Things to do in Ishikari

Though the Sapporo Dome is best known as the home ground of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters and the soccer team Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, it is a tourist destination in its own right. Perfect for sports fans of all kinds and featuring the world’s first “hovering” soccer field, it is full of activities even on days when concerts or sports games are not taking place. Take a tour of the stadium, jog through the nearby grounds or go up to the observation deck and look out onto the rolling nearby hills.

On an action-packed visit to Sapporo, Odori Park is both a destination and a space for relaxation. Stretched out over 1 mile (1.5 kilometers) or 12 city blocks down the center of the city, the park separates the northern administrative districts from the southern, residential and commercial districts. Stop here for a picnic lunch amid its 92 types of trees while visiting the city or come for one of the many festivals that set up on the plazas any time of the year. The famous Sapporo Snow Festival is one popular example.

Experience the joy of discovering new things as you wander through the stores and boutiques of Tanukikoji Shopping Street. With approximately 200 stores, this shopping district is a one-stop destination for all your shopping needs, whether you're looking for souvenirs or the hottest fashion trends. Since this is a covered arcade, you can browse no matter what is going on with the weather.

Take a step back in time at the picturesque Otaru Canal. This waterway was created in 1923 for the transportation of goods between cargo ships and storehouses. Modern shipping developments later rendered it obsolete; however, it got a new lease of life following a revitalization project in the 1980s.

Like Hokkaido itself, Nakajima Park changes with the seasons but is lovely year round. This 52-acre (21-hectare) urban oasis gathers a charming collection of natural features and cultural institutions in a picturesque setting beneath Mount Moiwa. Come see why the city park, created on the site of an abandoned lumberyard, has become a favorite for locals and visitors.