Nopporo Forest Park (Nopporo Shinrin Koen)

The Basics

There are many ways to enjoy Nopporo Forest Park. Explore the nearly 20 miles (32 kilometers) of nature trails, go bird-watching, or, in the winter, go cross-country skiing. Mountain biking is a popular activity from spring to fall, and guided tours from Sapporo are available.

Note the striking 328-foot-tall (100-meter-tall) Hokkaido Centennial Memorial Tower, with a hexagonal base modeled after snow crystals. Learn about the culture and history of Hokkaido at the Historical Museum of Hokkaido. See over 50 historic buildings at the Historical Village of Hokkaido, and travel between them in a horse-drawn trolley in the summer or a horse-drawn sleigh in the winter.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Nopporo Forest Park is ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

• Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sun protection when exploring the park.

• For safety reasons, visitors are not allowed to enter the Hokkaido Centennial Memorial Tower.

• There is an entrance fee for the museum and the village.

• The village offers workshops on making traditional toys and crafts.

How to Get There

Nopporo Forest Park is located about 9 miles (15 kilometers) east of Sapporo. Take the JR Chitose Line to Shin-Sapporo Station, then take the Kaitaku-no-mura bus to the last stop. Parking is available for those driving there.

When to Get There

Visit Nopporo Forest Park in different seasons for different activities. The Historical Museum of Hokkaido and the Historical Village of Hokkaido are open year-round, except for Mondays and a few days around the New Year.

Flora and Fauna at Nopporo Forest Park

The park is home to more than 200 species of mushrooms and over 500 plant species, including over 100 tree species. Around 1,300 species of insects and 140 species of birds can be found in the park. Other residents include Yezo squirrels, Japanese hares, Hokkaido salamanders, deer, and foxes.