Odori Park Sapporo: 2025 Guide to History, Festivals & Tips

Located in the center of Sapporo City and surrounded by about 4,700 trees with 92 species, the Odori Park in Sapporo is regarded as a relaxing urban oasis. Odori Park means the “Largest Street” in Japanese. It stretches 1.5 km from east to west and sits in the heart of Sapporo, where you can see citizens of different ages strolling through or hanging out.

Here you can immerse yourself in a variety of significant seasonal events, including the Sapporo Snow Festival, the Lilac Festival, diverse Flower Festivals, and the Sapporo Autumn Festival, which draws numerous visitors to appreciate. Start your Odori Park tour in Sapporo now and discover its history, highlights, and travel tips.

History of Odori Park

The history of Odori Park dates back to 1871. It was originally built as a firebreak, aiming to separate the downtown area into the administrative areas and residential and commercial regions.

During World War II, this land was used as farmland. And US soldiers later turned this place into a ballpark and a tennis court. After the army evacuated, it was developed into today’s sports ground, situated in the west of the park.

The development of Odori Park promoted and witnessed the growth of Sapporo City, which was redeveloped as a place for relaxing and international business.

Seasonal Highlights & Must-See Events

Winter Wonderland (Dec–Feb)

Odori Park is considered the venue for significant events in Sapporo. Of all Odori Park events, Sapporo Snow Festival belongs to one of the most important ones in Japan, which is also the largest winter event in Sapporo, and is usually held in February of a year. During the period, millions of people will be drawn here to catch a glimpse of snow sculptures and enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor activities.

Another Odori Park snow festival belongs to the Sapporo White Illumination, which tends to begin from November to December. At that time, Odori Park at night will become a great place to go for a romantic late-night stroll, where different kinds of sparkling lights and works will be adorned in the Odori Park.

In addition, the German Christmas Market in Sapporo will be open in the same months, with various festive stalls, offering visitors German specialties, strong holiday spirit, and knick-knacks for Christmas.

Spring Blooms (Mar-May)

Apart from Cherry Blossoms, Sapporo Lilac Festival is another famous Odori Park festival, created in 1959 as a fragrant seasonal event, when lilac flowers bloom. When it came to 1960, lilac was chosen as the tree of Sapporo, since it had become so familiar to folks that it could be seen in many residential areas. The Lilac Festival usually comes in the early spring, from March to May, when Odori Park will be dotted with 400 lilacs in full bloom. Its arrival indicates that citizens can go outside and walk to enjoy the lively springtime.

Summer Blooms & Beer Gardens (Jun–Aug)

When it comes to mid-summer, another Odori Park festival, the Sapporo Summer Festival, follows up. This Odori Park festival will be held in Odori Beer Garden, Japan’s largest beer garden, with Hokkaido brews. It will last for a month, during which over a million visitors come to the Garden to enjoy the summer with a refreshing beer. As one of the Japanese folk arts, the Bon Odori dance is held to celebrate the Obon season, at the same time, and to liven up summer.

Yosakoi Soran Festival is usually held in early June, when participants consisting of over 30,000 people from all over the world gather in Sapporo to do dance competitions, and the roads next to Odori Park will be clear for dancers.

Summer is the right time for flourishing plants to grow, filled with sweet summer scents in the air, and also the time for Flower Festivals. In addition to lilac flowers, lavender fields, tulips, chrysanthemums, and seasonal gardens are displayed to celebrate diverse blossoms and cultural traditions.

Autumn Foliage (Sep–Nov)

Autumn in Japan is enchanting as well. Vibrant fall colors and natural wonders in Jozankei Gorge form a scenic vista in rich colors only for autumn.

During the last three weeks of September, the Sapporo Autumn Festival will be held. Best gourmets from Hokkaido will gather around and create a tasty feast, with a great variety of dishes, like crabs, ramen buzz, local beer, etc. Streets are filled with food aromas, and delicacies from different stalls can satisfy various taste buds.

Top Attractions & Activities at Odori Park

In the International Exchanges Area lies the well-known landmark, Sapporo TV Tower, surrounded by many monuments donated by artists and entrepreneurs. The Benson’s Water Fountain exists here as well, creating a tranquil and relaxing environment for citizens and tourists.

As the symbol of Odori Park, the Water and Light District offers a nice landscape, scattered with many statues. The fountain nearby is designed as a petal looking, characterized by a central aluminum water disc with water spouting from each side to form a specific shape, which is turned on from late April to late October. This area offers a magical and romantic vibe in Odori Park at night, mixed with water and light.

There is an activity area, staying lively all year round, which is an iconic family-friendly zone and a place for seasonal events. Inside the district are built with entertainment equipment, including Black Slide Mantra and Play Slope. Besides, tourist information centers and stores sit here too, with workers providing help and language support for overseas visitors.

In the historical and cultural district, tourists have the chance to learn more about the development of Hokkaido. Several statues of outstanding historical figures sit here, telling of the past. You can feel its historical atmosphere while sitting here to relax. Another wooden structure, Maibaum, is a gift from Munich of Germany, the sister city of Sapporo.

Themed as roses, the Sunken Garden has over 1,100 roses with 60 species, which bloom from mid-June to October. Numerous flower enthusiasts come here to capture its picturesque moments. Those bright colors add vitality to the historical building behind, together forming a charming landscape painting.

Travel Tips for Visiting Odori Park

Best Time to Visit

Odori Park has its uniqueness in different seasons; therefore, the best time to visit it depends on what you are interested in and want to appreciate. Springtime offers visitors cherry blossoms. Autumn presents an artistic picture formed by vibrant foliage in rich colors. For the Odori Park winter festival, the  Sapporo Snow Festival and Sapporo White Illumination together provide sightseers with a winter wonderland. For summer events, the Sapporo Beer Garden offers iconic beer, adding refreshing flavor to the summer air.

How to Get to Odori Park

Odori Park is located in Odori Nishi 1-chome to Odori Nishi 12-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido. Odori Park can be accessed via three subway lines: Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line. Aside from that, it is approximately a 7-minute walk from Odori Station and about a 12-minute walk from Sapporo subway station. And it is less than 100 meters away from the nearest bus station, 1 Chome Odori West station.

Accessibility & Facilities

Except for the playground and slides for families, Odori Park is equipped with wheelchair-friendly paths to offer facilities. When winter comes, it might be challenging for wheelchair users, but volunteers will offer help. Besides, there are paths connecting both above and below ground, which are easily reachable from different regions of the park.

The Sapporo Underground Walkway, passing through the main streets of Sapporo city, is connected with Sapporo Station and Odori Station. There will be specialties on sale. It offers a great, convenient underground space and is a perfect choice if you encounter harsh weather.

Where to Stay Near Odori Park

Many hotels near Odori Park can be your alternative for staying. Sapporo View Hotel Odori Park is situated not only 10 meters away from the park, but also a 5-minute drive from JR Sapporo Train Station and a 5-minute walk from Nishi 11 Chome Subway Station. Except for accessible transportation, it is budget-friendly.

350 meters away from the Odori Park lies in Lamp Light Books Hotel, which is next to the Tanukikoji Shopping Street and decorated with a minimalistic design and equipped with complete amenities. The Royal Park Canvas Sapporo Odori Park is close to the park, with design-focused decoration.

Nearby Attractions

Sapporo TV Tower

The Sapporo TV Tower is a TV and radio broadcasting tower with an observation deck, situated in the Odori Park, which is viewed as one of the landmarks of Sapporo. From the observation deck, 90 meters above the ground, tourists are offered a nice view of this city. Many gourmet shops and souvenir stores sit inside, providing visitors with diverse Hokkaido specialties and a delicate and popular mascot.

The TV Tower in Sapporo features digital clocks on four sides, which are illuminated from sunset to midnight every day. It will be powered off from midnight to 5:00 am to save energy.

Sapporo Clock Tower

The Sapporo Clock Tower, also called Sapporo Tokeidai, is a historic landmark, built in American architectural style. Not only is it the oldest clock tower in the local area, but it is also a popular tourist attraction on a Hokkaido trip.

The first floor of the Sapporo Clock Tower exhibits some models and photos about this Tower and the early development of Sapporo, and some themed souvenirs are on sale.

The auditorium space on the second floor will be rented in the evening for various kinds of ceremonies, like concerts, lectures, and weddings. Besides, a clock sits on the second floor, which is the same as the one in the tower. It demonstrates how the complex mechanism of the clock works, which has been keeping time for 140 years since it was created.

Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade

As the oldest shopping street in Hokkaido, Tanukikoji Shopping Street (or Tanuki Koji Market) is about 7 blocks from Odori Park, with 200 shops on a downtown street. A collection of local eateries, merchant houses, souvenir shops, and karaoke bars can be found here, presenting a unique Japanese culture and atmosphere. Take an empty stomach and a bag to walk through this lively arcade for the local flavor and Hokkaido souvenirs.

Susukino District

When walking south from the Odori Park, you will enter a colorful area, with an array of cafes, restaurants, hotels, and bars, which is the famous stylish nightlife center with lots of adult entertainment facilities. This area is a perfect place for fully enjoying nighttime, offering visitors a relaxing and charming Japan. It is recommended for people who tend to avoid embarrassment to have a clear destination, instead of hanging out when visiting this district.

Neon signs along this street form a popular site for sightseers, shutterbugs, and Instagrammers. One of the best things to do in Sapporo is to savor its local seafood. Diverse popular specialties like fresh seafood, miso soup, and Genghis Khan BBQ can be found as well. Foodies can gain full enjoyment and stomach.

FAQs about Odori Park

1. Is Odori Park free to visit?

Yes. It is open to the public year-round without an admission fee.

2. Can I visit Odori Park during winter?

Yes. It is highly recommended to visit in the winter for the Odori Park winter festivals. The Sapporo Snow Festival is one of the most important events in Japan, where you can fully enjoy the festive mood.

3. Are pets allowed?

Yes. It is allowed for leashed pets in Odori Park, and owners should clean up after them.

Explore Odori Park with Hi Five Trip

If you are looking for an unforgettable trip, do not hesitate to contact Hi Five Trip to customize your Japan itinerary.