Nakajima Park — Attraction in Sapporo

Nakajima Park (中島公園) is a serene urban oasis nestled in the heart of Sapporo, Hokkaido. Spanning 21 hectares, this verdant space offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and recreational facilities, making it a cherished destination for both locals and visitors.

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🌸 Seasonal Beauty & Nature

The park’s landscape transforms with the seasons:  • Spring: Cherry blossoms and wisteria create a picturesque setting, attracting hanami (flower viewing) enthusiasts.  • Summer: Lush greenery and blooming yellow irises adorn the park, providing a cool retreat from the city’s heat.  • Autumn: Vibrant foliage paints the park in hues of red and gold, offering stunning views for photographers and nature lovers alike. • Winter: Snow blankets the park, and visitors can enjoy free cross-country ski rentals, making it a popular spot for winter activities. 

Central to the park is Shobu Pond, where visitors can rent boats during warmer months. 

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🎭 Cultural Attractions

Nakajima Park is home to several notable cultural sites: • Sapporo Concert Hall “Kitara”: Renowned for its excellent acoustics, this hall hosts performances ranging from classical music to contemporary concerts. • Hōheikan: A historic building dating back to 1880, originally serving as a guesthouse for visiting dignitaries. • Hokkaido Museum of Literature: Showcases works by authors from Hokkaido, including indigenous Ainu literature, children’s literature, poetry, and fiction.  • Sapporo Astronomical Observatory: Offers daytime solar observations and occasional night sky viewings. 

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🏞️ Recreational Facilities

The park caters to various recreational activities: • Jogging and Walking Paths: Well-maintained trails meander through the park, popular among joggers and walkers.  • Children’s Playground: Equipped with play structures, it’s a favorite spot for families. • Boating: During summer, visitors can rent boats to enjoy Shobu Pond.  • Cross-Country Skiing: In winter, the park offers free Nordic ski gear rentals, providing a fun activity for all ages.

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📍 Accessibility

Nakajima Park is conveniently located near downtown Sapporo: • Subway: Accessible via Nakajima-Kōen Station and Horohira-Bashi Station on the Namboku Line. • Streetcar: The Sapporo Streetcar’s Nakajima-Kōen-Dōri Station is nearby.

Its proximity to the Susukino entertainment district makes it an ideal spot for a relaxing stroll before or after exploring the city’s vibrant nightlife.

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🏨 Nearby Accommodation

For those wishing to stay close to the park, the Premier Hotel Nakajima Park Sapporo offers comfortable rooms with views overlooking the park. Guests have praised its spacious accommodations and...

I visited this park three times on this most recent trip to Sapporo. I also visited this park on a prior trip to Sapporo. Both trips happened to be in the fall. This park was absolutely spectacular every time I visited. The colors were amazingly vibrant. I really like how there's a pond here with little streams running throughout the park. It seems that many locals visit this park with their dogs and to attend events at the halls that are found around this park.

There's a little shop in the park that serves a variety of snacks, ice cream and beer. It was really nice to stop at that shop to grab a snack and a drink while sitting under the fall colors.

I'll definitely be returning, possibly in another season to...

A delightful oasis in the heart of Sapporo, Nakajima Park in June is a lush haven of greenery and serenity. The trees are in full bloom, offering a cooling canopy for leisurely strolls. Families, couples and children enjoy its expansive lawns and charming walking trails. The pond is particularly picturesque, with rowboats gliding across the calm waters and ducklings trailing their mother along the banks. Despite the overcast skies during our visit, the park buzzed with a festive atmosphere thanks to the vibrant rows of food stalls selling everything from grilled meats to traditional sweets. A perfect blend of nature, culture, and community spirit — a must-visit if you’re in Sapporo during...