6 Nature Destinations in Sapporo: Lavender Fields, Skiing, and Hiking
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When visiting Hokkaido, you can become one with nature at facilities like Jozankei Farm and the Sapporo Bankei Ski Area. Hiking Mt. Hakkenzan or Mt. Maruyama is also an excellent outdoor adventure. Read on to learn more about Sapporo’s top six nature destinations.
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Tokyo, Japan
MATCHA's promotional account for corporate and local government advertising. We aim to provide useful information to our readers in an enjoyable manner.
Experience Nature in Sapporo, Hokkaido!
Hokkaido is well-known for its lush nature and amazing food. Sapporo—a city famous for buildings like the Former Hokkaido Government Office—is filled with sights to see, shopping facilities, and places where visitors can become one with nature.
After a round of shopping and sightseeing downtown, why not enjoy nature to the fullest by skiing or hiking? In this article, we'll introduce the best features of Sapporo and its nature-rich sightseeing spots. You can avoid the crowds and comfortably sightsee at all of these locations.
Please check the respective links for each facility to find additional information on their COVID-19 measures.
The Charm of Sapporo City
Photo by Pixta
There are countless places of interest in Sapporo for events, food, and shopping. Some examples include the Sapporo Snow Festival (*) held at Odori Park or Tanukikoji Shopping Street where visitors can taste Hokkaido’s famous seafood.
If you venture further out into the suburbs, you’ll encounter the spectacular nature of Hokkaido. Take in the landscape by visiting sprawling lavender fields, a ski area loved by locals, and hiking spots with spectacular views. In the next section, we'll introduce some of Sapporo’s famous nature sites.
* The 2021 Sapporo Snow Festival was held as an online event. Check out the Sapporo Snow Festival’s official website for more details.
Recommended Places to Visit in Sapporo
Interested in enjoying a vacation surrounded by nature in Sapporo? Then definitely visit the places introduced below!
1. Jozankei Farm
Picture courtesy of Jozankei Farm
Jozankei Farm is located about an hour’s drive from the city center. At this vast 21-hectare farm, you’ll find a beautiful orchard garden, fishing spots, treetop trekking, and bouldering walls.
Visitors can spend an entire day at the farm just picking fruit and making jam. It’s also a favorite among families.
▼ Check the information below for details!
2. Moerenuma Park
Photo by Pixta
This magical landscape called Moerenuma Park features trees and geometrical buildings. A feast for the eyes, the park is located about a 30-minute drive from the city center.
The basic design of the building was created by Isamu Noguchi, a famous Japanese architect and sculptor. The park is also famous for cherry blossoms. Each spring, about 2,600 cherry trees come into full bloom. It’s also a spectacular location to enjoy summer fireworks.
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3. The Hill of the Buddha
Photo by Pixta
In addition to Isamu Noguchi, Sapporo has another famous spot by a world-acclaimed artist. The Hill of the Buddha in Makomanai Takino Cemetery, a memorial park, was designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando. He was awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize, otherwise known as the “Nobel Prize of Architecture.”
Photo by Pixta
From a distance, only the head of the Buddha is visible on the hill. But upon entering the temple, you can fully see the statue’s magnificent design.
When summer arrives, the hill is covered with lavenders that enshroud the entire park with a mystical ambiance. On the premises, the Moai Statues and Stonehenge replica are hit photo spots among visitors.
▼ Check the information below for details!
4. Sapporo Bankei Ski Area
Photo by Pixta
Hokkaido is synonymous with skiing. If you're looking for winter sports during your stay in Sapporo, head over to the Sapporo Bankei Ski Area. It is easily accessible by a 20-minute drive from the city. It's said that many locals frequently stop by the ski area on their way home from work or school.
All 17 courses meet a wide variety of needs, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. In the summertime, you can enjoy zip-lining, tennis, and catching fish in the pond!
▼ Check the information below for details!
5. Mt. Hakkenzan
Photo by Pixta
Looking to enjoy some hiking while visiting the city? Then visit Mt. Hakkenzan, a mountain with a stunning summit. During the summer, you can enjoy climbing the mountain among lush greenery. When autumn arrives, the area is covered with fiery autumn foliage. You will surely feel refreshed in this beautiful scenery.
Hakkenzan Orchard, which also has a campground, is located at the base of Mt. Hakkenzan. There are harvesting experiences for strawberries, cherries, potatoes, and corn. You can also enjoy horseback riding, fishing, and barbequing to your heart’s content. The base of Mt. Hakkenzan is about 45 minutes by car from the city center.
▼ Check the information below for details!
6. Additional Trekking Spots
The view from Mt. Moiwa. Photo by Pixta
In addition to Mt. Hakkenzan, there are several mountains in the city that are perfect for trekking or hiking. Mt. Maruyama is one of them. With an elevation of 225 meters, it’s an easy hike that's recommended for beginners.
If you're traveling with children, the 311-meter tall Mt. Sankaku would be ideal. It’s also an easy trek thanks to the mountain’s well-maintained roads. You'll get a bird’s eye view of Sapporo upon reaching the summit.
As for Mt. Moiwa (*), the mountain offers a spectacular night view and is open for hiking. If you manage to finish the climb, the sparkling night view will be all the more rewarding. A restaurant and observation deck can be found on the summit.
On February 1, 2021, the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway and summit restaurant were temporarily closed until further notice. For the latest information, check out Sapporo Mt. Moiwa Ropeway’s official website.
▼ Check the information below for details!
Enjoy Sapporo’s Nature
Sapporo is famous worldwide for its snow festival. However, you shouldn’t overlook hiking, skiing, fruit picking, and other activities that allow you to get in touch with nature. After shopping and attending the snow-studded festival, head to our featured spots and take in the blue sky, lush trees, and Hokkaido's refreshing breeze.
Read the article below on Kitahiroshima—Sapporo’s neighboring city—to learn more about recommended places to visit and activities.
Main image by Pixta
Sponsored by Hokkaido Tourism Organization
MATCHA's promotional account for corporate and local government advertising. We aim to provide useful information to our readers in an enjoyable manner.
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