Odori Park

Welcome to Odori Park, the vital urban artery and social center of Sapporo. Stretching exactly one and a half kilometers through the very heart of the city, this park is more than just a green space; it is the fundamental axis of…

We begin our exploration at 1-Chome, dominated by the striking Sapporo TV Tower. Built in 1957 by Tachu Naito—the same architect who designed Tokyo Tower—this 147-meter structure is the iconic landmark of the Sapporo skyline. …

As we walk west into 3 and 4-Chome, the atmosphere becomes more tranquil and ornamental. This area is famous for its vibrant lilac bushes and central fountains. …

Every February, the middle sections of Odori Park transform into a world-class outdoor gallery. The Sapporo Snow Festival, which began in 1950 when local high school students built six statues, now features hundreds of massive…

In 2-Chome, we find a unique cultural enclave: the Munich Christmas Market. Sapporo and Munich became sister cities in 1972, and this market, which runs from late November through December, is a celebration of that bond. …

As we reach the western end of the park near 8 and 9-Chome, we encounter a masterpiece of modern sculpture: the 'Black Slide Mantra' by the world-renowned artist Isamu Noguchi. This massive, elegant swirl of black granite is not…

Our journey through Odori Park concludes at 12-Chome, the westernmost block. This area is home to a beautifully curated Rose Garden, featuring over fifty varieties of roses that bloom in early summer. …

As we stand here at the conclusion of our walk through Odori Park, I hope you have gained an appreciation for the 'perfectly curated balance' of Sapporo. We have traveled from the heights of the TV Tower, through the festive…