Clock Tower
| Admission | Adults ¥200 |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 to 17:00 Daily |
| Closed | January 1st to January 3rd |
| Contact | 011-231-0838 |
| Notes | - |
| Location / Getting There | Japan, 〒060-0001 Hokkaidō, Sapporo-shi, Chūō-ku, Kita 1 Jōnishi, 2 Chome 札幌市時計台 |
Located in the center of Sapporo just by Odori park, the clock tower was constructed in 1878. Sapporo was developed in the late 1860’s which makes the clock tower the oldest remaining structure in the city. The idea for the tower came from Dr. John Clark who was the vice principal of the Sapporo School of Agriculture at that time. The tower is American designed and served originally as a drill hall for students to do their physical education and military training. It also served as a hall for ceremonies.
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The clock tower now serves as a museum housing exhibits, photos and information on the history of agriculture in Sapporo and the development of Sapporo. Although dwarfed by the some of the surrounding modern buildings, the clock tower serves as one of Sapporo’s most famous icons. For foreign and domestic tourists, the tower is a hugely popular building. There is a constant stream of people taking the opportunity to visit and photograph this much loved piece of history.
In 1970, Sapporo Clock Tower was designated an ‘Important Cultural Property’ and certified as ‘Mechanical Engineering Heritage’ of Japan in 2009.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9 am to 5 pm daily |
| Closed | 29th December to 3rd January |
| Contact | 011-204-5019 |
| Notes | - |
| Getting There | 6 Chome-1 Kita 2 Jōnishi, Chūō-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaidō 060-0002, Japan |
Also known as the ‘Red Brick Building’, the Former Hokkaido Government Office was used for approximately 80 years until the new government office currently in use was built. Built in in 1888, it now serves as a museum presenting exhibits about Hokkaido’s history. Built in French style architecture, the 33m-tall and 61m-wide Old Hokkaido Government Building was one of the tallest and largest buildings in Japan but had to be rebuilt in 1911 after a fire destroyed much of the interior.
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The exhibits are located on the 1st and 2nd floors. The information panels are all in Japanese but there are folders located that are translated into various languages such as English, Chinese, and Thai. They show information on the history of Sapporo, with models, photos and items from that era.
Throughout the building there are 20 paintings inside, which depict historically important scenes in the history of Hokkaido. The paintings are hung in the corridors and exhibition rooms. Most of the windows are double-paned, to keep out the freezing climate of Sapporo. A souvenir shop is also located on the 2nd floor.
The three-section arch, which is decorated with engravings in Western architecture, is installed in the entrance hall. This is a popular spot for tourists to take photos. The Governor’s former office room is open to the public, and it displays restored room facilities as well as pictures of the successive governors in Hokkaidō. Other rooms are occasionally designated as conference rooms, and many companies and organizations have used these rooms for their meetings.
| Admission | Children ¥200 Junior & High school students ¥500 Adults ¥1400 |
| Opening Hours | Monday – Saturday 9:00 – 17:00 |
| Closed | Sundays |
| Contact | 0134-33-1400 |
| Notes | Foreign Language Ability: Limited |
| Location / Getting There | 3 Chome-303 Shukutsu, Otaru, Hokkaido Prefecture 047-0047, Japan Take a train from Sapporo station to Otaru station. 40 min. Bus to the aquarium. 20 min |
Otaru is a harbor town 1 hour west of Sapporo by train. Otaru is famous for its seafood, glassblowing, and its canal. Its also home to the largest aquarium in Hokkaido. Some aspects and parts of this aquarium are outdated but there are also some parts which are unique. Originally built in 1959, the aquarium is home to 5,000 sea creatures of 250 different species. The primary focus is on fish that live in Hokkaido and the polar regions. Visitors can also see the only harbour porpoises in Japan.
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One of the large tanks with an array of sea life.
Throughout the day there is a line up of shows for the tourists. They involve the penguin walk, the dolphin show, the sea lion show, seal show, and the walrus feeding. These events are arranged over the whole aquarium. They are on one after the after leaving very little time to get to each one, so a little hustle is needed. If you do miss a show they are on 3 times a day. The penguin walk, and walrus feeding are interesting and a great opportunity to see these animals. The sea lion, dolphin, and seal shows are out of date compared with more modern aquariums and hopefully these will be modified in the future. All shows are in Japanese. 
The Penguin Walk
A great opportunity to get up close to a flock of penguins as they make their daily walk down for their ocean swim.
Walrus Feeding
A chance to see these enormous animals up close and personal. After the feeding takes place the walruses will come down to the front glass in the water for some great photo opportunities.
Dolphin Show
An opportunity to watch the dolphins with their trainers, jumping and performing for the crowd. There is also a large viewing window beneath the water.
Sea Lion & Seal Shows
These separate shows are similar in structure. The animals will jump and dive for an audience. The show also acts as the feeding time for these animals.
How to get there :
If you don’t have access to your own transport it is quite easy to take public transport to the aquarium. Take the train to Otaru station from Sapporo station (this takes about 40 minutes). Otaru station is the last station on the coastal line so its not hard to miss. After that, the bus will take you straight to the aquarium, which is also the last stop (this takes about 20 minutes). The staff at the information booth at the station are extremely helpful and will be more than happy to tell you which bus to take. They speak great English and there are timetables available.
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | Around ¥1000 (including drink + fries) |
| Opening Hours | 11:30 – 22:00 (last orders at 21:30) |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | jvburger.com +81 11-281-1355 |
| Notes | English menus provided. Staff have limited English ability |
| Location / Getting There | Sapporo. North 23 West 3. 2-51 Kopubiru 1F 3 Chome-2-51 Kita 23 Jōnishi, Kita-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaidō 001-0023, Japan Sapporo. North 1 West 8. Hashiba Building 1F Japan, 〒060-0001 Hokkaidō, Sapporo-shi, Chūō-ku, Kita 1 Jōnishi, 8 Chome. |
For some of the best burgers in Sapporo, Jacksonville Burgers are definitely the burgers of choice. The owner of the 3 store chain around Sapporo is from Japan. He once lived in Jacksonville, Florida, America (hence the name) and on coming back to Sapporo, he brought with him a recipe for success in the form of his delicious burgers. Jacksonville burger restaurants are not large, seating up to about 20 people. The interior is decked out typically in Americana and other hamburger paraphernalia. The smell of sizzling paddies soon hits you from the open kitchen as you enter.
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The tables seat up to 2 or 4 people and all are suitably furnished with mustard and ketchup to smother your fries and hamburger with. The menu has a mouthwatering array of hamburgers. Cheeseburgers, avocado bacon burgers, teriyaki burgers, Hawaiian, chicken, and Mexican salsa burgers are just some of the burgers on offer. Kids can get a special combo and extra toppings can be added for an extra ¥200. Side orders include buffalo wings, fries and coleslaws. Sets come with fries and a drink. Standard juices, colas are on the menu but if you’re looking for something stronger with your burger you cant go past a nice beer. Wine and spirits are also available. The servings are the perfect size too, so you don’t feel too bloated. So, if you’re living here in Sapporo or on holiday and want a change from the Japanese dishes and to divulge into a juicy burger then the Jacksonville burgers are highly recommended.
For all your electronic needs
| Admission | – |
| Opening Hours | 9:30 – 22:00 |
| Closed | – |
| Contact | – |
| Notes | Foreign Language Ability: Good. English ability from some staff. Thai, Chinese, English, & Russian announcements. |
| Location / Getting There | 5-1-22, North 6 jyo nishi, North Ward. (Next to Sapporo station) |
Founded in 1960 Yodobashi Camera is an electronics chain that has 21 stores across Japan. Yodobashi camera is one of the two main electronics stores in Sapporo. The store is made up of 3 floors. Yodobashi Camera covers all household appliances, smart phones, computers, travel, entertainment, and much more. You can not only find the latest Japanese products, but also products including figurines, digital single lens reflex cameras, cosmetics, watches made in Japan, and designer bags. They also have a Tax-Free service. English-speaking staff are available to help you enjoy your shopping experience.
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1st floor Smart phones, SIM cards, MAC & WINDOWS computers, monitors, hard drives, memory cards, routers, printers, printing ink, printing paper, laminators, keyboards, computer bags, cables.
2nd floor TVs, cameras, tripods, SD cards, photography equipment, watches, power plugs, transformers, overseas adaptors, sound equipment, earphones, IPODS, suitcases, travel goods.
3rd floor Refrigerators, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, bathroom appliances, video games, DVD's, playstations, lights, kitchen appliances, microwaves, rice cookers.
Points of interest.
On the 1st floor, on the left of the entrance, is the mobile phone section. Here you will be able to buy a smart phone with any of the 3 major phone companies, which are AU, DOCOMO, or SOFTBANK. You will need your passport, and other forms of ID. For the traveller, SIM CARDS are available, ranging from a week to a month. The cost will set you back anywhere from 3000 to 5000 yen. At the back section they have hard drives, memory sticks and anything you need for your PC.
Points of interest.
On the 2nd floor, if you are looking for power converters and socket converters for your overseas appliances this is where you will find them. You will also be able to buy converters for your Japanese electronic goods for any region in the world. In the camera section you can find SD cards, so you can keep on clicking away as you travel around Hokkaido.
Points of interest.
On the 3rd floor. This is the area where you can fix any broken items. They also have the tax free counter in this area. Be sure to bring your passport.
Taj Mahal is a chain of fine-dining Indian restaurants that can be found throughout Hokkaido, with restaurants in Sapporo, Niseko and Kutchan. Established in 1982, the Taj Mahal restaurants are run by local Indians and they offer guests an authentic taste of India through their variety of halal curries and meats. There are 3 locations throughout Hokkaido and offer a great selection of Indian curries that will please any customer’s taste buds!
Sapporo Taj Mahal
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | Lunch menu – around 1000 yen. Dinner menu – around 1400 yen |
| Opening Hours | 11:00 – 21:30 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 011-207-0765 |
| Notes | English speaking staff. English menu available. |
| Location / Getting There | North 2, East 4 Level B1. 3 Jyo-Kan Building. Factory |
The butter chicken
The Taj Mahal at the factory shopping centre is decked out in Indian tapestries and has a great feel to it. The staff are very friendly and offer a great service. The menu has what you would typically expect from an Indian restaurant. Lamb, chicken, vegetable, and seafood curries. Lunch menus come in sets with a drink and delicious naan bread or rice. Soft drinks, juices, beer (including 2 Indian beers), and wines are all on the menu, though you cant go past the delicious lassi’s. So, if you are at the factory shopping centre for some shopping, to take in a movie, or just some window shopping , Taj Mahal is a good choice for a taste of India.
Niseko Taj Mahal
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | Lunch menu – around 1000 yen. Dinner menu – around 1400 yen |
| Opening Hours | Tuesday - Sunday 11:30 - 21:00 Monday 17:00 - 21:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0136-55-8699 |
| Notes | English speaking staff. English menu available. |
| Location / Getting There | 429-45 Aza Niseko, Niseko, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido. |
Delicious!
Taj Mahal, Niseko Annapurni serves up delicious meals in pure Indian style. The menu is the same as with the Sapporo restaurant. Set meals with naan, and a drink. Lamb, chicken, vegetable curries are available. The tandoori chicken is fantastic here! The Niseko branch restaurant has an open kitchen, so you can see the chefs working their magic. There is a stone kiln where the naan bread is made. During the winter, whats better than a nice spicy curry after a day of skiing!
