Odori Park

Odori Park is located in the central area of Sapporo, known as the “heart of Sapporo.” Stretching east-west for about 1.5 km (1 miles), it is the biggest park in the city where citizens relax and the main venue of various large-scale events are held, such as the Sapporo Snow Festival, one of the biggest snow events in Japan; Yosakoi Soran Festival, a carnival for all Japanese dancers. There are green trees and colorful flowers in the flower beds that change with the seasons, many sculptures and fountains, forming a beautiful landscape.

The pond in Odori Park

Abundant Activities in Odori Park

1. Sapporo Snow Festival

Every year from early to mid-February, the most famous event in Hokkaido - the Sapporo Snow Festival, is held in Odori Park. During this time, the entire park is like a fairy tale world of ice and snow, with hundreds of ice sculptures of various shapes and lifelike. At night, the light show makes these ice sculptures present a different beauty from the daytime. If you come to Hokkaido for a trip, don't miss the Sapporo Snow Festival.

2. Yosakoi Soran Festival - A Carnival for All Japanese Dancers

The Yosakoi Soran Festival is the largest festival in Sapporo, held in early June every year at Odori Park. Tens of thousands of dancers from all over Japan perform dances that incorporate Naruko, a musical instrument originally used to drive birds from the fields, and Soran, one of the folk songs of Hokkaido. During the Yosakoi Soran Festival, millions of spectators and tens of thousands of dancers gather in Sapporo, making the city bustling.

3. Sapporo Beer Festival

Sapporo beer is famous for its refreshing taste and rich malt aroma. Every year from mid-July to mid-August, with Odori Park as the center, a one-kilometer radius is filled with beer tents built by major Japanese beer companies, including Suntory, Asahi, Kirin, and Sapporo. Visitors can enjoy the refreshing breeze of Hokkaido in the summer while tasting various craft beer, which is very pleasant.

4. Sapporo Autumn Fest - A Food Festival Featuring Famous Japanese Foods

Every year in early September, the three-week Sapporo Autumn Fest is held in Odori Park. During this period, famous foods from various cities in Hokkaido gather here, such as ramen, seafood, wine, and beef. You can enjoy the specialties of the entire Hokkaido in one place, which must not be missed.

Where to Go & What to Do in Odori Park

1. Sapporo TV Tower

Sapporo TV Tower

To the east of Odori Park stands the 147-meter (483-foot) landmark building Sapporo TV Tower, which is not only a popular tourist spot but also an excellent location for a panoramic view of the city. Standing on the 90-meter (295-foot) observation deck on a clear day, you can even see the Ishikari Plain and the Sea of Japan in the distance. In addition to the beautiful scenery, there are restaurants and shops in the TV tower. It is recommended to come at night, when the city view is more dazzling and charming.

Tickets for observation deck:

Tickets	Adult	Children aged 6-15	Children at 6 or below
Individual tickets	JPY1,000	JPY500	Free of charge
Tickets for groups  with 15 or more  members	JPY700	JPY500

Opening hours: 9:00-22:00, last admission at 21:50

2. Walk and take photos

Tourists in Odori Park

Take a leisurely walk along the lake in the park, breathe in the fresh air, and let your body and mind relax. Odori Park has different beauty in every season. The cherry blossoms in spring, the green shade in summer, the red leaves in autumn, and the snow in winter, every moment is worth capturing with a camera.

3. Enjoy a picnic

In the central area of the park, there are over 60-year-old beech trees that stretch their dense branches and leaves to the sky, forming a natural parasol. You can spread a picnic mat on the grass below, bring your favorite snacks and drinks, and enjoy a leisurely afternoon with your friends. If you are lucky, you can also meet street artists performing.

4. Taste sweet corn

Sweet and juicy corn is one of the delicacies of Hokkaido in autumn. There are mobile trucks selling roasted corn in the park. It must be a good experience to taste sweet corn while enjoying the scenery of the park.

How to Get to Odori Park?

By bus:

From Sapporo Station, take the bus bound for Misumai danchi and get off at Odori Nishi 1 chome after 5 minutes. Then walk south for 20 meters (22 yards), turn right, and walk for 80 meters (90 yards) to reach the entrance of Odori Park.

By subway:

From Sapporo Station, take the Namboku Line bound for Makomanai and get off one stop later at Odori Station. Take Exit 8 and walk 200 meters (220 yards) east to the entrance of Odori Park.

By taxi:

Odori Park is about 5 minutes by taxi from Sapporo Station.

On foot:

Walk south from Sapporo Station for about 900 meters (990 yards), then turn right and walk about 100 meters (110 yards) to arrive there.

Recommended Tour Time: 1 - 2 hours

Admission Fee: Free admission

Opening Time: All day