Important to know about Odori Park

About Odori Park

Odori Park is a big public park that can be found in the middle of Sapporo, which is in the country of Japan. The park is almost 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) long from east to west, and it serves as a divider between the northern and southern halves of the city center. Locals and visitors go to this location in large numbers throughout the year, but notably in February, when the Sapporo Snow Festival is held. Paths for walking and biking are included in addition to the park’s other amenities, which include large open spaces, flower gardens, fountains, and sculptures. In addition, the park is home to a number of important structures and attractions, such as the Sapporo TV Tower, the former Hokkaido Government Office, and the Sapporo City Archive Museum. They can be found either within the park itself or in the surrounding area. Odori Park is an important cultural and social center for the people of Hokkaido, and it is a symbol of the development of Sapporo as a modern city. It is also a symbol of the development of Sapporo.

Sapporo

History time line of Odori Park

Here is a brief history timeline of Odori Park:

1869: Hokkaido’s first governor, Kiyotaka Kuroda, orders the development of Sapporo.
1871: Sapporo is designated as the prefectural capital of Hokkaido.
1876: Construction of a government office complex, including a park, begins in the center of Sapporo.
1878: The park is named “Sapporo Horticultural Garden” and opens to the public.
1926: The park is renamed “Odori Park” and is expanded to its current size of 1.5 km (0.9 miles) in length.
1946: A memorial to the Hokkaido Development Commission is built in the park.
1972: The Sapporo Winter Olympics are held, with the park hosting several events.
1989: The Sapporo TV Tower is completed in the park, becoming a popular tourist attraction.
1997: The Sapporo Snow Festival is designated as a “Festival of Japan,” bringing national attention to the park and city.
2020: The COVID-19 pandemic results in the cancellation of the Sapporo Snow Festival and other events in the park.

Today, Odori Park remains a central gathering place for locals and tourists, offering green space, seasonal events, and cultural attractions in the heart of Sapporo.

How to reach Odori Park

Odori Park is located in the heart of Sapporo and is easily accessible by public transportation. Here are some of the ways to reach Odori Park:

Odori Park By subway:

Take the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, or Toho Line to the Odori Station. Odori Park is just a few minutes’ walk from the station.

Odori Park By bus:

Take any bus that stops at the Odori Koen (Odori Park) bus stop. The park is located just outside the bus stop.

Odori Park On foot:

If you are staying in the city center, you can easily walk to Odori Park. The park is located within walking distance of many popular hotels, shops, and restaurants.

Odori Park By taxi:

Taxis are widely available in Sapporo and can take you directly to the park. Just tell the driver you want to go to “Odori Koen” and they should know where to take you.

Odori Park By car:

It is not recommended to drive in the city center due to heavy traffic and limited parking. If you must drive, there are several paid parking lots located near the park.

Do's and Dont's at Odori Park

Here are some general do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Odori Park:

Do’s:

Do enjoy the natural beauty of the park and take time to appreciate the flowers, trees, and other features.
Do respect the park’s rules and regulations, which are posted throughout the park.
Do use the designated smoking areas and dispose of cigarette butts properly.
Do use the garbage cans and recycling bins provided to keep the park clean.
Do be mindful of other park visitors and keep noise levels reasonable.

Don’ts:

Don’t litter or leave trash in the park.
Don’t damage or remove any of the park’s natural or man-made features.
Don’t climb on or hang from trees or structures in the park.
Don’t bring pets or animals into the park, except for service animals.
Don’t disturb wildlife or feed the animals in the park.
Don’t play ball games or other activities that could potentially harm other visitors or the park’s features.
Don’t enter restricted areas or areas that are marked off-limits.
Don’t bring alcohol or use illegal drugs in the park.

Highlights of Odori Park

Here are some of the highlights and attractions of Odori Park:

Sapporo Snow Festival: Held annually in early February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is the park’s most famous event. Visitors can admire the impressive snow and ice sculptures and enjoy winter activities like ice-skating and sledding.
Flower gardens: Odori Park has a number of flower gardens that bloom with different flowers throughout the year. The most popular of these are the lilac garden and the rose garden.
Fountains and water features: The park has several fountains and water features, including the famous Moerenuma Fountain, which shoots water high into the air.
Statues and monuments: There are a number of statues and monuments throughout the park, including the famous Sapporo TV Tower and the Sapporo Clock Tower.
Street performances: During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy various street performances and entertainment in the park.
Food and drink: It has a number of food stalls and vendors that sell local snacks and drinks, making it a great place to try some of Sapporo’s famous cuisine.
Scenic views: Odori Park offers stunning views of the surrounding city and is a great place to take photos and enjoy the cityscape.

Tourist reviews of Odori Park

Here are a few tourist reviews of Odori Park:

“We visited Odori Park during the Sapporo Snow Festival and it was absolutely amazing. The snow sculptures were so intricate and detailed, and the atmosphere was electric. We also enjoyed walking around the park’s many flower gardens and taking in the views of the city.”
“Odori Park is a beautiful and peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. We loved strolling along the tree-lined paths and taking in the different fountains and water features. There are also plenty of food and drink options, so it’s a great place to relax and people-watch.”
“The Sapporo Clock Tower and the TV Tower are two of the main attractions in Odori Park, and they are definitely worth a visit. We also enjoyed browsing the different vendors and souvenir shops in the park, and trying some of the local snacks and drinks.”
“I loved the street performers and musicians in Odori Park, and it was great to see so many different cultures and nationalities represented. The park is a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Sapporo.”

Overall, tourists tend to enjoy the natural beauty of Odori Park, the many attractions and activities available throughout the year, and the vibrant atmosphere of the park during festivals and events.

Frequently asked questions about Odori Park ?

The optimum time for you to visit Odori Park is one that takes into account your particular interests. The Sapporo Snow Festival is an event that takes place at the beginning of February and is well worth attending. If you're interested in the flower gardens, the best time to visit is between the end of May and the beginning of June. When the leaves begin to change colors in the fall, the park is at its most breathtaking.

No, there is no admission fee to visit Odori Park.

Some of the main attractions in Odori Park include the Sapporo TV Tower, the Sapporo Clock Tower, the Moerenuma Fountain, and the various flower gardens and fountains.

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks into Odori Park. There are also food vendors and stalls in the park where you can purchase local snacks and drinks.

Yes, Odori Park is wheelchair accessible, with paved walkways and ramps. However, some areas of the park may be difficult to navigate due to stairs or uneven terrain.

Yes, pets are allowed in Odori Park, as long as they are kept on a leash and you clean up after them.

Sculptures of snow at the Sapporo Snow Festival

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