Using green landscapes as his medium, artist Isamu Noguchi designed a park like no other. The Moerenuma Park with its distinct angles, unique designs and impromptu installations won the prestigious Good Design Award in 2002. In terms of functionality, the park includes a tennis court, baseball and athletic fields, in addition to the the Glass Pyramid or Hidamari. The Hidamari includes a gallery dedicated to the works of Isamu Noguchi along with a museum shop and restaurant.
Located in the Hokkaido Nopporo Forest, just on the outskirts of Sapporo, this wonderful living history museum gives visitors a look at life in the pioneering days of Hokkaido from the Meiji Restoration (1868) onwards. It covers over 50 hectares and consists of four areas: town, mountain, farming and fishing villages. Buildings from all over Hokkaido have been transported here and reconstructed, including the old Sapporo Railway Station. Visitors can ride the horse-drawn trolleys (in winter horse-drawn sleighs are used) and participate in the seasonal events that run throughout the year.
Mount Moiwa is in the very center of Sapporo. At a height of 531 meters, it offers a fabulous panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. You can see right into the distant Sea of Japan and the Shokambetsu mountains. Mount Moiwa itself has a rich natural environment, covered with forests, so the colors of the mountains change with the seasons. The gondola ride up or down the mountain is spectacular especially at night for those with romance on their minds.
This small cottage-like shrine is one place you don't want to miss if you're in Sapporo. The architecture of this historic landmark is worth seeing and the interiors are beautiful as well. It also hosts a number of festivals and events that are celebrated with a lot of zest and excitement.
Winter sports enthusiasts will have a ball in this museum. Constructed on the site of the 1972 Winter Olympics, it is a memorial to those games. There are several different exhibitions, including the Olympic Medalists, the Misayama Ski Games and the Winter Universiade. The museum also features the world's first ski-jump simulator, which gives visitors the experience of jumping without the danger. In the attached theater you can see videos of the history of skiing and skating, as well as highlights from the Games.
Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art is located in a large, landscaped garden that contains not only trees and shrubs but also diverse mobile outdoor sculptures. One of its main exhibitions is devoted to works by Hokkaido artists or artists that are deeply connected to Hokkaido. Another of its outstanding exhibitions is the display of art nouveau glass by Ecole de Paris. The collection of glass handicrafts is vast and extremely valuable and definitely worth seeing.
This government-managed park covers almost 400 hectares in the foothills about 20 kilometers south of Sapporo. The vast stretch of natural greenery is home to more than 700 species of trees and plants, four waterfalls, and a barbecue site for picnics. It also hosts a diverse selection of wildlife, including birds, deer, foxes, squirrels and rabbits, and there are observation points to watch these creatures in their natural habitat. The camping and caravan sites have excellent facilities, providing campers a comfortable stay while they discover the delights of nature. This place is open daily from 9 AM.
Using green landscapes as his medium, artist Isamu Noguchi designed a park like no other. The Moerenuma Park with its distinct angles, unique designs and impromptu installations won the prestigious Good Design Award in 2002. In terms of functionality, the park includes a tennis court, baseball and athletic fields, in addition to the the Glass Pyramid or Hidamari. The Hidamari includes a gallery dedicated to the works of Isamu Noguchi along with a museum shop and restaurant.
The Hokkaido Shiki Theatre is located in the heart of the city and is the hub of art and culture in Sapporo. The theater is spacious and elegantly appointed and offers patrons an intimate atmosphere to enjoy some great productions. The theater boasts excellent acoustics along with top-notch lighting and visual systems and ensures every seat in the house is a great one. Frequent plays, musicals, opera, and ballet shows are performed by local and touring troupes. This theater is a great place to experience Japanese theater firsthand.
Ishikari Beach is perfect for families and friends seeking some sun and sand. A great spot for soaking in panoramic views of the ocean, the shore is ideal for sun bathing with beach umbrellas and mats available on site. Outdoor enthusiasts can take a dip in the turquoise waters and head to one of the shacks for some grilled chicken after a refreshing dip. Ishikari Beach is also in proximity of a hot spring and a local park.
Ahasiyama Memorial Park is one of the most picturesque sights of the city. Perched atop a hill towering over 130 meters (426 feet), the park promises a backdrop comprising of verdant forests, scaling buildings and the turquoise oceans beyond them. It's a preferred escape for couples seeking some quiet time together while their date is complemented with views of an illuminated fountain and city lights at night. An Italian flowerbed in addition to a geometric garden complete this park, which is surrounded by hiking paths that beckon outdoor enthusiasts.