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Park · Sapporo, Hokkaido
Odori Park
A green strip about 1.5 km long that cuts across central Sapporo from east to west, with fountains, flower beds and the TV tower at one end. It hosts the Snow Festival in winter and outdoor fairs and beer gardens in summer.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Odori Park in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Discover
About Odori Park
Odori Park was created in 1871 as a wide strip to separate the government area from the residential quarter and to prevent fires from spreading across. Today it is a walk of about 1.5 km through central Sapporo, divided into numbered blocks, with lawns, fountains, flower beds, elms and sculptures, including a piece by Isamu Noguchi. The city’s streets are numbered from it, to the north and south.
At the eastern end stands Sapporo TV Tower, opened in 1957, with an observation deck overlooking the park’s line and a digital clock on its façade, familiar to every resident. From the top you can see the entire park and the mountains to the west, where residents’ favorite ski slopes are located.
The park changes with the seasons. In winter, usually in early February, it hosts the large snow and ice sculptures of the Snow Festival, started in 1950 by students and now one of the country’s best-known events. In spring the flowers appear, and in summer beer gardens and the summer festival occupy several blocks. In autumn the Hokkaido food fair brings producers from the island, and at year’s end the trees are decorated with lights.
Odori subway station, where the three lines intersect, is under the park, and underground passages connect it to Sapporo Station and Susukino. The Clock Tower and the old government building are a few minutes’ walk away.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
30 minutes to 1 hour to walk end to end; more time on festival days.
Best time
Usually in early February, during the Snow Festival, and in July and August with the outdoor beer gardens. In May and June the flower beds are often in bloom. At night, festival sculptures and winter illuminations stay lit until late.
How to get there
It's in central Sapporo, about a 10-minute walk from Sapporo Station, or accessible via the underground passage. Odori subway station, served by the Namboku, Tozai and Toho lines, is beneath the park.
Tip
To see the whole park from above, climb the TV tower at the eastern end. During the Snow Festival, the western courts usually have the larger sculptures; go early in the morning to walk with fewer people and return at night to see them illuminated.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Odori Park
How large is Odori Park?
About 1.5 km from the TV tower in the east to Block 12 in the west, with roughly 100 meters of width. It crosses central Sapporo and is intersected by cross streets.
Where are the Snow Festival sculptures located?
The largest ones are in Odori Park, spread across the blocks. Another area with ice sculptures is in Susukino. There’s also a children’s snow-slide area that moves location each year; check the official map.
What can you do in Odori Park in summer?
Walk among the fountains and flower beds, see events of the summer festival and, generally from mid-July to mid-August, sit at the outdoor beer gardens set up by various brands. Dates change every year.
Is Odori Park near Sapporo Station?
Yes, about a 10-minute walk. On snowy days, use the underground passage that links Sapporo Station with the park and Susukino.
Beyond the guide
