The Toyohira River, a tributary of the Ishikari River, is itself a Class A river that flows right through the heart of Sapporo where it is revered as the “Mother River” of the city. Upstream, the land along its banks provides vital recreational areas for local residents with a wide range of facilities including a large playground for children, a water garden, baseball fields, tennis courts, and a park golf course. Various events such as marathons and school trips are held here throughout the year across different seasons, including the fireworks festival near the Minami-Ohashi Bridge, which normally occurs every year in July.
Toyohira River Parkland (Upstream Region)
Green Space
A valuable open space filled with green grass that is close to the heart of Sapporo. On holidays, it is a popular space for residents such as students or people with a day off from their jobs just for relaxation or for sports and recreation. Various events are held here throughout the year. Permission and notification are required for holding events here.
Inquiries: Sapporo River Office/Sapporo City Environmental Bureau
Garden Path/Cycling Road
This is the place to enjoy a long ambling stroll along the Toyohira River as the water flows gently by, burbling its quiet tune. You can find some peace of mind with a leisurely walk, run, or bicycle ride through the changing scenery along the river promenade while feeling the gentle breeze. Do keep in mind that this road/path is for everyone, so please follow the rules and use it safely.
Rest Spots
There are rest spots where you can take a break if you get tired during your walk or bike ride. There are benches and pedestals here on both sides of the river that can be used freely by anyone who comes along. Some rest spots have umbrella-shaped roofs to offer some protection from rain or sun. As these rest spots are for everyone, please use them with consideration for others.
Nature Reserve
One part of the green space has been preserved as a special nature reserve where wildlife habitat is protected in order to allow wild birds and other creatures to thrive and grow. Please do not enter this nature reserve. Let’s all take good care of our wildlife. *Please refrain from feeding wild birds.
Bridges
There are approximately 14 bridges, including pedestrian bridges, along the upstream section of the Toyohira River Parkland (Makomanai-Azumabashi). The bridges all differ in design, purpose and the era in which they were built. It can be a lot of fun to take a stroll and check out the many attractive bridges here that have been so vital to the development of Sapporo as a city.
Facilities
Water Garden
An open place where children can play with water in lots of interesting ways, including a variety of interesting play equipment such as slides and water guns. Even younger children can play here safely as the water near the artificial shore is only 10 cm deep. This place is often overflowing with children, particular during summer holidays.
Open: Mid-June to early September
Tent rental available (fees apply)
Shop (only open when the Water Garden is open)
Minami 12-Jo Playground and Play Area
A large open play area with a uniquely shaped net in the midst of a spacious grassy lawn. It is a great place for a picnic, so bring your lunch and spend the day relaxing. There is also a toilet conveniently nearby that can be used even by small children.
Open: late April to early November
Free
Athletic Facilities
Park Golf Course
Minami Ohashi Park Golf Course
A park golf course in the heart of Sapporo, just 5 minutes walk from Nakajima Koen Station on the Namboku Line train! Many different holes, including many long holes, can be played for free and even beginners can enjoy themselves here. It is the kind of athletic facility you can enjoy while out seeing the sights. Showing up with empty hands is no problem as there are rental clubs available (fees apply).
Minami 22-jo Park Golf Course
Free park golf course with 9 holes that can be enjoyed by people of all ages from children to senior citizens.
Baseball Grounds
The Minami 22-Jo baseball grounds are a spacious area with five baseball fields, including two for youth baseball. These grounds are used extensively by students, professionals, and general enthusiasts.
Open: mid-May to early November
Fees Apply
Free Parking Lot: 21 spaces
There are free youth baseball fields in Minami 1-Jo and 19-Jo.
Tennis Courts
There are three free asphalt tennis courts on both sides of the river in the upstream region. This popular sports facility is used by many residents, both children and adults, on sunny holidays.
Open: late April to early November
Free
Safety Measures
Because of its large number of users and frequency of use, the Toyohira River banks have several safety measures in place:
- Rescue floats: installed along the rails or at the river’s edge on both sides of the Toyohira River.
- Caution signboards: installed near railings where water flow is strong and dangerous.
- Guard rails installed to prevent entry into dangerous areas.
Please follow the rules and use this area safely.