Explore the Beauty of Maruyama Park

Learn more at Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) - Sapporo.

To plan your trip, review New Chitose Airport Terminal.

This massive green space sits at the base of a mountain and offers a very peaceful atmosphere.

You can walk under giant trees that have stood there for hundreds of years in the park.

Visitors often come here to see the Hokkaido Shrine which is located right inside the park grounds.

Entry to the shrine area is free and provides a great look at traditional Japanese spiritual architecture.

You should learn how to visit Maruyama Park for free to maximize your time there.

If you enjoy light exercise, the trail up Mount Maruyama starts directly from the main park area.

This hike is completely free and takes about forty minutes to reach the very top of the hill.

You will see many small stone statues along the path as you climb through the thick forest.

The park is also a fantastic place to spot local wildlife like the cute Hokkaido red squirrels.

These small animals are very active in the morning and can be seen jumping between the tall trees.

Bring a camera to capture the natural beauty of the forest without paying any admission fees at all.

• Maruyama Park Access Details
  • Entry: Always free
  • Opening: Open 24 hours
  • Location: Chuo Ward Sapporo
  • Train: Maruyama Koen Station

Relax at Nakajima Park Nature Spots

Nakajima Park is a beautiful urban oasis located just south of the busy Susukino entertainment district.

It features a large central pond where you can watch ducks and enjoy the reflection of the trees.

This is one of the top free nature spots in Sapporo for a relaxing afternoon walk.

The park contains several different zones including a traditional Japanese garden that is free to enter.

You can walk along stone paths and see carefully manicured pine trees and small wooden bridges today.

Follow a walking route through Nakajima Park nature spots to see every hidden corner.

During the spring, the park is filled with cherry blossoms that create a stunning pink canopy over the paths.

In the autumn, the maple trees turn bright red and orange, attracting many local nature photographers to the area.

It is a perfect place to experience the changing seasons of Hokkaido for free.

You can also find historic buildings like the Hohei-kan which looks beautiful against the backdrop of green trees.

While entering some buildings might cost a small fee, viewing them from the outside is always free.

The wide open lawns are perfect for sitting down and enjoying the fresh mountain air in 2026.

• Nakajima Park Visitor Info
  • Cost: Free entry
  • Facilities: Public restrooms available
  • Best for: Photography walks
  • Access: Nakajima Koen Station

Hiking Trails on Mount Moiwa

Mount Moiwa is famous for its night view, but the mountain itself is a massive natural playground.

Most tourists pay for the ropeway, but you can hike to the summit for free on foot.

This is one of the most rewarding free nature spots in Sapporo for active travelers.

There are five different trails that lead to the top, each offering a unique view of the forest.

The Jisuike route is very popular because it features many ancient trees and diverse plant life along the way.

You should check how to reach Mount Moiwa hiking trails before starting your journey.

The hike usually takes about sixty to ninety minutes depending on your fitness level and the chosen path.

Once you reach the top, you can enjoy the observation deck without paying for a ropeway ticket at all.

The view of the Ishikari Plain and the city below is absolutely breathtaking on a clear day.

Hiking Mount Moiwa allows you to see the local flora and fauna up close in their natural habitat.

You might even see large birds of prey circling the mountain peaks during your climb to the summit.

It is a great way to stay fit while exploring the natural side of Hokkaido in 2026.

• Mount Moiwa Hiking Tips
  • Route: Jisuike Trail
  • Difficulty: Moderate level
  • Peak: 531 meters high
  • Price: Free hiking

Hokkaido University Scenic Campus Walks

Hokkaido University has one of the most beautiful campuses in Japan and is open to the public.

The grounds are filled with massive green spaces, flowing streams, and historic architecture that anyone can enjoy.

It serves as one of the best free nature spots in Sapporo near the main station.

The most famous feature is the Ginkgo Avenue, which turns a brilliant gold color every October and November.

This attracts thousands of people who want to see the stunning autumn leaves in a peaceful setting.

You can find more free admission gardens and forests in Sapporo like this campus.

Another highlight is the Poplar Avenue, which offers a long path lined with tall, majestic poplar trees for walking.

There are also small brooks where you can sit and enjoy the sound of running water on campus.

The university maintains these areas perfectly for both students and the general public to use daily.

Walking through the campus feels like being in a large park rather than a busy educational institution in 2026.

It is a great place for a morning jog or a quiet walk after a long day of sightseeing.

You can explore the entire northern part of the campus to find hidden wooded areas and lawns.

• Campus Nature Highlights
  • Best time: Late October
  • Feature: Ginkgo Avenue
  • Entry: Free for public
  • Location: North of Sapporo Station

Moerenuma Park Art and Nature

Moerenuma Park is a unique destination that combines modern art with the natural landscape of Hokkaido.

Designed by the famous artist Isamu Noguchi, this massive park was built on a former waste treatment site.

It is now one of the most impressive free nature spots in Sapporo for art lovers.

The park features Mount Moere, a man-made hill that offers a 360-degree view of the entire city and mountains.

You can climb to the top for free and enjoy the cool breeze and the vast open space.

This is one of the top scenic viewpoints in Sapporo for free today.

In the center of the park stands a massive glass pyramid called Hidamari which houses a gallery and shop.

While the building is striking, the surrounding forest of cherry trees is the real natural highlight for many.

There is even a man-made beach area where children can play in the water during the summer months.

The park is so large that many people choose to rent bicycles to see all the different sculptures.

However, walking through the green fields and artistic hills is completely free and very relaxing for all visitors.

It is a masterpiece of landscape design that everyone should visit at least once in 2026.

• Moerenuma Park Essentials
  • Designer: Isamu Noguchi
  • Main feature: Glass Pyramid
  • Activity: Hill climbing
  • Price: Free admission

Hidden Forest Trails Near the City

For those who want to escape the crowds, there are several hidden free nature spots in Sapporo to explore.

Asahiyama Memorial Park offers quiet forest trails and a beautiful fountain that lights up at night for free.

You can find many hidden forest trails near Sapporo city center if you know where to look.

Nopporo Forest Park is another massive area located on the edge of the city with endless walking paths.

This park is home to many rare plants and animals that are native to the Hokkaido region today.

It is a perfect place for a long day of hiking without seeing many other people around.

Yurigahara Park is famous for its lily gardens, but the outer forest zones are free and very peaceful.

You can walk through different sections representing forests from around the world in this unique public park area.

It is especially beautiful during the best time to see Sapporo autumn leaves in October.

These hidden spots provide a deeper connection to the wild nature that surrounds the city of Sapporo in 2026.

They are ideal for travelers who want a more authentic and quiet experience away from the main tourist attractions.

Always remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water when exploring these larger forest parks and trails.

• Hidden Nature Locations
  • Spot 1: Asahiyama Park
  • Spot 2: Nopporo Forest
  • Spot 3: Yurigahara Park
  • Activity: Quiet hiking