A place story by Momo
About this place
Two square timber ponds became Shobuike!? The basins were built to hold lumber brought down from the upper Toyohira River, then joined to create the pond’s present shape in the late Taisho period. A surprising trace of Sapporo’s timber-moving past sits right in the middle of the park 😲
From spring through fall, rental boats let you take in Shobuike from the water, with a different view from the paths. In winter, the park paths become a cross-country ski course, and a full set of ski equipment is available to borrow for free. The way to enjoy the pond and paths changes with the seasons ⛷️
Hokkaido Museum of Literature and Sapporo Observatory are among the park’s cultural stops. You’ll also find Hoheikan and Hassouan, both designated Important Cultural Properties, plus Sapporo Concert Hall Kitara, a venue for classical music, and Kogumaza, a puppet theater. With water, greenery, and culture gathered in one park next to Susukino, where will you wander first? 🎭
How Shobuike took shape
Suzuki Motoemon-bori was completed in 1871 with two square timber ponds and sluice gates. The ponds were later joined, and Shobuike took its present shape in the late Taisho period. Rental boats are available from spring through fall, so take a look around from the water 🚣
A different season, a different way
Take a rental boat on Shobuike from spring through fall; in winter, the park paths become a cross-country ski course. A full set of ski equipment is available to borrow for free, so choose your park-day plan by the season ⛷️
Culture around the park
Hokkaido Museum of Literature and Sapporo Observatory are among the cultural stops around the park. Hoheikan, an Important Cultural Property, is a pale blue Western-style building constructed as a hotel in 1897. Add historic architecture, a concert hall, or a puppet theater to your walk and make a day of it 📚
TripNaru photos
Opening hours
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun 00:00–24:00