WOW: Nakajima Park Highlights
Free Winter Skiing: Yes, really! You can rent skis, boots, and poles for 0 Yen at the Sports Center—perfect for beginners.
“First Love” Pilgrimage: Visit the Sapporo Astronomical Observatory, a key romantic filming location from the Netflix hit series.
Local Vibes: Far quieter than Odori Park. Enjoy watching locals walk their dogs and children play in the deep, clean snow.
Winter Scenery: A photographer’s dream with tall pine trees, a frozen lake, and the beautiful blue “Hoheikan” historical building.
Quick Guide: Nakajima Park (Sapporo)
| Feature | Details |
| Best For | First Love fans, Families, Budget Skiing, Quiet Walks. |
| Highlight | Free Cross-Country Skiing (Gear included!). |
| Filming Spot | Sapporo Astronomical Observatory (First Love). |
| Vibe | Quiet, local, scenic (snow & lake). |
| Access | Nakajima Koen Station (Nanboku Line). |
| Winter Tip | Stay near the subway! Taxis are hard to find in winter. |
❄️ Why Nakajima Park? (Local Vibes)
While most tourists flock to Odori Park, locals know that Nakajima Park (中島公園) is the real winter gem.
- The Scenery: Tall pine trees, a frozen lake, and thick, clean snow make it incredibly photogenic.
- The Atmosphere: It’s quiet and peaceful. You’ll see locals walking dogs, elderly photographers capturing the snow, and children playing. It feels like the “real” life of Sapporo.
⛷️ Hidden Gem: Free Skiing Experience!
Did you know you can ski here for 0 Yen?
Located at the Nakajima Sports Center, the park offers free rental of skis, boots, and poles. It is perfect for beginners or a quick fun activity.
How to Rent (Step-by-Step):
- Go to the Sports Center: Enter and fill out a simple form (Name, Height, Shoe Size, Country).
- Get Gear: Staff will hand you boots, skis, and poles.
- Suit Up: Wait outside; staff will often help you clip into your skis.
- Enjoy: Follow the directional signs (do not ski backwards/against traffic!).
⚠️ Important Tips:
- Season: Usually ends around March 2nd.
- Hours: 10:00 – 16:00 (Perfect for a sunny morning activity).
- Snow Condition: The snow is packed and hard. Falling can hurt, so be careful!
- Etiquette: Clean the snow off your skis and poles using the provided brushes before returning them.
🎬 “First Love” Pilgrimage: The Observatory
For fans of the Netflix hit series “First Love”, this is a must-visit.
The Sapporo Astronomical Observatory inside the park is a key filming location.
- Location: Easy to find inside the park.
- Hours: 10:00-12:00 / 14:00-16:00.
- Experience: The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. On specific dates, they host moon-viewing events. Even just standing outside gives you that romantic drama vibe.
🏨 Crucial Accommodation Advice
“Stay near the Subway Station!”
This is a golden rule for Sapporo in winter.
- The Problem: Taxis are incredibly difficult to hail in Sapporo during winter.
- The Struggle: Dragging a suitcase through thick snow for even 10 minutes is a nightmare.
- The Solution: Choose a hotel within walking distance of Nakajima Koen Station to save yourself the stress.
📍 Visitor’s Guide
| Category | Information |
| Address | 1 Nakajimakouen, Chuo Ward, Sapporo |
| Access | Nakajima Koen Station (Subway Nanboku Line). 3 stops from Sapporo Stn. |
| Exits | Exit 1: Scenic (river/ducks). Exit 3: Bustling/City side. |
| Facilities | Toilets, Pet-friendly, Wheelchair accessible. |
| Nearby | Hoheikan (Historical building) & Blue Church. |
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