Odori Park: Sapporo's Green Heart
Sapporo's iconic park: a vibrant green space with seasonal festivals, stunning sculptures, and the must-see Sapporo TV Tower.
Odori Park, meaning “large street,” is a 1.5-kilometer green space that cleaves Sapporo in two. What began as a firebreak in 1871 has blossomed into a cherished park for locals and tourists alike. The park's transformation into a recreational area began in 1875 with the introduction of Western-style flowerbeds. Today, Odori Park features 4,700 trees of 92 varieties, including Sapporo's official tree, the lilac. Throughout the year, Odori Park hosts many events. The Sapporo Snow Festival in February is perhaps the most famous, drawing visitors worldwide to marvel at the massive snow and ice sculptures. In spring, the Sapporo Lilac Festival celebrates the city's symbolic tree with outdoor tea ceremonies and live music. The Sapporo Summer Festival brings a giant beer garden in mid-July to mid-August. In September, the Sapporo Autumn Fest offers local culinary delights. The Sapporo White Illumination in December bathes the park in glittering lights. Beyond the seasonal events, Odori Park offers attractions such as the Sapporo TV Tower at the eastern end, providing panoramic views of the park and city. The park also features fountains, sculptures, and the Sapporo City Archive Museum. Visitors can enjoy grilled corn on the cob and buttery potatoes from local food carts.
Local tips
- Visit during one of the seasonal festivals, such as the Sapporo Snow Festival in February or the Lilac Festival in May, for a unique experience.
- Sample local specialties like grilled corn on the cob and hot, buttery potatoes from the food stalls.
- Take a stroll through the park to admire the flower gardens, fountains, and sculptures.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Odori Park and Sapporo from the observation deck of the Sapporo TV Tower.
A brief summary to Odori Park
- Odorinishi, １〜１２丁目, Sapporo, １〜１２丁目 Odorinishi, Chuo Ward, Hokkaido, 060-0042, JP
- +8111-251-0438
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Getting There
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Walking
Odori Park is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from many points in downtown Sapporo. From JR Sapporo Station, walk south for about 10 minutes along the main street. You'll find the park stretching out before you, dividing the city north and south. No costs are involved.
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Public Transport
The easiest way to reach Odori Park via public transport is to take the Sapporo Municipal Subway to Odori Station, which is directly beneath the park. All three subway lines (Namboku, Tozai, and Toho) intersect at Odori Station. A single subway fare within the city center costs ¥200-370, depending on the distance.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Sapporo. A short taxi ride from Sapporo Station to Odori Park typically costs between ¥700 and ¥1000, depending on traffic and the exact drop-off point within the park. Note that there may be additional charges depending on the time of day.
