around the park are important historical buildings and cultural facilities. It’s nice that you can casually soak up some of Sapporo’s history and art while just taking a stroll.
Must-See Spots within the Park
The park is quite large, so seeing everything might be tough, but here are a few spots I particularly recommend:
Hoheikan
You definitely can’t miss the “Hoheikan.” It’s a beautiful Western-style building constructed back in the Meiji era and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Originally used as a hotel, it’s a prestigious building where even the Emperor stayed long ago. The contrast of the light blue and white against the blue sky is just gorgeous, so I think it’s worth visiting just to snap a commemorative photo from the outside. It’s also used as a wedding venue and restaurant. You can tour the inside too (for a fee), and what you should really look out for is the ceiling medallion where the chandelier hangs. It’s made using a traditional Japanese technique called “kote-e,” where plaster is built up and shaped three-dimensionally right there on the spot – it’s incredibly delicate and impressive. Being able to see this kind of craftsmanship right in central Sapporo is a rare treat.
- Official Website (English available!): Hoheikan
Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara
If you’re into music, you should definitely stop by “Kitara.” It’s a concert hall famous worldwide for its amazing acoustics. Classical music concerts are often held here. It’s a modern building surrounded by the park’s greenery, and it looks lovely just seeing it from the outside. If the timing works out, catching a concert could be a really special experience, maybe.
- Official Website (English available!): Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara
Shobu Pond and Boating
The large pond in the center of the park is “Shobu Pond.” During the summer, you can rent rowboats (for a fee). Gazing out at the park scenery while leisurely floating on the water feels incredibly nice.
A Local’s Honest Take #1:Honestly, rowing the boat with my girlfriend was pretty tiring (lol). But you don’t often get the chance to do that right in the city, and it was actually a pretty cool experience. Nakajima Park on a sunny day is just so calm and beautiful, plus it’s properly managed so you can enjoy it safely. If you’re a couple or a family, you should give it a try if you get the chance. *In summer, the operating hours seem to be usually 9 AM to 5 PM, with the last boat rental around 4:20 PM. The price was, I believe, ¥800 for 40 minutes per boat. But hey, things like this can change from year to year, so think of this as just a guideline. It’s always best to double-check locally or look up the latest info before you go, just to be safe. *
Japanese Garden
Tucked away in a further part of the park is a tranquil Japanese Garden. It features the “Hassoan” teahouse and offers a space where you can feel traditional Japanese beauty. The pond, rocks, and plantings are skillfully arranged, and just walking through is soothing. The scenery during the autumn foliage season is particularly spectacular.
Summer Festival: Sapporo Matsuri
Oh, and besides the boats, another thing this park is famous for is the summer festival. During the Sapporo Matsuri (Hokkaido Shrine Festival), held every June, a huge number of stalls line up inside the park. Takoyaki, cotton candy, goldfish scooping… all the classic Japanese festival food stands are there, and it gets so lively it feels like maybe everyone in Sapporo gathers here. Families, couples, groups of friends – everyone’s enjoying themselves, eating, drinking, and having fun. Sometimes there are even attractions like small circus tents. If your trip lines up with this time, you’ll have to brave the crowds a bit, but I really hope you experience this atmosphere. You’ll get a real feel for “So this is what a Japanese festival is like!” – it’s an amazing way to experience authentic culture.
Other Attractions
There’s plenty more to see too, like the “Hokkaido Museum of Literature,” where you can learn about Hokkaido’s literary figures, the “Kogumaza Children’s Puppet Theater,” and numerous sculptures. You might find something interesting just by wandering around.
- Hokkaido Museum of Literature (English available!): Hokkaido Museum of Literature
- Kogumaza (Related Site): Yamabikoza & Kogumaza Puppet Theater (Japanese, but you might get performance info)
A Minor Downside?
A Local’s Honest Take #2:This is just my honest opinion, but in winter, especially when there’s heavy snow, parts of the park can become a bit difficult to access. Nakajima Park is quiet and beautiful in winter, but it can’t quite win against heavy snow, you know? So, visiting in spring, summer, or autumn is probably best.However, if the snowfall is just “moderate,” the silence of the park covered in pure white snow is truly magical and beautiful. Hoheikan standing in the snow looks just like a postcard, so enjoying that unique winter charm is also recommended.
Access and Basic Information
- Access:
- Subway Namboku Line: Right outside Exits 1 or 3 of “Nakajima Koen Station.”
- Subway Namboku Line: Right outside Exits 1 or 2 of “Horohira-Bashi Station.”
- Streetcar: About a 3-minute walk from “Nakajima Koen Dori” stop.
- Park Entrance Fee: Free
- However, facilities like Hoheikan, Kitara concerts, and boat rentals require separate fees. (The estimated boat fee is mentioned above).
- Fees and opening hours for facilities can change, so please “always” check the latest information on the official websites of each facility before visiting.
A Local’s Honest Take #3:To be blunt, if you’re looking for flashy excitement, Nakajima Park might not be the place. But when you talk about famous parks in Sapporo, it’s Moerenuma Park, Maruyama Park, and this one. For example, if you’re staying in a hotel in Susukino and have some free time early in the morning before heading out, maybe try taking a walk here for a bit of travel refreshment. Amidst the city bustle, it’s really not a bad spot at all.
Conclusion
Nakajima Park is a wonderful place right in Sapporo city where you can experience rich nature, culture, and the daily life of locals. When you want a short break during your sightseeing, or when you want to feel the Sapporo seasons, I really hope you’ll give it a visit. I’m pretty sure it’ll become one of your favorite spots!
