Odori Park

Odori Park, as a symbol of Sapporo, an international city, consists of five themes and five zones: “Flowers,” “Gathering,” “Frontier,” “Oasis,” and “Exchange.”

The history of Sapporo City dates back to 1869, when the Hokkaido Development Commission was established and Shim Yoshitake, a development magistrate, envisioned a grid-like city layout. The east-west axis was the Soseigawa River, and the north-south axis was Shiriuchi-dori, which later became Odori Park. In 1871, a large firebreak was created to divide the central area into a northern government district and a southern residential and commercial district. This marked the beginning of Odori Park.

From around 1875, the area began to be used for multiple purposes, and in 1878 the first temporary agricultural exposition was held there. In 1909, landscaping authority Yasuhei Nagaoka was invited from Tokyo and asked to draw up improvement plans. The park took shape as a place for strolling and relaxation. During World War II, it was turned into farmland to secure food, and after the war a church was built on West 3 Chome, where the headquarters of the occupying forces had been established. Later, it was restored as a park, and as the city grew, it was further developed as a place of rest and relaxation in the city center.

The park’s flower beds are said to have begun around 1875, when the Hokkaido Development Commission planted Western flowers in West 3 and 4 Chome. In 1952, 15 flower and horticulture businesses in the city volunteered to create flower beds. Based on this effort, the Sapporo Flower Bed Promotion Association was established in 1954, and a contest began in which companies competed to create beautiful flower beds. Around the same time, sponsored circular flower beds also began, and a public-private cooperative system gradually took shape.

In 1950, shortly after the war, junior high and high school students created six snow statues in Odori to lift the spirits of the gloomy times. Snowball fights and carnivals were also enjoyed, and many citizens gathered to watch them. This was the beginning of the “Sapporo Snow Festival.” Large snow sculptures began to be made in 1953. Today, more than 200 snow sculptures in Odori Park alone attract 2 million visitors from Japan and abroad.

Odori Park hosts a variety of events throughout the year.

❆ Sapporo Lilac Festival
Held since 1959 to coincide with the blooming season of lilacs. In the following year, 1960, the lilac became the “tree of Sapporo.” Since 2008, Kawashimo Park has also served as a venue.

❆ YOSAKOI Soran Festival
A festival combining the naruko of Kochi Prefecture’s “Yosakoi Festival” with Hokkaido’s “Soran Bushi,” held since 1992. It takes place mainly in Odori Park and at various locations throughout the city.

❆ Hana Festa
Held since 1993, featuring exhibitions of gardening works and flower objects, as well as horticultural schools and flower sales.

❆ Sapporo Summer Festival
Started in 1954 as a festival to fully enjoy the summer of the north. Beer gardens and bon dances are also held.

❆ Hokkaido Marathon
Held since 1987 as one of Japan’s largest summer marathons. The finish line is at Block 8.

❆ Sapporo Autumn Fest
A festival that brings together seasonal ingredients from all over Hokkaido and local gourmet foods under the theme of “Food from Hokkaido and Sapporo,” held since 2008 in Odori Park.

❆ Sapporo White Illumination
First held in 1981 as Japan’s first illumination event. It is a seasonal highlight that colors Sapporo in early winter.

❆ Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo
Held since 2002 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the sister-city relationship with Munich, Germany. Stalls offering Christmas goods, German food, and more line the venue.

❆ Sapporo Snow Festival
Held in Odori Park since 1950, and also at the Susukino and Tsudome venues.