Unlike the dark undertone of Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, Asahiyama Memorial Park simply honors the 100-year anniversary of Sapporo City.
That opening line may sound a little insensitive, but the history associated with any establishment has an immediate effect on the overall vibe and atmosphere of the place.
In the case of Asahiyama Memorial Park, you’ll find the people are quite lively and happy as children frolic along the grassy hills and elderly citizens enjoy taking photos with their families and friends.
It’s The Climb!
Located just a half hour’s walk from Maruyama-Koen station in Sapporo, Asahiyama Memorial Park can be accessed via Kikusui Asahiyama Koen-dori Avenue.
From the moment you pass the big sign with the map, you’ll be faced with an unusually steep incline.
Fear not, for there are plenty of benches along the way up to take a rest as needed, and trust me, you’ll want to do just that!
As you climb up the hill toward Asahiyama Memorial Park, you will be astonished at how quickly a spectacular city view starts to form behind you.
Overall, the walk (or climb) takes about ten minutes, though admittedly, a rather difficult ten minutes (great exercise though!).
Asahiyama Memorial Park – First Impressions
After a rather unexpectedly exhausting walk up the hill, you’ll feel as though you’ve stumbled upon some sort of paradise (don’t worry, you didn’t die on the way up).
From the big staircase reminiscent of a Rocky movie to the aesthetic green hills that give Teletubbies vibes, you most certainly will feel like you’ve escaped reality (especially with the size of that sun!).
Beautiful Sakura Trees
Going up the staircase, you’ll find a few more hidden gems just around the corner! Beautiful sakura (cherry blossom) trees are lined up along the footpath, and there is even a café and restrooms to create a relaxed atmosphere.
Incredible Skyline Of Sapporo City
Going up one more flight of stairs, and you eventually reach the cream of the crop as far as views go. From here, you can see Sapporo City’s skyline stretching out before you as wide as the eye can see.
There are plenty of areas where you can stand or sit as you enjoy the stunning views from the top of Asahiyama Memorial Park. I took the opportunity to sit and collect my thoughts with a refreshing bottle of tea from the many vending machines you’ll find in the vicinity.
Spotting Sapporo’s Attractions
If you’re a first-timer in Sapporo, you’ll definitely want to check out the big billboard of the city’s skyline laid out before you. The poster pinpoints the many attractions of Sapporo City so you can view them from afar, making it a great way to get your bearings around town!
All-in-all, you’ll love everything Asahiyama Memorial Park has to offer. From the adventurous walk up the mountain to the unbeatable view at the top, it’s a must-visit for those heading to Hokkaido’s capital city of Sapporo!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!
