Find art, nature, and city life in Sapporo, Japan

The trees are even more vibrant in summer in Sapporo, Hokkaido. It’s the season for walking through the city or through the parks. There are many spots where the city and nature blend together, where art, history, and plants meet. Sapporo is a place where you can enjoy city life and nature at the same time. Come visit and spend you summer in Sapporo.

A statue floating on land – Art and nature meet in Moere Numa Park

Moere Numa Park was designed by world-renowned sculptor, Isamu Noguchi. On a vast expanse of land, there are glass pyramids, man-made mountains, and fountains. It’s a magical place that blends nature and art. There is a gallery inside the pyramid that hosts art exhibits and other events. There’s a new discovery every time you visit. Just walking through the park will have you feeling something new. Families enjoying picnics with kids, people reading on the grass, couples looking down from a viewpoint… Enjoy this park any way that you want. At the start of summer, you’ll want to take a nap under the bright blue sky. This magical place is just a little ways away from the central part of Sapporo.

Hours	7:00 AM – 10:00 PM (last entry 9:00 PM) *closed at the end of year and start of year
Address	1-1 Moere Numa Park, Higashi-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido Prefecture
Access	Hotel Gracery Sapporo: From Sapporo Station, ride the subway to Kanjodori Higashi Station. From there, ride either the Higashi-69 or Higashi-79 bus to the Moere Numa Park Higashiguchi bus stop
URL	https://moerenumapark.jp/english/

An oasis in the city – Spend a relaxing evening at Nakajima Park

Nakajima Park is right by the central area in Sapporo. It’s a place to enjoy the turning seasons. There is a beautiful pond, rustling trees, and historical architecture. It’s a well-known spot for fall leaves and spring cherry blossoms, but the fresh green leaves of summer are perfect for a quiet moment to yourself. The Hohei Kan building was built in the Meiji period (1868-1912). It used to be a state guest house, and you can feel the importance of it when you see it. There is a tea room in the Japanese garden where you can find a deeper sense of Japanese culture. Take a walk, sit on a bench, and feel the breeze. This spot is an oasis in the city.

Hours	Always open (facilities have separate hours)
Address	1 Nakajima Park, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido Prefecture
Access	Hotel Gracery Sapporo: From Sapporo Station, ride the subway to Nakajima Park Station
URL	https://www.sapporo-park.or.jp/nakajima/

History and nature collide – Spend some time at the Botanic Garden Hokkaido University

The botanic garden at Hokkaido University is right by Sapporo Station, but there is a sense of quietude. It was opened in 1886, and although it is a research facility, it is open to the public as well. There are around 4,000 types of plants and herbs, some of which you can only find in Hokkaido. In summer, you can see fresh greenery and beautiful flowers. In the same area, there is a museum and greenhouse that was built in the Meiji period. This is a place where nature and history meet. You might even learn something on your walk through here as you lose track of time. It’s a nice spot to take a little break between your sightseeing excursions.

Hours	9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry 4:00 PM) *Closed on Mondays (If Monday is a holiday, closed the next day)
Address	8 Kita Sanjo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido Prefecture
Access	Hotel Gracery Sapporo: 15-min. walk from the hotel
URL	https://www.hokudai.ac.jp/fsc/bg/index_e.html