Odori-Koen Park in Sapporo

In the late 1860’s, Japan’s new Meiji government decided that Hakodate was less than ideal as the capital of Hokkaido, and began looking for a more central and defensible location. Stakes were high, as the government had decided to make the colonization and development of the northern island a central priority. Fairly quickly, a site on the Ishikari Plain was chosen, and the Hokkaido Development Commission began planning the new city. Horace Capon, former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under the administration of Ulysses S. Grant, was brought in as an advisor, and construction began. One of the first decisions was to leave a large strip of undeveloped land running east to west to serve as a firebreak. This would become Odori Koen, one of Sapporo’s most pleasant features, and a huge part of its civic life. The park is a 105-meter wide strip of green running through the heart of the city, with a wealth of trees, flowers and fountains. There are events in Odori Koen throughout the year. During the city’s famous Snow Festival, the park is one of the main centers of activity, with at least one enormous snow sculpture being built as a communal project open to anyone who wants to lend a hand. Stop by and leave your mark on this appealing city, at least until the snow melts.
More Info.:
Sapporo
William Smith Clark
Historical Village of Hokkaido
Sapporo Beer Garden

Matt Mangham

JR Hokkaido: Sapporo station===(15 min. walk)===Odori Koen Park Subway: Odori Station City bus: Nishi 11 chome stop