Nakajima Park 中島公園

An urban park just one subway stop from central Sapporo, selected for both the "Top 100 Urban Parks in Japan" and the "Top 100 Historic Parks in Japan." The grounds include Hoheikan (built 1880, a National Important Cultural Property) and Hassoan, a traditional Edo-period teahouse relocated to the site. A lotus pond where rowboats can be rented, spacious lawns, and seasonal flowers and trees offer a genuine connection with nature in the city center.

At the heart of the park stands Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara, a dedicated classical music venue opened in 1997 whose approximately 2,000-seat main hall is considered to have acoustics among the finest in the world. In summer, the park serves as a major venue for the Sapporo Summer Festival, filling with events and festivity throughout the season.

The park changes beautifully with each season: cherry blossoms in spring, a cool green canopy in summer, and vivid autumn foliage in fall. Right by Nakajima Koen Station on the Sapporo Subway Namboku Line, it serves equally well as a daily walking destination for residents and a peaceful retreat for visitors.