One of Sapporo’s 10 wards, Atsubetsu is a leafy suburb packed with intriguing shrines and museums. It borders Nopporo Forest Park, giving a spacious and bucolic feel to this area just a short distance from the city center. Learn about old-world traditions and the development of city life on the island of Hokkaidō in this cultural hub.

Visit the Historical Village of Hokkaidō, an open-air museum filled with buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Wander through the various sections to learn what life was like for people on the island during the Meiji and Taisho periods in a typical mountain village, farm village, fishing village and built-up town.

Walk north for a few minutes to reach the Hokkaidō Museum, noticeable for its exquisite red façade. Explore the intriguing exhibits that tell the story of the Ainu people, who have long inhabited the island and other parts of Japan and Russia.

A little north of Hokkaidō Museum, you can’t miss the Hokkaido Centennial Memorial Tower, which was built in 1970 to a height of 300 feet (100 meters) to mark 100 years of Sapporo’s development. Head inside and enjoy views from the observatory on the eighth floor.

On the western side of the ward is Baba Park, a hilly green space with a playground. Walk west for 15 minutes to the Oyachi Shrine, with its colorful décor and serene atmosphere. Bring the little ones to see the fish in the Sunpiazza Aquarium and visit the adjacent Sapporo Science Center.

Atsubetsu ward is on the eastern edge of the city of Sapporo, on the southwestern side of Hokkaidō Island. It stands between the city center and Nopporo Forest Park. Drive east from the center of Sapporo for 8 miles (13 kilometers) to arrive here in roughly half an hour. You can also take a train to Atsubetsu station. On your way, visit neighboring areas such as Shiroishi ward, Toyohira ward and Kiyota ward.