Toyohira blends urban, natural and rural landscapes at the edge of Sapporo City Center. Originally an Ainu settlement, Toyohira became a collection of villages that thrived on apple cultivation during the Meiji period. It was given independent ward status when Sapporo held the 1972 Winter Olympics. Today visit Toyohira’s pretty parks, hilltop lookouts and sporting venues.
Landscaped parks and gardens present many opportunities for outdoor recreation. Sit next to a serene lake, find children’s playgrounds and watch local baseball games at Tsukisamu Park. Follow pathways meandering between lawns on the banks of the Toyohira River.
A visit to the hillside Nishioka Park will make you feel a world away from the city’s urban environment. Spot birds, butterflies and dragonflies while strolling along nature trails and a boardwalk that encircles a large reservoir. Superb panoramic views of downtown Sapporo and pastoral countryside await visitors at the Hitsujigaoka Observatory. Gaze up at a statue of American professor William S. Clark, who helped establish Sapporo Agricultural College (SAC), now Hokkaido Universityand. Peruse ice art at the Sapporo Snow Festival Museum.
Dedicate some time to tour the neighborhood’s religious landmarks. Multiple onion domes adorn the roof of the striking Sapporo Orthodox Church. Tranquil Shinto rituals take place at Soma Shrine and Tsukisamu Shrine. Admire the torii gates, komainu lion-dog statues and artistic prayer halls.
Take a seat among passionate fans for professional baseball and soccer matches at Sapporo Dome. This 41,580-person stadium has hosted events during the 2002 FIFA World Cup and 2019 Rugby World Cup. Check the schedule of Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center for competitive basketball and volleyball games. Challenge the lush fairways and manicured greens of Hitsujigaoka Country Club golf course.
Toyohira is served by the Namboku Line and Toho Line of the Sapporo Municipal Subway. Public buses also travel through the ward’s streets. Continue your discover of Sapporo by exploring the hot springs and ski resorts of neighboring Minami.
