Odori Park (大通公園)

Odori Park (大通公園) is a park located in the heart of Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. Ōdōri (大通) means "large street" in Japanese. During the urban planning of Sapporo, it was originally designated as the main street but it eventually became a park.

Throughout the year, many events and ceremonies such as the Sapporo Lilac Festival and the Sapporo Snow Festival are held in the park, and local landmarks including the Sapporo TV Tower and the Sapporo City Archive Museum are located within its boundaries.

Every June, the Yosakoi Soran Festival, a huge dance festival in Hokkaido, is held in the Odori Park. A number of special stages are constructed, and thousands of dancers parade and dance down the streets and on the stages.

In summer, the Park changes into a large beer garden. Major Japanese breweries including Sapporo Breweries Limited set up their own beer gardens, serving beers and snacks.The annual Hokkaido Marathon is staged from the park in late August.

It snows in winter in Sapporo, and the White Illumination, an event during which the trees lining the Park are decorated with illuminations, takes place during that season. Every February, the Sapporo Snow Festival, a festival with snow statues and several events, is held throughout Odori Park. A lot of visitors both from all over Japan and from other countries come to this huge festival.

Photos:

Image Source

Image Source

Image Source