Moerenuma Park - Sea Fountain

Officially opened in 2005, Moerenuma Park is a municipal park in Sapporo filled with objects designed by Japanese American artist Isamu Noguchi, a sports field, and wonderful playground equipment for children. The park is free to access and gained attention in 2002 when it won the Good Design Award. The park also received the 11th Sapporo Urban Scenery Award in 2003, the Hokkaidō Red Brick Architectural Award in 2004, and was host to the Sapporo International Art Festival in 2014 and 2017.

Derived from the Ainu word Moyre pet which means a slowly flowing river, Moerenuma Park is an expansive 1,888,000 m² patch of land that spans over the Moere marsh, 120 pieces of playground equipment, around 3,000 Japanese cherry blossom flower trees, and a lot that accommodates up to 1,500 vehicles. Although the land was previously used as a garbage area, Moerenuma Park has grown to serve thousands of Sapporo locals and tourists daily.

Part of Isamu Noguchi's Moerenuma Park is the popular Sea Fountain sculpture of water. This large 48 meter (157 Feet) sits in the center of the park and is similar to the fountain in Miami's Bayfront Park (a twin park of Moerenuma in the United States). During the show, water spouts out the center for a massive display. The peak height of water can reach up to 25 meters (82 feet) in air to grab the attention of everyone in the park. There are also illuminations at times that add brilliant colors to the spectacular water show. The various colors light up the streams to create a memorable show that wows visitors and tourists daily. Thanks to the sloping location and circular design, the fountain is poised in a prime position for anyone to enjoy the fountain's dazzling illumination show.

Although the Sea Fountain puts on a spectacular show, the real charms of the park is the glass pyramid near the eastern entrance. Nicknamed Hidamari (i.e. Sunny Spot), this towering pyramid houses a restaurant and museum shop in the three floor building. The pyramid's top floor features a gallery showcasing the work of park designer Isamu Noguchi in addition to a miniature model of the park. The pyramid is also used for Japanese arts and craft workshops on the first and second floors. While there are many great pieces of Japanese artwork scattered throughout the park, Hidamari is easily one of the most recognizable.

Be sure to add Moerenuma Park to your Japan tour's itinerary when planning your next vacation in Hokkaido. Talk to your travel agent about Japan Deluxe Tour's affordable private vacation packages, or join our Hokkaido Tour to enjoy this breathtaking water show!