Nopporo Forest Park: A Natural Escape

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Discover Hokkaido's natural beauty and history in this expansive park with walking trails, diverse wildlife, and cultural attractions.

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Nopporo Forest Park

Nopporo Forest Park, a vast natural expanse spanning Sapporo, Ebetsu, and Kitahiroshima, offers a serene escape with diverse flora, fauna, and historical attractions. Established in 1968, the park provides walking trails, museums, and a glimpse into Hokkaido's past.

A brief summary to Nopporo Forest Park

714 Bunkyodai, Ebetsu, Bunkyodai, Hokkaido, 069-0833, JP
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Nopporo Forest Park.

Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the extensive walking trails.
Visit the Historical Village of Hokkaido to experience the lifestyle of early settlers.
Check the schedule at the Visitors' Center for guided nature walks and birdwatching tours.
Be aware that IC cards are generally not accepted on public transport outside of Sapporo, so have cash ready.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Sapporo Station, take the JR Chitose Line to Shin-Sapporo Station. Transfer to the JR Sekisho Line and disembark at Shinrin Koen Station. The park is a short walk from the station. The train journey from Ebetsu to Sapporo costs ¥580. Alternatively, take the JR Bus 22 from Shin-Sapporo Station bus terminal to Nopporo Shinrin Koen bus stop. Bus fare is approximately ¥450-¥600.
Walking

From Shinrin-koen Station, follow the signs to Nopporo Forest Park, approximately a 20-minute walk. An alternative entrance is the Osawa-guchi Gate in Ebetsu, about a 30-minute walk from Oasa Station.
Driving

If driving, parking is available at various entrances. The Memorial Tower and Historical Village of Hokkaido entrances are open from 7 am to 5 pm. The Osawa, Tomanbetsu, Mizuho, and Todoyama entrances offer 24-hour parking. Parking at Sapporo Maruyama Park varies by season.

Discover more about Nopporo Forest Park

Nopporo Forest Park, established in 1968 to commemorate Hokkaido's centennial, is a sprawling 2,053-hectare natural park that extends across the cities of Sapporo, Ebetsu, and Kitahiroshima. This Prefectural Natural Park protects precious natural forests and offers a recreational area for residents and tourists alike. The park features diverse landscapes, including mixed conifer and broadleaf forests, home to over 510 plant species, 140 bird species, and various mammals like foxes and Hokkaido squirrels. Visitors can explore the park's 17 well-maintained walking trails, which showcase the changing beauty of nature throughout the seasons. In winter, the park transforms into a haven for cross-country skiing. Key attractions within the park include the Historical Museum of Hokkaido, which details the region's development from prehistoric times to the modern era, with exhibits on the Ainu people and early контакты with Russia. The Historical Village of Hokkaido is an open-air museum featuring over 50 restored buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods, offering a glimpse into the lives of early settlers. The Nopporo Forest Park Visitors' Center provides information, maps, and guided nature observation programs. While the Centennial Memorial Tower, once a prominent landmark, was demolished in May 2024 due to maintenance costs, the park continues to offer a rich blend of natural beauty and historical insights.