Moerenuma Park, situated in Sapporo, Japan, is an awe-inspiring public park renowned for its breathtaking beauty. The park, envisioned by the globally acclaimed artist Isamu Noguchi, represents a harmonious fusion of contemporary sculpture and landscape design.

The park can be best described as a landscape dominated by triangles. The park stands out for its distinctive design approach. The park’s layout is rooted in the concept of “symmetric chaos,” an intriguing blend of order and randomness that gives rise to a visually captivating and dynamic landscape. Careful arrangement of hills, valleys, and water elements within the park creates a remarkable sense of movement and flow, inviting visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the park’s vibrant ambiance.

The park was conceived as the central park in the northeastern region of Sapporo, following the “Circular Greenbelt Concept,” which aimed to surround the urban areas with parks and green spaces. Covering approximately 189 hectares, including the Moere Marsh, the park’s construction was completed in March 2005, and its grand opening took place on July 1 of the same year.

One unique aspect of Moerenuma Park is its transformation from a former waste treatment plant site. The process of waste landfill and construction for the park’s foundation began in 1979 and 1982, respectively. By the time the treatment plant closed in 1990, a total of 2.7 million tons of waste had been brought to the site. Moere Marsh, serving as a reservoir for rainwater runoff and a flood control measure by the national government, plays a crucial role in protecting the area from potential flood damage.

In March 1988, the renowned sculptor Noguchi visited Sapporo for the first time. He was captivated by the snow-covered surface of Moere Marsh and the majestic northern skyline. Inspired by this experience, the Sapporo Municipal Government entrusted Noguchi with the design of the park, fulfilling his long-held desire to create a park that would be considered a complete sculpture. Tragically, Noguchi passed away suddenly in New York on December 30, 1988, after completing the master plan. However, the construction of the park, following Noguchi’s vision, commenced the following year.

Moerenuma Park emerged in Sapporo as a manifestation of the sculptor’s dreams, blending his artistic vision with the goal of preserving a green environment for future generations. Exploring the park can be done conveniently by renting bicycles available within its premises.

One of the highlights of the park is the Glass Pyramid called “Hidamari”, a towering structure that serves as the park’s main entrance. It serves as the symbol of Moerenuma Park. Inside, visitors can find a large exhibition space showcasing Noguchi’s works of art, as well as a café and a gift shop. From the top of the pyramid, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the park and the surrounding mountains.

The park also boasts several playgrounds and sports facilities, including a skateboard park, a cycling course, and a baseball field. For those looking to relax and take in the natural beauty of the park, there are several gardens and green spaces to explore. The Cherry Blossom Garden is particularly popular during the spring, when the sakura trees are in full bloom.