Nakajima Park Details
(WINTER)
The Toyohira River flows through the Jozankei valley and widens near Mt. Moiwa, forming a large alluvial fan. Sapporo was built on this fertile land. Nakajima Park was established along the Kamokamagawa River, one of the branches of this fan, and is connected to Sapporo’s water system and early development.
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| Nakajima Park - Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
In 1874, a sluice gate was installed on the Kamokamagawa River, and a lumber yard was set up. Timber from upstream was stored here before being sent to a sawmill by Otomobori (now the Sousei River). By 1882, residents wanted the unused lumber yard to be turned into a park. In 1887, Nakajima Amusement Park began to take shape, and the old lumber yard became Shobu Pond.
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| Nakajima Park map |
In 1907, the famous landscape gardener Nagaoka Yasuhei from Tokyo was hired to design the park. His design is still the basis of the park’s layout today. He also worked on Odori Park and Maruyama Park at that time.
Nakajima Park in Winter
In 1887, a display house for Hokkaido products was built in the park for an exhibition showcasing regional specialties. Since then, the park has hosted many exhibitions and events, becoming a central spot for Hokkaido’s goods and people. The 1918 Hokkaido Exposition celebrated the road’s 50th anniversary and introduced the first train in Sapporo. The 1958 Hokkaido Exposition included an amusement park (later moved to Maruyama Zoo, which is now closed) and an astronomical observatory which can still be seen in Nakajima Park at present.
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| Nakajima Koen Station |
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| Sapporo Children's Puppet Theater |
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| のびゆく子等 |
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| Monument of Shio Omoteko |
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| Hōhei Kan |
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| Sapporo City Observatory |
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| Iris Pond |
Nakajima Park hosted Sapporo’s first fireworks festival in 1906. In 1928, NHK’s radio station (JOIK Sapporo Broadcasting Station) started broadcasting from the park, marking the beginning of Hokkaido’s radio. In 1949, Japan’s first public children’s center opened in the park, set up in former American military barracks. The park has been a place where many new cultural events began.
Notable places to see near Nakajima Park
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| Toyohira River |
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| Horohira Bridge |
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| Kikusui Asahiyama Koen-dori Avenue |
The ginkgo tree-lined path starting at the park entrance on Minami 9-jo Street is a beautiful walkway, comparable to those around the Hokkaido Prefectural Government Office and Hokkaido University. In autumn, the path is covered in a bright yellow blanket of leaves. The weeping willows along the Kamokamagawa River’s edge add a lovely touch with their drooping branches and leaves.
Team Nicerio visits Nakajima Park
My daughter and I visited Nakajima Park for the first time last January 14, 2022, which was my 439th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. My daughter and I made sure to include it in our itinerary for the day as we were both big fans of the Japanese drama series “First Love”. We made it our goal to visit all the filming locations there, and Nakajima Park was one of them. Sadly, it was winter when we visited, and the park was covered in snow. This means that most of the places in the park were either closed or inaccessible. Regardless, we were able to visit the filming locations in the park and was able to take photos there. We will surely revisit this place in the future.
Nakajima Park Admission Fee
It’s FREE to enter and explore Nakajima Park.
Nakajima Park Operating Hours
Nakajima Park is open 24/7. However, some parts of the park are closed or can’t be accessed in winter.
Why visit Nakajima Park?
Nakajima Park is a captivating destination in Sapporo, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. Established in 1887, the park offers picturesque scenery with its ginkgo tree-lined promenades, weeping willows along the Kamokamagawa River, and Shobu Pond. It's a hub for cultural events and historical exhibitions, including Sapporo's first fireworks festival. The park provides a tranquil setting for relaxation and family outings, and its historical significance is highlighted by features like the former Hokkaido Product Exhibition display house. With its blend of natural charm and cultural heritage, Nakajima Park is a must-visit spot for both relaxation and exploration.
Getting to Nakajima Park
From Sapporo Station, walk to the Sapporo Station of the Namboko Line and board the subway going to Nakajimakoen Station or Horohirabashi Station.
Travel time: 12 minutes
Fare: 210 yen
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