Kitahiroshima (北広島) is a suburb of Sapporo in the central part of Hokkaido, and famous as the home ground of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. The city’s motto, “The Ambitious City,” comes from the famous phrase “Boys, be ambitious” spoken by William S. Clark when he bid farewell to students in Hokkaido, an episode tied to the area’s history.
Understand
[edit]Kitahiroshima is a suburban city in central Hokkaido, between Sapporo and Chitose. Many residents commute to Sapporo for work or study, giving the city its character as a “bed town” for the region’s capital.
The city is surrounded by gentle hills and farmland, reflecting its roots as an agricultural settlement. Kitahiroshima has developed rapidly, most notably with large-scale sports and commercial facilities connected to the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters.
History
[edit]Kitahiroshima’s origins go back to the Meiji period, when settlers from Hiroshima Prefecture moved north in search of new lands. In 1884, about 25 families (107 people) migrated and laid the groundwork for what eventually became the village of Hiroshima in central Hokkaido.
In 1894, Hiroshima Village was officially founded. Over time the population and infrastructure grew, and in 1968, the village was renamed Hiroshima Town.
Finally, on September 1, 1996, Hiroshima Town was promoted to city status. Because there was already another city named Hiroshima in Hiroshima Prefecture (on the other side of Japan), the new city was renamed Kitahiroshima (literally “North Hiroshima”).
Climate
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Kitahiroshima has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Snow usually starts in November and lasts until March.
Daylight hours vary greatly through the year — summer days are long and bright, while winter days are short, with sunsets before 17:00.
Get in
[edit]Kitahiroshima is just east of Sapporo.
By train
[edit]JR Chitose Line trains run frequently to Kita‑Hiroshima Station from both Sapporo and New Chitose Airport; Rapid Airport services take about 18–21 minutes and run every 15–20 minutes in daytime hours.¥1420.
From Sapporo. Board a Rapid Airport or local JR train from Sapporo Station to Kita‑Hiroshima; typical journey time is around 18 minutes, with departures several times per hour.
From New Chitose Airport. Take the JR Rapid Airport from the airport station directly to Kita‑Hiroshima in roughly 21 minutes; trains operate all day at regular intervals.
To ES CON Field. From Kita‑Hiroshima Station, walk along the signposted Elfin Road or use the short shuttle bus from the West Exit; the shuttle takes about 5 minutes and runs on game and event days with a small fare.
- JR Kita-Hiroshima Station. is the main railway station of Kita-hiroshima.
By Bus
[edit]Event shuttles also operate from hubs such as Shin‑Sapporo and sometimes from New Chitose Airport on game days; check current timetables before traveling.
By car
[edit]Kita-hiroshima is 44 minutes away from Sapporo by car with using route 12. Driving from central Sapporo or New Chitose Airport takes roughly 20–25 minutes in normal traffic; parking at ES CON Field may require advance reservation and can be congested on game days.
Get around
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See
[edit]- 1 The Monument of William S. Clark (クラークの碑), 1-1 Shimamatsu, ☏ +81 11-377-5412. The Monument of William S. Clark in Kitahiroshima commemorates the American educator William S. Clark, remembered for having here spoken his farewell words to students, “Boys, be ambitious,” which became a famous phrase throughout Japan.
- 2 Kitahiroshima City Eco Museum Center Innovation Station (北広島市エコミュージアムセンター知新の駅), Koyocho, 3 Chome−１−番地. 09:00-17:00. Free.
- 3 Dynasty Ski Resort (ダイナスティスキーリゾート), 82番4 Nibetsu, ☏ +81 11 376 2611. 9:00 -21:00. Family-friendly ski resort is ideal for beginners and intermediates alike. It features gentle slopes, a snow-play zone for kids, and easy highway access via the Kitahiroshima IC. Whether you’re keen on your first run or enjoying a snowy afternoon escape, it hits the sweet spot for convenience and winter fun.
Do
[edit]- 1 Es Con Field Hokkaido (エスコンフィールド北海道), １番地 F Village (Around 20 min walk east from Kitahiroshima Station, or free shuttle on game days.). Tickets can be bought via the Fighters’ official site, Lawson (Loppi), or English-friendly resellers.
Even off-season, the surrounding F Village offers cafés, local food stalls, and seasonal events such as winter illuminations.
Even on non-game days, the surrounding F Village offers many attractions.
Visitors can stay at Tower 11 Hotel, a modern on-site hotel overlooking the field, or relax by the outdoor Ballpark takibi terrace allpar, which offers campfires and food trucks.
- 2 Kitahiro park (北広公園), 2 Chome-51 Sakaecho (5 min walk from Kitahiroshima Sta. JR), ☏ +81 -11 -376 -6637. 24 Hours. This spacious community park sits quietly in the center of Kitahiroshima, serving as one of the city’s most popular local gathering spots. Built in 1972, the park has wide lawns, tennis courts, and a children’s playground, making it a go-to spot for families on weekends and during cherry blossom season.
Buy
[edit]Fighters merchandise — Official team stores around ES CON Field carry Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters jerseys, towels, cheering goods, and limited snacks; easiest stop pre‑ or post‑game.
Outdoor and winter gear — Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo Kitahiroshima has a wide range of outdoor and snow brands, with off‑season discounts that can be steep.
Dairy sweets and butter cookies — Hokkaido’s milk and butter drive a deep lineup of local cookies, caramels, and custard cakes that keep well as omiyage.
Regional products — Small market corners sell local produce, seafood preserves, and Hokkaido gift items in convenient sizes for travelers.
- 1 Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo-Kitahiroshima (三井アウトレットパーク 札幌北広島), 3 Chome-7-6 Omagarisaiwaicho, ☏ +81 -11 -377 -3200. 10:00 - 20:00. Large outlet mall a short ride from central Kitahiroshima with international brands, outdoor gear, and a spacious food court; useful for bargain hunting on non‑game days.
Eat
[edit]- 1 Tonkatsu Hachifuku (とんかつ 八福), 3 Chome-1番地17 Misawa, ☏ +81 11 887 8396. Tu-Su 11:30 - 15:00, 16:30 - 20:00. Famous local tonkatsu place near by Es con field Hokkaido. ¥1000-2000.
- 2 Ryo Sushi (良寿し), Kyoeicho, 1 Chome−１−10, ☏ +81 11 372 3523. 11:00-21:00. Their sushi is served in modest portions with fresh, seasonal fish, emphasizing subtle flavors over extravagance. The restaurant features private rooms and counter seating, making it ideal for both solo diners and intimate groups. 1000¥~2000.
- 3 ArtlaczÉ Gelato & Pizza (ArtlaczÉ（アルトラーチェ）北広島店), Misawa, 5 Chome−1番1 キャンバーズアンドアングラーズ 北広島店 敷地内. 10:30 - 20:00. A desert place close to Es Con field Hokkaido serving stone-baked pizza and rich handmade gelato made from local Hokkaido milk. The place has a sunny terrace and even a small dog-run, making it a relaxing stop for families and travelers alike. ¥1000 - 2000.
- 4 Bazzar (バザール), 1 Chome-52 Sakaecho, ☏ +81 -11 -398 -9311. 06:30 - 22:00. Upscale buffet in the ES CON Field HOKKAIDO Hotel with creative plates, a full bar, and window views toward the ballpark—handy for pre-game lunch or post-game dinner near Kitahiroshima Station. ¥4,000~5,000.
- 5 Lamb Ou Jingisukantei Kitahiroshimaten (個室で食べ放題 ジンギスカン邸 ラム王 北広島店), Sakaecho, 1 Chome−1−2 パルシティビル 4F, ☏ +81 -50 -5488 -1366. 12:00 - 22:30. All-you-can-eat jingisukan near Kitahiroshima Station featuring thick‑cut lamb with soy or miso sauces, simple sides like vegetables and rice, and friendly staff who explain how to grill; a stylish dining room and credit‑card acceptance make it easy for first‑timers. ¥3,000~4,000.
- 6 Oo Akkeshi Tonarie Kitahiroshima Ten (大厚岸トナリエ北広島店), Kitahiroshima, Sakaecho, 1 Chome−52 tonarie, ☏ +81 -50 -3556 -5326. 11:00 - 20:30. Casual seafood spot inside Tonarie Kitahiroshima near the station, specializing in fresh Akkeshi oysters served raw or grilled, plus simple rice bowls and Hokkaido sides; easy for a quick pre‑ or post‑game meal by ES CON Field. ¥1,000~2,000.
- 7 Hirayama Shoten (平山商店), Misawa, 3 Chome−4−20 エルフィンハウス, ☏ +81 -80 -9610 -0917. 8:00- 125:00. Small bakery-café and specialty grocery near Kitahiroshima Station known for house-baked sweets, light café bites, and carefully selected local products; a few counter seats, takeout-friendly, and a relaxed stop for coffee and snacks in Misawa.
Drink
[edit]- 1 Sumibiizakaya En Kitahiroshimaten (炭火居酒屋 炎 北広島店), Sakaecho, 1 Chome−１−2 パルシティビル, ☏ +81 -11 -373 -8891. 16:00 - 24:00. Lively spot a minute from Kitahiroshima Station that fills up on game days, with upbeat service and tasty dishes; the signature 生つくね (fresh chicken tsukune) is the standout and worth ordering. ¥2,000~3,000.
- 2 刺身と日本酒の店 しま (Sashimi to Nihonshu no Mise Shima), Hokushincho, 1 Chome−２−4, ☏ +81 -80 -4040 -0022. 18:00 - 23:00. Small, counter‑only izakaya two minutes from Kitahiroshima Station, focused on fresh sashimi flights and curated sake; a calm, intimate room with seasonal specials makes it a good stop before or after ES CON Field. ¥4,000~5,000.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Minn Kitahiroshima Station East (Minn 北広島 Station East), 5 Chome-8-1 Central (5 min walk from Kitahiroshima station), ☏ +81 50 1721 8684. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 10:00. Walkable distance from the train station and the Es Con Field if you are watching a baseball game. ¥10,000-20-000.
- 2 tower eleven hotel, tower eleven hotel, エスコンフィールド北海道 tower eleven hotel, 4F, 1 F Village (Inside of Es Con field Hokkaido), ☏ +81 50 3171 7525. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 09:00. This hotel is built directly into ES CON Field Hokkaido, offering a one-of-a-kind stay literally inside the ballpark. Opened in 2023 along with the stadium, Tower Eleven Hotel provides rooms that overlook the field itself, letting guests watch baseball games right from their windows or balconies.
Even when there’s no game, the hotel gives access to restaurants, shops, and the surrounding F Village complex, making it a stylish base for anyone visiting Kitahiroshima. Singles ¥20,000, doubles ¥40,000 but in the off season it can be as little as ¥15,000 per night. - 3 Ballpark takibi terrace allpar (オルパ), F Village, 8番地 Ballpark takibi terrace allpar, ☏ +81 11 373 5030. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 10:00. Located within the F Village complex beside ES CON Field, ALLPAR is an outdoor terrace area designed for barbecues and bonfires with a perfect view of the ballpark. Visitors can enjoy local Hokkaido ingredients, craft beer, and relaxed open-air dining while warming up by the fire pits — especially popular on cool summer nights or snowy winter evenings. The terrace blends camping and sports atmosphere, making it a cozy hangout spot before or after a game, or even for those who just want to enjoy the stadium vibe without a ticket. 15,000~25,000¥.
Stay safe
[edit]Like most of Hokkaido, the sidewalk and road of Kitahiroshima tend to accumulate a lot of ice or snow in the winter.