Sapporo is a city where towering skyscrapers and lush green nature coexist. While the city center boasts numerous commercial facilities and leisure spots, one of Sapporo's charms is that just a few minutes' drive away you can find parks with abundant greenery.

Sapporo has many large parks, but Maeda Forest Park is a particularly popular spot that is bustling with people of all ages, from children to the elderly, on weekends.

In this article, we'll introduce the charms of Maeda Forest Park, which is popular with so many people.

<Table of Contents>
1: What is Maeda Forest Park?
2: Many families visit on holidays.
3: It shows different expressions depending on the season.
4: Canal and Poplar Trees
5: Hidden scenic spots
6. Free-to-use "BBQ area"
7. Conclusion

Image provided by: Maeda Forest Park

Maeda Forest Park, located in Teine Ward, Sapporo City, is a vast park spanning 597,258 square meters, featuring themed forests such as the Hometown Forest, the Gathering Forest, and the Wild Bird Forest, with these forests occupying half of the park's area.

In addition to the baseball field, park golf course, tennis courts, and other sports facilities, this comprehensive park offers a variety of ways to have fun, including a barbecue area.

Furthermore, the park is filled with various flowers that bloom in each season, such as cherry blossoms, lilacs, and hydrangeas, and many people visit to stroll around and admire the plants.

And then there's the "Canal," which could be called the symbol of Maeda Forest Park. Along both sides of the canal, which stretches for approximately 600 meters, are rows of 240 poplar trees.

From the observation lounge, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the straight canal and the rows of poplar trees.

On holidays, Maeda Forest Park is filled with children running around energetically. Half of Maeda Forest Park is forest, and the majority is covered in grass, so children can play safely.

The 3000 square meter "lawn area" is a particularly popular spot for children. It's bustling with kids playing tag and catch, and families spreading out blankets and eating picnic lunches.

Besides the grassy area, you can enjoy yourself in various places throughout the park, such as relaxing under the poplar trees.

Image provided by: Maeda Forest Park

Various plants are planted throughout the park, so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll while admiring them.

From early to mid-May, cherry blossoms bloom, followed by the lilac, the official flower of Sapporo City, which blooms until around mid-June. Furthermore, lavender and hydrangeas bloom from July to August, and in autumn, the area is covered in colorful foliage.

In this way, Maeda Forest Park is a park where various plants bloom throughout the year, offering different ways to enjoy it depending on the season.

Maeda Forest Park has a waterway called a canal. The canal is about 600 meters long and is a symbol of Maeda Forest Park.

Along both sides of the canal are rows of approximately 240 poplar trees, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Europe. The canal is bustling with people strolling along it and relaxing under the poplar trees every day.

On sunny days, you can see ducks swimming energetically in the waterways.

"The canal and poplar trees" as seen from the observation lounge.

From the observation lounge, you can see the straight canal and poplar-lined avenue, and beyond that, Mount Teine.

The observation lounge is free to enter, has a shop, and you can also bring in your own food and drinks, so you can enjoy a leisurely meal while taking in the view.

Image provided by: Maeda Forest Park

Actually, you can see a very beautiful sunset at Maeda Forest Park.

To the west of the park, the sea stretches out, and there are no tall buildings or anything obstructing the view. As a result, in the evening, you can watch the sun setting.

The best place to see it is the grassy area. The sunset viewed from the grassy area is truly a spectacular sight. It's a hidden gem of a scenic spot that even locals don't know much about.

Image provided by: Maeda Forest Park

Furthermore, you can also see beautiful sunsets along the canal. Unlike the sunsets viewed from the grassy area, this spot offers a stunning view of the sunset reflected in the water, along with the poplar trees.

Image provided by: Maeda Forest Park

Located right next to the park golf course, the barbecue area is a popular spot that can be used by large groups of family and friends.

Most parks in Sapporo prohibit the use of open fires, so it's difficult to find a place to have a barbecue outdoors.

However, Maeda Forest Park has a free barbecue area, so it's bustling with people on weekends.

Tables are available without prior reservation, and washing facilities and charcoal disposal areas are provided. Charcoal and grills are not provided and must be brought by the customer, although they can be purchased at the counter.

Furthermore, if you make a reservation in advance, you can also purchase lamb meat sets, so why not give it a try?

Final thoughts

While sightseeing at commercial facilities and leisure spots is certainly appealing and enjoyable, a visit to the lush Maeda Forest Park offers a completely different atmosphere, even though you're still within the city of Sapporo.

With its approximately 600-meter-long canal, views of Mount Teine in the distance, and a lawn area and barbecue area, Maeda Forest Park offers a vast natural environment and is truly a unique spot in Hokkaido.

If you're ever in Sapporo, be sure to visit Maeda Forest Park. It's a relaxing spot that can be enjoyed with family, friends, a loved one, or even by yourself.

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