Otherworld

Looking back on the highlights of our trip to Japan, our short trip up to Hokkaido stands out in my mind. It's a bit surprising because up to the point we went there, I never thought to myself "Man, I really want to see Hokkaido."

What struck me about Hokkaido was the great open spaces which remained green through the summer. As such, Hokkaido has some fantastic parks and we had the privilege of visiting not one but two amazing parks.

Moerenuma Park in Sapporo was the vision of Japanese-American sculptor Isamu Noguchi. Built on land reclaimed from a disposal site, you would never know the history of the land unless someone told you. The park is mainly lush green open space with Noguchi sculptures spread throughout. But each of these Noguchi creations is amazing in their own rights. The most prominent feature is Mount Moere, a man-made mountain that stands 190 feet tall. Climbing this mountain (by stairs or by trail) gives you a panoramic view of the park and nearby Sapporo. From the summit, you can see Hidamari, the glass pyramid which houses restaurants, a small shop, and classrooms for workshops. You can also see a circular grove of trees which simulates walking through a forest, and beyond that, Moere Beach, a shallow "concrete pond" (to borrow from the Beverly Hillbillies) where children can cool themselves in the summer heat.

Though Moerenuma Park is lovely in the summer, it is equally beautiful in the winter and a completely different experience. Winter bring snow to the entire island of Hokkaido and the man-made mountains and huge open space create a place for skiing, sledding, and snow play for children and their families.

Noguchi died before he could see his vision come to fruition, but I'm sure he would be proud to see how his creation brings joy to so many people year round.