Nakajima Park: An Urban Oasis in Sapporo
Discover Sapporo's serene escape: Nakajima Park, a blend of nature, culture, and history in the city's heart, offering seasonal beauty and attractions.
Nakajima Park, located in the heart of Sapporo, is a 21-hectare urban retreat offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural landmarks. The park's history dates back to 1874 when part of the Kamokamo River was repurposed as a lumberyard. In 1887, it was converted into an amusement park, and in 1957, it officially became a city park. The park boasts over 5,000 trees, including Japanese red spruce, yew, ginkgo, and Sargent's cherry trees. The Shobu Pond, once a lumberyard for storing felled trees, is now a scenic spot for boating in the summer. Visitors can explore several attractions, including the Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara, known for its world-class acoustics, the Sapporo Astronomical Observatory, and the Hokkaido Museum of Literature. Historical buildings add to the park's charm. Hoheikan, a Western-style hotel built in 1880, now serves as a wedding venue and café. Hasso-an, a tea house dating back to the 17th century, was moved from Shiga Prefecture and is a designated Important Cultural Property. The park also features a Japanese garden with stone lanterns modeled after famous lanterns from around Japan. Nakajima Park offers seasonal beauty, with cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, colorful autumn leaves, and a snow-covered landscape in winter. It's a popular spot for cross-country skiing in the winter, and skis can be borrowed for free from the Sports Center. The park hosts various events throughout the year, including the Sapporo Festival in June and the Autumn Illumination Festival.
Local tips
- Visit during the Sapporo Festival in June to experience the lively atmosphere with food stalls, games, and a haunted house.
- Enjoy a boat ride on Shobu Pond during the warmer months for a relaxing experience amidst the park's natural beauty.
- Explore the historical buildings, such as Hoheikan and Hasso-an, to delve into Sapporo's rich heritage and culture.
- Take advantage of the free cross-country skiing in winter by borrowing skis from the Nakajima Sports Center.
- Visit the park in late October to early November to witness the stunning autumn foliage.
A brief summary to Nakajima Park
- 1 Nakajimakoen, Sapporo, Nakajimakoen, Chuo Ward, Hokkaido, 064-0931, JP
- +8111-511-3924
- 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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Public Transport
From Sapporo Station, take the Namboku Subway Line to Nakajima-Koen Station (5 minutes, ¥210-¥240). Exit 3 of the station is located within the park grounds. Alternatively, take the streetcar to Nakajima-Koen-Dori Station, which is a short walk to the park's west side. The streetcar costs ¥200.
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Walking
From Susukino, walk south along Ekimae-dori Avenue for approximately 1 km (15-20 minutes) to reach Nakajima Park. The park is located south of the Susukino entertainment district.
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Taxi
A taxi from Sapporo Station to Nakajima Park takes approximately 2 minutes and costs between ¥1300-¥1600. From Susukino, a taxi ride is shorter and less expensive.
