Kita Ward is a residential district in the northern part of Sapporo, one of the largest cities in Japan. While principally comprised of suburban streets it is also home to green spaces and is close to several popular attractions. Visit Kita Ward to ski through forests and down mountain slopes and to stretch out in its parks.

Enjoy a fun family day out at Shiroi Koibito Park, a theme park with a chocolate factory, rose garden, museum and play areas. Go on a factory tour where Ishiya, a Japanese confectionary company, make Shiroi Koibito cookies. Visit the museum that's dedicated to the history of the company then head to the Sweets Workshop to take part in cookie-making and chocolate-making courses. Other attractions include the Gulliver Town play area, which features miniature shops and houses.

Wander through the vast Yurigahara Park which hosts thousands of plant varieties, including roses, tulips and lilacs. Play a round of golf on the nine-hole course and take in lofty views from the top of The Silo, an observatory tower.

If you want to get active, use the sporting facilities of Tondennishi Park. This large green space is home to a baseball field, athletics field, nine-hole golf course and hard and soft tennis courts. In the summer, splash around in its swimming pool.

Travel 9 miles (14 kilometers) west of Kita Ward for the Mount Okura Ski Jump Stadium. It is located on the eastern slope of Mount Okura. Visit the Sapporo Winter Sports Museum and then ride the chair lift to the observation platform to take in elevated views of the ski jump.

If you are a skiing or snowboarding enthusiast, make tracks for Sapporo Teine, a ski resort on Mount Teine with slopes for all levels of skiing.

Kita Ward, with its parks and recreational facilities, is approximately 6 miles’ (10 kilometers) drive north of downtown Sapporo. Alternatively, travel here by public transportation.