Nakajima Park

I loved running in Nakajima Park — it feels like moving through a painting. The moment your shoes touch the ground, you hear that soft crunch of leaves, a mix of yellow, brown, and the last signs of autumn holding on before winter. The air is fresh, a little cold, but gentle enough to wake you up without overwhelming you. What makes Nakajima Park special is its atmosphere. There are long paths lined with ginkgo trees, creating a golden carpet under your feet. Shadows stretch across the ground in the morning sun, and you can almost feel the rhythm of the season changing as you run. Even the small stream, with ducks calmly swimming by, adds to the peaceful feeling. You’re still in the city, but somehow it feels far away. The path is flat and easy to run, with enough variety to keep the route interesting — open spaces, quiet wooded corners, bridges, and little scenes of nature everywhere. It’s the kind of place where your mind can finally slow down, even if your legs are moving. What I enjoyed most was the quiet. You can run alone, follow your breathing, listen to the wind through the trees, and feel completely present. It’s a beautiful training spot — calm, safe, and full of charm. Nakajima Park is more than just a running route; it’s a peaceful pocket of nature in the middle of Sapporo. A place where leaves, water, sunlight, and movement come together so naturally that you almost forget you are exercising. It’s simply a lovely place to run.