| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours |
| Contact | 011-5521-3172 |
| Notes | Large park, playground, walking paths, park golf, event space, museum, jogging spot, picnic area, free parking available |
| Location / Getting There | The park is in central Obihiro. The park is an 18 minute walk from Obihiro station or a 6 minute drive. Simply head straight down 'Koen Odori Avenue'. 〒080-0846 Hokkaido, Obihiro, Midorigaoka, 2 |
This massive park is located in the middle of the city of Obihiro. Stretching to 50 hectares, this comprehensive park contains a park golf course, the Obihiro Zoo and the Obihiro Centennial Hall, plus walking trails and a pond. Midorigaoka Park has many different sections to it. One area is the ‘Green Park’ is a huge mowed lawn for people to enjoy. It is lined by a bench, but not just any bench. The bench here runs for 400 meters! Plenty of space to find a seat. beyond this large green space is a large stage used for events. Plus there is a park golf course as well.
You can find many of Obihiro’s older residents enjoy the park golf course. Past this is the Obihiro Centennial Hall, which serves as a museum and gallery for the local area. Near here there are winding paths that run through the park with sculptures and benches to enjoy. There is also a large pond. here you can rent out small row boats and have a paddle. Further on is the entrance to to zoo. This park, is not too far a walk from the station and if you have time is a top spot to visit in any season. In spring, the cherry blossoms are out and the autumn leaves are equally beautiful.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours |
| Contact | 011-5431-4557 |
| Notes | Small park, festivals held here, no parking |
| Location / Getting There | The park is located in central Kushiro. It is near the nightlife district, and is only a 9 minute walk from Kushiro station. 6 Chome-9 Sakaemachi, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0013 |
Sakaemachiheiwa Park is located in the center of Kushiro. There are very few green spaces in Kushiro and this park is often used for festivals during the summer and winter and many locals use this park. There is a bit of interesting history behind the park and the area. In 1945, nearing the end of the war, Kushiro was hit by an air raid. The war damaged city was reconstructed and a site was secured for the Sakaemachi Heiwa Park in 1945. Further projects were further created in 1947.
In 1972, the submerged park was redeveloped. A fountain was installed in the middle of the park. The fountain with the surrounding trees and grass area is a pleasant place to rest. As there aren’t many places to enjoy the greenery, this small park is quite a popular with the locals. The park is also right among the entertainment district so it’s easy to find a restaurant, izakaya, or bar close by. This park is a small space in town and is not a bad place for a stroll.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours |
| Contact | 0154-31-4557 |
| Notes | Small park area, sightseeing spot, children playground, toilets |
| Location / Getting There | The square is located in central Kushiro. It is just off the main road, Kitadori 113, and right by the Nusamai Bridge. It is a 15 minute walk, south from Kushiro station. 1 Nusamaicho, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0836 |
This park in Kushiro can be found overlooking the city and is a quiet and peaceful spot to enjoy. In this small park, among the flowers and trees, you can also find the Takeshirō Matsuura Ezo Expedition Statue. Takeshirō Matsuura was a Japanese explorer, cartographer, writer, painter, priest, and antiquarian. Born in 1818 he was an important figure in the development of Hokkaido. He was instrumental in the naming of the island and many of its places and is often referred to as the “Godparent of Hokkaido”. This statue is in the center of the park and overlooks the city.
To get to the park, you need to pass over the the popular Nusamai Bridge. There is a path that winds its way up past the round about and up a flight of steps. The design of this path is really nice and has a distinct European feel to it. This gives the area a beautiful atmosphere. Once at the top, there are nice views. The sunset here is particularly nice. This park has play equipment for kids and benches to sit. For such a small park, this area is quite a nice spot to visit and is recommended in the late afternoon.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours |
| Contact | - |
| Notes | Small park area |
| Location / Getting There | The square is located in central Kushiro. It is just off the main road, Kitadori 113, and right by the Nusamai Bridge. It is a 15 minute walk, south from Kushiro station. 1 Okawacho, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0837 |
Friendship Square can be found overlooking Kushiro River. Kushiro River starts from Lake Asshan and runs for 154 kilometers. It finally makes its way down to Kushiro. At the mouth of the river you can find Friendship Square. The square runs for about four hundred meters by the river. It lies between two of the bridges, one being the popular Nusamai Bridge. It can be accessed via a path that runs along the promenade. The square is directly in front the Kushiro Century Castle Hotel, which has views over the river.
The whole area is a pleasant place to walk around and enjoy the river, and the harbor. This area is also famous for its nice views of the sunsets. The square has a nice view of Nusamai Bridge with the sunset. Along this promenade you can also find the Kobunkan (a small historical museum). Plus, on the other side of the river, there is the hugely popular Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf MOO, which is a great shopping and dining area. Friendship Square is a quiet pleasant spot, good for a sit down, have some lunch and take in the calm.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | - |
| Contact | 011-5582-2063 |
| Notes | Shinto shrine, parking, car needed |
| Location / Getting There | The shrine is located on the south east coast of Hokkaido in the district of Hiroo. It is the in the centre of town and is part of the main park in town. It is a 2 minute walk from route 336. 1-13 Moyori, Hiroo, Hiroo District, Hokkaido 089-2637 |
Tokachi Shrine dates all the way back to June 1666. The shrine is located in the coastal town of Hiroo. Hundreds of years ago, the fishing industry here became strong. As the town prospered, so did the reverence of the deities. According to the local history, a piece of driftwood washed up along the coast which had the representations of a dragon, and then enshrined here. Later on, this driftwood was then carved into a statue. The date of this is unknown, but the statuette was about four inches and was carved into a likeness of Prince Shōtoku.
November 1799 saw the development of a new road between Hiroo and Samani. This opening increased trade and more wealth was attributed to the town. In turn, the shrine prospered and went through developments. As of 2021, the number of parishioners numbers 3,214 households, and 130 worshippers. This shrine is part of the main park in Hiroo. It is a great place to wander around and stretch the legs. The shrine has a nice long stone path which leads towards the shrine. Here, you can get some nice pictures of Tokachi Shrine.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 - 17:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 011-582-0050 |
| Notes | Sightseeing spot, bird watching, walking trails, parking available, walking spot, jogging spot, picnic area, photography spot |
| Location / Getting There | From "Sumikawa Station" on the Namboku Subway Line, take the Chuo Bus Nishioka Loop Line [Sumi 73] or [Sumi 74]. Get off at "Nishioka Sugenike". It is a 28 minute drive from central Sapporo. 487 Nishioka, Toyohira Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-0039 |
Nishioka Park is located in the southern suburbs of Sapporo. The main feature of this huge park is the equally huge pond at its center. The water feature was originally constructed as a water supply facility for the former army (25th Infantry Regiment) in the Meiji era. Construction started in June 1891 with the blocking of the Tsukisamu River. It wasn’t until 1977 that the land and reserve became Nishioka Park. This waterside park is famous for flora and fauna. A great spot for bird watchers and nature lovers. Take a stroll along the raised paths over the marshlands where you can observe abundant mammals, wild birds, dragonflies, and the fireflies (which come out late July).
The park has a few different areas to wander around in. At the top of the park, there is an observation deck and community center. In this area you can find pine trees and cherry blossoms during the spring. Following the paths, they all lead down to the water. The path crosses over running streams, and grass areas for those who want to sit and have a picnic. There is also a camping ground here! The iconic structure overlooking the pond is the small intake tower. Hexagon in shape, this wooden tower is a nice photo opportunity.
