Odori Park is directly connected to the Odori and Nishi-juitchome subway stations, making access easy. It’s also about a 10-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station or Sapporo Subway Station, with underground pathways available to keep you dry on rainy or snowy days.

Given the park’s size, it’s helpful to use an exit near your desired area for easier access.

During the green season, Odori Park is adorned with vibrant flowerbeds, a favorite among visitors. These flowerbeds, created by local volunteers and sponsoring companies, are on display from late April to mid-October. From early July to late August, the park hosts a flowerbed competition featuring stunning displays by around 40 participating companies.

Odori Park is divided into five distinct areas, each offering unique attractions such as fountains and playground equipment for children to enjoy.

Located on the easternmost side of Odori Park, this area features the iconic Sapporo TV Tower and the "Benson Bubblers," a drinking fountain gifted by Sapporo's sister city, Portland. It serves as a symbol of international friendship.

This area features large fountains in Nishi 3 and 4 Chome, popular in summer as a spot for children to enjoy water play. At night, the fountains are illuminated, creating a romantic atmosphere. The fountains operate from late April to October 31, between 7 AM and 9 PM.

A highlight of this area is the famous "Toukibi Wagons," a staple of Odori Park. These carts sell roasted and boiled corn made from Hokkaido-grown corn. Available only from spring to summer, be sure to grab a taste if you spot one!

This area features unique attractions such as the "Black Slide Mantra," a slide designed by sculptor Isamu Noguchi, and the "Play Slope," a playground for children. Nishi 6 Chome also hosts an outdoor stage where various concerts and events take place.

In Nishi 7 Chome, you'll find the Information Center & Official Shop, offering tourist information and original merchandise. Staff are equipped with translation devices for languages like English, Chinese, and Korean, ensuring a stress-free sightseeing experience.

This area features statues of Kiyotaka Kuroda and Horace Capron, both key figures in Hokkaido's development. Another standout is the 23-meter-tall "Maibaum," a gift from Sapporo's sister city, Munich. A large fountain also operates here from June to late September, between 10 AM and 7 PM.

Nishi 12 Chome is a picturesque European-style garden featuring a central canal and vibrant flowers, with roses as the highlight. From here, you can also view the Sapporo City Archives in Nishi 13 Chome, a striking stone building. Built in 1926 as the Sapporo Court of Appeals (later the Sapporo High Court), it is now designated an Important Cultural Property.

Located on the eastern side of Odori Park, the Sapporo TV Tower is a beloved landmark of the city. Standing 144 meters tall, its observation deck at 90.38 meters offers a stunning panoramic view of Sapporo.

The tower features well-stocked souvenir shops on the 1st, 3rd, and observation deck floors. You’ll find a variety of items, including goods featuring the tower’s mascot, "TV Dad," classic Hokkaido sweets, and unique mementos of your visit. The 3rd floor also hosts an exhibit on the tower's history and a quirky rest area themed around TV Dad, making it a must-see spot.

For dining, the tower offers restaurants and cafés on the basement and 3rd floors, where you can relax and enjoy a meal during your visit.

On the observation deck, don’t miss the "Kowasō" window—a floor-to-ceiling glass pane that lets you look straight down below the tower. Peering through it feels like you’re leaning out into the open air, offering a thrilling experience true to its name!

Outdoor events are regularly held at the Sapporo TV Tower. In 2020, visitors enjoyed the "TV Tower Bungee Trampoline," where participants, secured with harnesses, could jump up to 7 meters high on a trampoline. (Note: This event is held irregularly.)

Several times a year, the tower hosts special events allowing access to its usually restricted external staircase. This offers a unique perspective on the scenery, different from the observation deck. The staircase has 453 steps and takes about 10–15 minutes to climb one way.

Odori Park hosts a variety of events throughout the year.

The lilac, Sapporo's symbolic tree, is celebrated during the "Sapporo Lilac Festival," held each year from mid to late May. With around 400 lilac trees planted in Odori Park, it’s one of the main venues, along with Kawashimo Park in Sapporo's Shiroishi Ward. At Odori Park, visitors can enjoy traditional outdoor tea ceremonies ("nodate"), live music performances by local students and musicians, and a food corner offering dishes and wine made with Hokkaido ingredients, which is always a crowd favorite.

The YOSAKOI Soran Festival is a vibrant celebration where teams perform original dances while holding "naruko" clappers, set to music featuring phrases from Hokkaido's traditional "Soran Bushi" folk song. Held annually in early June, the festival attracts around 28,000 participants from across Japan and overseas. The performers’ synchronized dances, colorful costumes, and elaborate makeup create an awe-inspiring spectacle.

In addition to Odori Park, performances take place at various venues across Sapporo, including the Red Brick Government Office and Sapporo Factory. Exploring multiple locations while sightseeing is a great way to experience the festival.

For inquiries about the YOSAKOI Soran Festival: 011-231-4351 (YOSAKOI Soran Festival Organizing Committee).

As part of the "Sapporo Summer Festival," which includes events like bon dances and fireworks, the Sapporo Odori Beer Garden is held annually from mid-July to mid-August. This is one of Japan's largest beer gardens, featuring approximately 13,000 seats and bustling with visitors both day and night.

Each area offers different beers, ranging from fresh brews delivered straight from local and nearby breweries to international selections. Sampling a variety of beers as you stroll through the garden is highly recommended.

This major event brings together gourmet delights from across Hokkaido and takes place over about three weeks in mid-September. Attracting visitors from outside Hokkaido as well, it’s a hugely popular festival. You can enjoy a variety of dishes, from local specialties and regional pride foods to offerings from popular Sapporo restaurants and international cuisine. With so many delicious options to choose from, it’s best to arrive with an empty stomach!

Held from mid-November to mid-March, this illumination event lights up areas around Sapporo Station and Odori Park. While the Odori Park display runs for a shorter period, from mid-November to December 25, it features festive Christmas-themed installations and a variety of illuminations. Each section from 1-Chome to 6-Chome has a unique theme, making it a delightful experience to explore while bundled up for the winter chill.

One of Sapporo's most iconic winter events, the Sapporo Snow Festival, is held annually in early February, attracting visitors from around the world. Across three main venues in the city, an array of stunning snow and ice sculptures is displayed.

At Odori Park, exhibits stretch from 1-Chome to 12-Chome, featuring unique citizen-made snow sculptures and the "International Snow Sculpture Contest," where teams from around the globe craft their creations. The park also hosts thrilling events like ski and snowboard jump performances, projection mapping on massive snow sculptures, and other exciting displays, making it a must-visit winter spectacle.

For inquiries regarding the "Sapporo Lilac Festival," "Sapporo Odori Beer Garden," "Sapporo Autumn Fest," "Sapporo White Illumination," or "Sapporo Snow Festival," please contact: 011-281-6400 (Sapporo Tourism Association).

Note: This article, originally published in January 2021, was updated in November 2024. For the latest information, please refer to the official websites.