Kuriyama Park (栗山公園) is a spacious public park in the town of Kuriyama. The park is located at 2 Chome-38-16 Sakuraoka in the town of Kuriyama, Yubari District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Kuriyama Park |
Kuriyama Park Details
Located
at the foot of Mt. Daishi in Hokkaido, Kuriyama Park is a scenic and
family-friendly destination that attracts over 102,000 visitors annually.
Spanning an impressive 24 hectares—roughly the size of five Sapporo Domes—this
expansive park offers a delightful mix of nature, recreational activities, and
seasonal beauty, making it a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Hokkaido.
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| Kuriyama Park - Kuriyama town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Key
Attractions at Kuriyama Park
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| Welcome to 栗山公園 |
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| Kuriyama Park map |
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| Kuriyama town's tourist map |
Nakayoshi Zoo: A Fun, Free Experience for All Ages
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| Nakayoshi Zoo |
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| Animal feeding activity in Nakayoshi Zoo |
A major
highlight of Kuriyama Park is the Nakayoshi Zoo, which offers free entry and is
home to a variety of animals. Visitors can see ponies, rabbits, goats, Ezo
deer, and guinea pigs up close. The zoo’s standout feature is "Munch
Time," where for just 100 yen, you can feed carrots to the animals. It’s a
perfect activity for families, children, and animal enthusiasts who want a
hands-on experience with these adorable creatures.
Playgrounds
and Camping: Perfect for Family Fun
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| Kuriyama Park playground |
Kuriyama Park features numerous playgrounds, providing hours of entertainment for kids.
Additionally, there are designated barbecue areas and camping sites, making it
a great spot for family picnics, group outings, or a weekend camping trip.
Whether you want to relax or enjoy some outdoor fun, Kuriyama Park offers a
wide range of activities to suit every visitor’s needs.
Steam
Locomotive: A Nostalgic Piece of History
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| Yubari SL 21 |
Kuriyama
Park is also home to the preserved Yubari SL 21 which was a real steam locomotive that
operated in 1975. This train has become a popular attraction for visitors of
all ages. Train enthusiasts will appreciate the historical significance of the
locomotive, while families can enjoy taking fun photos with this iconic piece
of Hokkaido’s heritage.
Seasonal
Beauty at Kuriyama Park
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| Seasonal Flowers bloom around Kuriyama Park |
Spring
is one of the best times to visit Kuriyama Park. During this season, over 200
Siberian wild cherry trees bloom, transforming the park into a cherry blossom
paradise. The rows of cherry trees are lined with seasonal flower planters,
creating a stunning visual experience. The park’s long paths become a
picturesque canal of delicate cherry blossoms, making it a popular spot for
Sakura enthusiasts and photographers.
In
autumn, Kuriyama Park is surrounded by the breathtaking foliage of Mt. Odaishi.
The vibrant red and gold leaves create a peaceful, colorful canopy over the
park, offering the perfect backdrop for scenic walks, hikes, and photography.
If you visit during this season, you can experience the stunning beauty of the
park and its surrounding mountains as they transition into their autumn hues.
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| A seasonal flower shop was open during our visit |
No
matter the time of year, Kuriyama Park offers something special for nature
lovers. From the spring cherry blossoms and summer greenery to the autumn
leaves and quiet winter landscapes, the park’s flora changes with the seasons,
ensuring that there’s always something beautiful to see. With seasonal events
and displays throughout the year, it’s a great destination for those who
appreciate the changing beauty of nature.
Fun and
Interactive Activities for the Whole Family
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| The famed Ezo Shika standee in Nakayoshi Zoo |
Aside
from the natural beauty, Kuriyama Park features playful activities that make it
a perfect family destination. One such activity is the face-in panels scattered
throughout the park, where visitors can pose as an Ezo deer or a peacock. These
fun panels provide a great opportunity for creative photos and are especially
popular with children, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your visit.
Team Nicerio visits Kuriyama Park
My family and I visited Kuriyama Park for the first
time during our “Wedding Anniversary” road trip on May 13, 2023. It also marked
my 558th day in Japan as an ALT with the JET Programme. Kuriyama Park was the
first stop on our trip, and we were amazed by the park’s beauty, especially
with the flowers in full bloom. We had a great time taking photos of the
various sights, and the highlight of our visit was definitely Nakayoshi Zoo.
Kuriyama
Park’s Operating Hours and Admission
Kuriyama
Park is open year-round, with various attractions and activities depending on
the season. While the park is a year-round destination, the best times to visit
are during spring for the cherry blossoms or autumn for the colorful foliage. Although
you can visit Kuriyama Park any time of the year, the facilities of the park are
open to the public from April 27th to November 3rd only.
Kuriyama Park’s Admission Fee
It’s
FREE to enter and explore Kuriyama Park. The Nakayoshi Zoo is free to enter,
but certain activities, like the "Munch Time" feeding experience or
special seasonal events, may have small fees.
Why
Kuriyama Park is a Must-Visit Destination
Kuriyama Park is the
perfect spot for visitors of all ages. Its wide range of attractions, stunning
natural landscapes, and family-friendly environment make it a top destination
for travelers looking to experience the beauty and charm of Hokkaido. Plan your
visit today and enjoy the unforgettable moments that await at Kuriyama Park.
Getting to Kuriyama Park
From Kuriyama Station, visitors can choose to walk for about 15 minutes to the park or ride bus #27 Iwamizawa Kuriyama Sen or bus #25 Iwamizawa Naganuma Sen to Chuo 1 Chome [Kuriyamacho] bus stop.
Once there, Kuriyama Park is a few minutes away on foot.
Travel time: 9 minutes
Fare: 240 yen
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