20 Parks in Hokkaidō worth your time

Japan's largest land-based national park offers diverse natural scenery, from volcanic peaks to forests and lakes.

What it is

• Japan’s largest land-based national park.
• Named for its soaring snowy mountains.
• Divided into three areas: Omote-Taisetsu, Higashi-Taisetsu, Tokachidake.

What to see

• Rugged mountain ranges, volcanic landscapes, mixed forests, pristine lakes.
• Alpine flowers and butterflies in spring and summer.
• Mt. Asahidake, Hokkaido's tallest peak, with volcanic steam vents.
• Sounkyo gorge with waterfalls and pillar-like cliffs.
• Mt. Akadake's stunning autumn colors.
• Lake Shikaribetsu, a high-altitude lake.

When to go

• Spring and summer for alpine flowers and butterflies.
• Mid-September for early autumn colors on Mt. Akadake.
• Winter through spring to see the Taushubetsu River Bridge.

Getting there

• Mt. Asahidake accessible via Asahidake Ropeway.
• Mt. Kurodake accessible via ropeway from Sounkyo Onsen village.
• Trail up Mt. Akadake starts at Ginsendai, an hour's drive from Sounkyo.

Official site

www.daisetsuzan.or.jp

Read more about Daisetsuzan National Park

Hokkaido's oldest aquarium features unique deep-sea fish, penguin walks, and a small amusement park for a nostalgic family outing.

What it is

• Opened in 1953 as the first aquarium in the Hokkaido region.
• Managed by the Muroran Tourism Association and nicknamed Muroran Minpo Minna no Suizokukan.
• Known for being the first in Japan to successfully raise Erilepizon from fry.
• A local facility combining marine life exhibits with a small amusement park.

What to see

• The Erilepizon, which serves as the official symbol fish of the facility.
• Harbor seals, spotted seals, and a colony of Humboldt penguins.
• A rare skeleton specimen of a Stejneger's beaked whale on display.
• Amusement rides including a Ferris wheel and a classic carousel.
• A handmade biotope and an outdoor touch pool for interacting with marine life.

When to go

• Penguin walks are held twice every day for visitors to observe.

Official site

www.iburi.net

Read more about Muroran Aquarium

Akan Mashu National Park offers unique volcanic landscapes, rare Marimo algae, and Ainu culture.

What it is

• National park in Eastern Hokkaido, designated in 1934.
• Land of volcanoes, lakes, and forests.
• Home to indigenous Ainu people from ancient times.

What to see

• Lake Akan, habitat for rare spherical Marimo algae.
• Marimo Exhibition Center and Akankohan Eco-museum Center.
• Boiling mud (bokke) along lake shores and mountains.
• Lake Kussharo, one of the largest caldera lakes.
• Mt. Io (Sulfur Mountain), an active volcano with fumaroles.
• Akanko Ainu Kotan village and Kussharo Kotan Ainu Folklore Museum.

When to go

• Winter for whooper swans, ice fishing, and snowshoeing.
• Warmer months for 'sea of clouds' phenomenon over lakes.
• Autumn for hiking through vibrantly-colored forests.
• May for colorful flowers like yellow Meakan-kinbai.

Official site

www.env.go.jp

Read more about Akan Mashu National Park

Asahikawa's first urban park features major cultural institutions and serves as the primary venue for the city's annual winter festival.

What it is

• The first public park established in Asahikawa City, officially opened in 1916.
• A designated Northern Landscape Heritage site and one of Japan's Top 100 Urban Parks.
• A cultural hub containing the Hokkaido Prefectural Asahikawa Museum of Art and Central Library.
• The site of the Kamikawa Shrine Tongu and the Asahikawa City Public Hall.

What to see

• The park layout designed by Yuzo Hoshino in 1910.
• The Hokkaido Prefectural Asahikawa Museum of Art building and exhibits.
• The Asahikawa City Public Hall located within the park grounds.
• The Kamikawa Shrine Tongu situated among the park greenery.

When to go

• Visit during the annual Asahikawa Winter Festival held on the park grounds.

Read more about Tokiwa Park

Ueno Farm is a Hokkaido Garden with English country garden elements, worth visiting for its unique design.

What it is

• Family enterprise started in 1906 as a rice farm.
• Transformed into a garden business in 2001.
• Pioneering model of a “Hokkaido Garden.”
• Managed by Ueno Sayuki, who studied gardening in England.

What to see

• Sections like Purple Walk, White Birch Path, Circle Border, Mirror Border.
• Old cattle barn is now the garden entrance and shop.
• Old storage barn houses the Naya Café.
• Terraced gardens on old rice paddies.
• Pines and shirakaba (Japanese white birch) trees.
• Rainbow-colored chairs atop Shateki Mountain.

When to go

• Open daily except Monday.
• Daylight hours.
• Late April to mid-October.

Read more about Ueno Farm

Koshimizu Genseikaen is a wild flower garden in Hokkaido, offering diverse blooms and coastal views.

What it is

• A wild flower garden in Koshimizu Town, Hokkaido.
• Part of Abashiri Quasi-National Park.
• A long area between the Sea of Okhotsk and Lake Tofutsu.
• Selected as a Hokkaido Heritage site.

What to see

• About 40 types of wildflowers.
• Ezo Kisuge, Ezo Sukashiyuri, Hamanasu, and Hiohgi Ayame blooms.
• Views of the Sea of Okhotsk.
• Views of Lake Tofutsu.

When to go

• Genseikaen Station operates from May 1 to October 31.

Getting there

• Genseikaen Station is a temporary station.
• Abashiri Bus Koshimizu Line stops at Genseikaen.
• Shiretoko Airport Liner stops at Genseikaen.

Read more about Koshimizu Genseikaen

Nakajima Park is a historic Sapporo city park with cultural sites and winter activities.

What it is

• A city park in Sapporo, Hokkaido.
• One of Japan's Top 100 City Parks.
• One of Japan's Top 100 Historical Parks.
• Its origin is the topography created by the Toyohira River.

What to see

• Hoheikan, a National Important Cultural Property.
• Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara.
• Sapporo Astronomical Observatory.
• Sapporo Children's Puppet Theater Kogumaza.
• Shobu Pond offers boat rentals.
• Walking ski courses in winter.

When to go

• Winter for walking ski courses.
• Winter for free ski equipment rentals.

Getting there

• Adjacent to Susukino.

Official site

www.sapporo-park.or.jp

Read more about Nakajima Park

Japan's first permanent pedestrian zone, this shopping street is worth visiting for its history and festivals.

What it is

• Japan's first permanent pedestrian zone, opened June 1, 1972.
• A shopping park in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido.
• Commonly known as "Kaimono Koen" (Shopping Park).
• Formerly a busy main road called "Heiwa-dori."

What to see

• A 1-kilometer pedestrian paradise.
• One of the Eight Views of Asahikawa.

When to go

• February for the Asahikawa Winter Festival.
• August for the Asahikawa Summer Festival.
• September for the Tabe Marche gourmet event.

Getting there

• Spans from Asahikawa Station to 8-jo Dori.

Official site

www.kaimonokouen.com

Read more about Heiwa-dōri Kaimono Kōen

Visit the visitor centers at Lake Shikotsu or Lake Toya for maps, local information, and geological history.

What it is

• Shikotsuko Visitor Center: large, log house-style building.
• Toyako Visitor Center: impressive facility with Volcano Science Museum.

What to see

• Shikotsuko Visitor Center: maps, photos, replicas of local animals.
• Shikotsuko Visitor Center: samples of local trees.
• Shikotsuko Visitor Center: videos on geologic history, 4K theater presentation.
• Toyako Visitor Center: visual and text information on volcanoes.
• Toyako Visitor Center: train tracks bent by ground deformation.
• Toyako Visitor Center: pick-up truck damaged by volcanic rocks.

Official site

www.env.go.jp

Read more about Shikotsu-Tōya National Park

See salmon and northern freshwater fish in Japan's largest freshwater tank and first river observation room.

What it is

• An aquarium dedicated to salmon and northern freshwater fish.
• Opened in 1994 as Chitose Salmon Hometown Museum.
• Renamed and reopened as Chitose Aquarium in 2015.
• Located within Roadside Station Salmon Park Chitose.

What to see

• One of Japan's largest freshwater tanks.
• Japan's first underwater observation room of a river.
• A fish wheel on the Chitose River.
• Hokkaido's only water-powered fish wheel.
• Salmon and trout breeding operations.

When to go

• Fish wheel operates from mid-August to early December.

Official site

chitose-aq.jp

Read more about Chitose Aquarium

Roadside station with a large shop, restaurant, and adjacent amusement park.

What it is

• A roadside station in Yubetsu Town, Hokkaido.
• Managed by the Yubetsu Shinko Kosha foundation.
• Offers 24-hour restrooms and ample parking.

What to see

• Product shop called YOU Shop.
• Restaurant called Saiko with 102 seats.
• Adjacent Family Ai-land YOU amusement park.
• Amusement park has a Ferris wheel and go-karts.

When to go

• Facility is closed every Monday.
• Amusement park operates April 29 to October.

Getting there

• Located on National Route 238.
• Located on National Route 242.

Address

字志撫子6-2 Map

Read more about Roadside station Ai-land Yubetsu

Japan's largest national park, designated in 2024, offers diverse landscapes from mountains to coast.

What it is

• Japan's largest national park, 245,668 hectares.
• Designated a national park on June 25, 2024.
• The 35th national park in Japan.
• The 7th national park in Hokkaido.

What to see

• Includes the Hidaka Mountains and Cape Erimo coastline.
• Mount Apoi is a special natural monument.
• Mount Apoi is a Japan Geopark and Global Geopark.
• Cape Erimo is one of Japan's 100 White Sand and Green Pines.
• Cape Erimo, Tokachi-Poroshiri, Poroshiri are national scenic spots.
• Poroshiri-dake's Seven沼カール is one of Japan's 100 Geological Sites.

Read more about Hidakasanmyaku-Erimo-Tokachi National Park

Eniwa Park offers a blend of sports, ancient forest, and historical insights in Hokkaido.

What it is

• A municipal park established in 1958.
• Created from land once a Hokkaido Development Commission ranch.
• Features sports facilities and primeval forest.

What to see

• A 400m track and field stadium with 538 seats.
• Primeval forest covering half of the park area.
• Headwaters of the Yukamboshi River.
• A 350-year-old Mizunara oak tree.
• Archaeological remains from Jomon and Ainu cultures.
• Wild birds like the Kurotsugumi.

When to go

• Winter for 1.5 km and 3.5 km cross-country ski courses.

Read more about Eniwa Park

Aoba Park offers diverse recreation and nature, hosting major sports events in Chitose.

What it is

• A large park in Chitose, Hokkaido.
• Designated a Natural Environment Conservation Area.
• Named Aoba Park in 1952.
• Chitose Shrine is located within the park.

What to see

• 80 families and 360 species of plants.
• A library and community center.
• An athletic field, baseball fields, and tennis courts.
• Cross-country ski courses in winter.

When to go

• Winter for cross-country skiing.
• Annual Chitose Holmenkollen March.
• Chitose JAL International Marathon starts and finishes here.

Official site

www.city.chitose.hokkaido.jp

Read more about Aoba Park

Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe is an aquarium with a castle, shows, and diverse marine life.

What it is

• An aquarium in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido.
• Opened on July 20, 1990.
• Central symbol is Nixe Castle.
• Includes an amusement park, Nixe Land.

What to see

• Nixe Castle, modeled after Egeskov Castle in Denmark.
• Castle interior is an ocean fantasy museum.
• Crystal tower tank and two aqua tunnels.
• Dolphin, sea lion, and penguin shows.
• Seal ring pool and land animal exhibit.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from JR Noboribetsu Station.
• 5-minute walk from Donan Bus stops.

Official site

www.nixe.co.jp

Read more about Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe

Tonebetsu Forest Park offers a peaceful escape into nature with diverse flora and fauna.

What it is

• An urban park in Hokkaido, Japan.
• Located within Tonebetsu Natural Recreation Forest.
• Part of a 3.64 million square meter national forest.
• A wildlife protection area and water source forest.

What to see

• Over 40 species of broadleaf trees.
• About 200 species of wild plants.
• Over 30 species of wild birds.
• An agricultural dam and artificial pond built in 1914.
• A walking center with information and guide maps.

Getting there

• Iwamizawa Station is 3km away.

Address

北海道岩見沢市緑が丘73番地の2 Map

Read more about Tonebetsu Forest Park

Explore a unique star-shaped fortress, now a park with a reconstructed magistrate's office and observation tower.

What it is

• A star-shaped, Western-style fortress.
• Built by the Edo Shogunate in Hakodate.
• Construction began in 1857, completed in 1866.
• Designated a Special Historic Site of Japan.

What to see

• The fortress has a moat, earthworks, and stone walls.
• Approximately 1,600 cherry trees are in the park.
• Reconstructed Hakodate Magistrate's Office, opened in 2010.
• Goryokaku Tower, 107-meters tall, built in 2006.

When to go

• Goryokaku Park opened to the public in 1914.

Official site

www.hakobura.jp

Read more about Goryōkaku

Katsuragaoka Park offers cherry blossoms, a museum, and historic ruins, all easily accessible.

What it is

• An urban park in Abashiri City, Hokkaido.
• Designated as a significant public facility.
• Known for Katsuragaoka Chashi ruins.

What to see

• Katsuragaoka Chashi ruins, a national historic site.
• Cherry blossoms.
• Abashiri City Museum.

When to go

• Has been a venue for the Orochon Fire Festival.

Getting there

• 3-minute walk from JR Katsuradai Station.
• 6-minute walk from Abashiri Bus Terminal.
• 15-minute walk from JR Abashiri Station.

Read more about Katsuragaoka Park

A park commemorating Kitahiroshima's pioneering history, featuring monuments and a historic water source.

What it is

• A park in Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido.
• Created in 1984.
• Commemorates the 100th anniversary of Hiroshima Town.
• Uses the site of a pioneering era water source.

What to see

• A maintained stream within the park.
• Explanatory signs describe local history.
• The monument "Hiyaku" is in the center.
• The monument "Koryu no Tsubasa" shows Hiroshima City interaction.
• "Koryu no Tsubasa" uses stone from former Hiroshima City Hall.
• The monument "Oyakozo" was created by Meiji Honda.

Read more about Kitahiroshima City Kaitaku Kinen Park

See Hokkaido brown bears and Ainu culture at this mountaintop park, reached by a scenic ropeway.

What it is

• A zoo in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, specializing in brown bears.
• Opened on July 17, 1958.
• Located near the summit of Mt. Shikohou.
• Successfully achieved the first multi-headed group rearing of brown bears.

What to see

• 66 brown bears are housed here.
• Brown Bear Museum opened on April 27, 1984.
• Ainu Museum is an open-air museum.
• Preserves Ainu cultural heritage.

Getting there

• Accessible by a 7-minute ropeway ride.
• Ropeway from Noboribetsu Onsen town.

Official site

bearpark.jp

Read more about Noboribetsu Bear Park