NakajimakoenSapporo

If you stay in Sapporo, Japan, your hotel will likely be near Nakajimakoen or Nakajima Park, which has a large assortment of things to do. Located on the shores of the Kamokamo River, it’s a sizeable area with plenty of trees and paths and was once the site of a lumber mill. Stroll through the setting today to see how it has been transformed into a beautiful park with interesting areas to visit.

A Western-style building constructed within the grounds in 1880 served as a reception area for dignitaries. Tour the building, called Hoheikan, to view its exquisite interior featuring ornate chandeliers, Corinthian columns and interesting ornaments.

In true Japanese form, the park has a teahouse known as Hasso-an. It was moved in 1919 from Shiga Prefecture in the south to its location in the park. A tea master designed Hasso-an, meaning eight-window teahouse, and a descendant of the tea master developed the gardens surrounding it in 1989.

Concerts and live events are held in the modern Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara where the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra performs on a regular basis. Check with the box office or go online to find out what events are occurring during your stay.

Also in the park is the smallest public observatory in Japan, Sapporo Astronomical Observatory, with free viewing sessions on certain nights of every month.

Reading enthusiasts may enjoy the Hokkaido Museum of Literature, which showcases authors from the country’s northern island. The modern building has a collection of over 260,000 works, including children’s books and folklore, with a café where you can take a break.

Find the beautiful Japanese Garden with its handsome display of stone lanterns next to a pond in the park.

Reach Nakajimakoen after a short walk from Nakajimakoen subway station or by getting off a streetcar at the Nakajimakoen Dori stop.

A walk in this park can be quite a memorable experience at any time of year while in Sapporo.