aventuro Back to map A
Parks

Moerenuma Park

4.4 · 4,515 reviews
Vast, open, and artistically intentional.
Moerenuma Park, 1-1 Moerenumakoen, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 007-0011, Japan
Interesting facts
1

The park was built on a site that previously served as a waste processing plant and landfill for Sapporo.

2

Isamu Noguchi began the park's design in 1988, but passed away shortly after the initial planning phase; the project was completed posthumously.

3

The Glass Pyramid, known as 'HIDAMARI,' uses a snow-cooling system to regulate indoor temperatures using stored winter snow.

4

Mount Moere was constructed entirely from processed waste materials and soil excavated from the site during construction.

5

The Sea Fountain was inspired by the ancient 'fountain of the sea' concept and contains 2,700 tons of water.

6

The park includes 2,300 cherry trees arranged in a way that creates a 'forest' with winding paths and integrated play structures.

7

The design strictly adheres to a coordinate-based grid system to align human-made structures with the natural landscape.

8

The park's music-synchronized fountain show changes choreography depending on the season and time of day.

Overview

Moerenuma Park is a 188-hectare landscape sculpture park designed by Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi, built on a former waste reclamation site. The park centers on the concept of 'sculpting the earth' to integrate art with nature, featuring a distinct grid-based layout. Its primary landmarks include the Glass Pyramid, a multi-story atrium structure, and Mount Moere, a 62-meter-high man-made peak offering views of Sapporo. The Sea Fountain, located in the heart of the park, performs programmed water displays. The park features the Tetramound, a massive sculpture combining a stainless steel cylinder with three earthen mounds. Extensive play areas are integrated into the terrain, including the 'Forest of Cherry Trees' with thousands of individual trees. The site functions as a massive land-art project, designed to transform a landfill into a recreational space. It is located in the Higashi Ward of Sapporo, Hokkaido.

Photo spot

The summit of Mount Moere providing a panoramic view of the park's symmetrical geometry.

Insider tips

Rent a bicycle at the park entrance to traverse the large site efficiently.

Visit the Glass Pyramid interior to escape extreme weather or to use the climate-controlled viewing areas.

Check the fountain schedule upon arrival, as the performance frequency varies based on wind conditions and season.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to walk the entire perimeter on foot without adequate water and sun protection, as the park is significantly larger than typical city parks.

Good to know

The park is generally accessible daily, but specific facilities like the Glass Pyramid and rental shops may close on select Mondays or during the New Year holiday period; certain water features are inactive during the winter months due to freezing temperatures.

Etiquette

Refrain from climbing on sculptures unless specifically marked as play equipment; dispose of all trash in designated areas.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Early morning in May for cherry blossoms or mid-summer for the fountain shows.
Address
Moerenuma Park, 1-1 Moerenumakoen, Higashi Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 007-0011, Japan
43.123, 141.427
Get directions
Details
Shade & rest areasLimited natural shade; utilize the Glass Pyramid and indoor pavilions for shelter.
Design themeLand art and geometric landscape architecture.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Early morning in May for cherry blossoms or mid-summer for the fountain shows..

The summit of Mount Moere providing a panoramic view of the park's symmetrical geometry.

Close by you'll find Sapporo Satoland, Glass Pyramid "HIDAMARI", Mt. Moere.