Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido and as such offers a number of attractions.
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Historical Museum of Hokkaido
Historical Village of Hokkaido
Centennial Memorial Tower
These three attractions offer a great insight into past eras of Hokkaido and are a highly recommended part of your tour.
The Historical Museum of Hokkaido has seven permanent exhibits which are based around differing themes. The museum has a lot of signage in English and it is also possible to get a guided tour in English (You may have to call and book ahead). There are also special exhibitions held a few times a year at irregular schedules. Call the museum directly for further details. Please note that the entry fees for special exhibitions may differ from the usual admission fees. Top
The Historical Village of Hokkaido is a great way to see some of the older style Meji and Taisho era buildings. They have all been restored and moved to this current, permanent location. There are more than 20 buildings of different kinds which give you a good perspective of the old Japanese life. There are various special events throughout the year and also craft demonstrations on occasion to be enjoyed. There is also an English pamphlet available. Top
The Centennial Memorial Tower and the surrounding 20 square kilometer Forest Park were created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Hokkaido. There is an observation deck at the top of the tower which gives a commanding view of the surrounding area and Ishikari Plain. Top
| Admission | Historical Museum of Hokkaido : Permanent Exhibition Adults ¥450 High School and University Students ¥150 Historical Village of Hokkaido : Adults ¥830 (¥680 December to March) High School and University Students ¥610 (¥550 December to March) |
| Opening Hours | Historical Museum of Hokkaido : 9:30 am to 4:30 pm daily Historical Village of Hokkaido : 9:30 am to 4:30 pm : October to May 9 am to 5 pm : June to September |
| Closed | Historical Museum of Hokkaido : Mondays, National Holidays and New Year Holidays |
| Contact | - |
| Notes | - |
| Location / Getting There | Japan, 〒004-0006 Hokkaidō, Sapporo-shi, Atsubetsu-ku, Atsubetsuchō Konopporo, 50−1 北海道開拓の村 |
Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
Included in many tourist bus trips this observation area is not the greatest highlight of Sapporo but does offer a nice general view to the city. There is a famous statue of Dr William S. Clark the founder of Hokkaido University and opened in January 2001the Sapporo Snow Festival Information Hall. For those who are thinking of getting married there is also a chapel which is situated in a nice setting near the fields of sheep. Top
| Admission | High School and above ¥500 Junior High and under ¥300 |
| Opening Hours | October to May : 9 am to 5 pm daily. June to September : 9 am to 9 pm daily. |
| Closed | - |
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| Location / Getting There | 10 Chome-11-8 Fukuzumi 3 Jō, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaidō 062-0043, Japan |
Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art
This facility has permanent famous works of modern art with a focus on paintings and sculptures produced by artists in Hokkaido. There are also a large number of special exhibitions from Japanese and foreign artists held here. Top
| Admission | Adults ¥510 High School and University Students ¥250 |
| Opening Hours | 9:30 - 17:00 daily |
| Closed | Mondays, Exhibit changing days and New Year Holidays |
| Contact | 011-644-6882 |
| Notes | Wheelchair access No parking |
| Location / Getting There | Japan, 〒060-0001 Hokkaidō, Sapporo-shi, Chūō-ku, Kita 1 Jōnishi, 17 Chome−2−1 北海道立近代美術館 5-minute walk from Nishi Juhatchome Station on the Subway Tozai Line |
Beautiful in the autumn
Hokkaido University was inaugurated in 1876 and was originally called Sapporo Agricultural College. The university is famous among Japanese as being the first Agricultural College and has one of the largest campuses in Japan. Current enrollment numbers at the university have almost reached 20,000. The University is perhaps most beautiful in the summer and autumn months. The summer is a pleasant time to wander around the university and view some of the older buildings and also the all important bust of Dr William Clark, the first chancellor of the university. During the autumn the many poplar trees, showing beautiful autumn colors, are a favorite amongst amateur photographers. Top
| Admission | - |
| Opening Hours | Best times to visit are during the daylight hours in summer and autumn. *(It is however possible to visit the university at any time, but there is very little lighting, so some areas can be almost pitch black during the evening.) |
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| Location / Getting There | 5 Chome-3-10 Kita 16 Jōnishi, Kita-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaidō 001-0016, Japan |
Jozankei Hot Spring Baths
Jozankei is one of the most famous hot-spring bath areas in Hokkaido. There are many hotels catering to all types of budgets. There is also a free “Ashi-yu” or “feet-hot-spring” bath toward the east end of the town. (Make sure to wash your feet at the tap provided before putting your toes in the water! Also use caution as the water can be quite hot.) Top
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| Location / Getting There | Jozankei, Minami-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaidō, Japan |
Jugoshima Park
no information Top
| Admission | - |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours 7:00 - 21:00 parking |
| Contact | 011-581-3811 |
| Notes | Walking paths, restrooms, free parking, picnic spot, fishing spot, playground, stage for events, popular in summer |
| Location / Getting There | 35 minute drive south from Sapporo. Located along Toyohira River. Take Ishiyama Dori, route 230 and turn right at the Co-op supermarket. 5 Chome-13 Fujino 1 Jo, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2281 |
Makomanai Park
A popular place for Sapporo residence during the summer, it also houses an ice skating rink that was used for the 1972 Olympics and a Salmon Museum. The salmon museum shows various stages of development for the fish and has some nice examples of larger fish and also an English guide pamphlet. Top
| Admission | Salmon Museum : Free |
| Opening Hours | 9:30 am to 4:30 pm daily |
| Closed | National holidays and New Year Holidays |
| Contact | - |
| Notes | - |
| Location / Getting There | 1-2 Makomanaikōen, Minami-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaidō 005-0017, Japan |
Cherry blossom season
A particular favorite among residents of Sapporo, this beautifully laid out park has within its bounds the Huge Hokkaido Shrine, a Zoo and a High school Baseball Stadium. The park is well known for its large numbers of cherry trees which in Hokkaido usually blossom for about a week during May. In this season huge numbers of Japanese will gather for “Hanami” or cherry blossom parties. The parties consist of large groups of people, BBQ’s and a lot of beer. The cherry blossom season is a celebration of the end of the long winter and the coming of summer. Maruyama Park also offers a forested area and many great walking trails for joggers and those wishing a little fresh air. Piano concerts are sometimes held in the open during the summer. Top
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| Location / Getting There | 3-1 Miyagaoka, Chūō-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaidō 064-0959, Japan |
From the rooftop of the pyrmaid
Moerenuma Park was designed by world renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi. This enormous park covers some 170 ha. and combines natural settings and outdoor sculptures into a relaxing park environment. There are many different areas of play parks for the kids and open areas for picnics. There is a forest area to explore and many fountains. There are more than 5000 cherry trees in the park which makes it an excellent location for cherry bloom viewing in the spring. The area also houses soccer, baseball and athletics fields. A roller skating rink and tennis courts for the sports minded.Top
| Admission | Free admission |
| Opening Hours | 7:00 - 22:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 011-790-1231 |
| Notes | Parking available, Bicycles for hire, French restaurant in pyramid, Art gallery, Photography spot, Kids play area, Picnic spot, Water park, Wheelchair access |
| Location / Getting There | Take bus from Sapporo. Details see below. 1 Moerenumakōen, Higashi-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaidō 007-0011, Japan |
Spectacular night views of the city
There is an exceptional view of Sapporo and surrounds to be had from the top of Mt Moiwa during the day or night. During the day, weather permitting, it is possible to see as far as Ishikari Bay and also across to Jonzenkai Spa Area. The view of Sapporo lights at night is also quite spectacular. There is also a restaurant and souvenir shop at the summit. To reach the Summit you have the choice of taking a five minute gondola ride which connects to a three minute chairlift ride or you may drive up in the summer season. There is some free parking available near the gondola station entrance. Admission to the gondola closes about one hour before full closing time. Although the road is open in November you may need snow tires or chains during this month. Top
| Admission | Ropeway + Morris Car (Round trip): Adults ¥1,700 Children ¥850 Road : Car ¥660 Motorbike ¥320 Mini Bus ¥1340 |
| Opening Hours | Summer: 10:30 – 22:00 (last departure 21:30) Winter: 11:00 – 22:00 (last departure 21:30) Sightseeing road: Summer Season 10:30 – 22:00 (last admission 21:30) |
| Closed | Sightseeing road: Closed Winter |
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| Location / Getting There | 1 Moiwayama, Minami-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaidō 005-0041, Japan |
The huge pond in the middle
Nakajima park is huge park south of the Susukino area and is the oldest park in Hokkaido. The park is a wonderful place to rest in the summer and is beautiful in the autumn with the changing colors of the trees. The park has a large pond in the middle where row boats can be rented. The weekends usually see the park full with families enjoying the summer and also there are often flea markets on Sundays (Note: the Japanese say ‘Free Market’ but this is just a mistake with pronunciation and the markets are not free.) There are several buildings of interest inside the park and two buildings are designated National Cultural Assets. Top
Within Nakajima Park some other attractions include : Sapporo Concert Hall (Kitara), Hoeikan, Hassoan (Japanese Tea House), Hokkaido Museum of Literature.
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| Getting There | 1-15 Nakajimakōen, Chūō-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaidō 064-0931, Japan. Catch the "Nanboku-sen" (Green line) subway to Nakajima-koen station or Horohirabashi Station. |
