| Admission | - |
| Opening Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Contact | 011-221-4100 management |
| Notes | Events & festivals at the park run throughout the year |
| Location / Getting There | 5 minute walk from Odori subway station & Susukino subway station. 1 block east from TV tower & Odori park 1 Chome Minami 3 Johigashi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0053 |
The statue of Otomo Kametaro at Sosei Bridge
Soseigawa Park can be found in central Sapporo, and runs from north to south, for 820 meters. It’s a pleasant place to take a stroll along the narrow river that runs through the centre of the park. The Sosei bridge crosses through the centre of the park, and is said that the history of Sapporo started at the very foot of this bridge. A statue of Otomo Kametaro, who first excavated the canal in 1869, can be found here. The park was redesigned and completed in 2011 with amenities, grass area, sculptures, and an underpass was put in.
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One of four works by Yasushi Yasuda
Soseigawa Park runs by the Nijo Ichiba Fish Markets and also the TV Tower at the eastern end of Odori park. There are around thirty different lilac trees planted throughout the park, twenty kinds of ‘Day Lilies’, and thirty seven German lilies. Along the walkways, you can find sculptures by three Japanese artists, Yasushi Yasuda, Yasuzo Nishino, and Eiki Danzuka. Throughout the year, Soseigawa Park is home to numerous festivals and events especially during the spring and summer. These events are a great spot to unwind and take in the beauty of Soseigawa park.
| Admission | ¥200 Adult ¥180 Adult groups over 20 Free for children under 15 |
| Opening Hours | 8:45 - 17:10 (last entry 17:00) |
| Closed | New Years - Jan 1 to Jan 3 |
| Contact | 011-231-0838 |
| Notes | Wheelchair access Souvenir store inside Exhibits in multiple languages |
| Location / Getting There | 5 minute walk from Odori subway station, or 8 minute walk from Sapporo station. Sapporo-shi Chuo-ku North Ichi West 2-chome |
Iconic exterior
The Sapporo Clock Tower is one of the famous icons of the city and is located in centre of the Sapporo, right by Odori park. It is the perfect sightseeing spot and easy to drop into while exploring the city. The clock tower was built in 1878, and is the last remnant of the drill hall of the former Agricultural College, which is now Hokkaido University. Being one of the earliest remaining buildings in Sapporo, it is an interesting look back into the history of Sapporo. The city itself was chosen as the administrative centre of Hokkaido in 1868, which is the date currently recognized as the official birth of the city.
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2nd floor interior
The clock tower’s wooden exterior is characteristic to that of American architecture during the frontier era. The building has two accessible two stories and has recently been repainted in its original light green color. The first floor serves as an exhibition room with photos, dioramas, and objects introducing the history of the Agricultural College and the development of Sapporo. There is also a library and souvenir store here. The clock in the building was installed in July 1881 by E. Howard & Co. and the second floor has a working clock showing the mechanics of the design. At only ¥200, the popular Sapporo Clock Tower is an informative and cheap sightseeing spot.
| Admission | Free admission |
| Opening Hours | - |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0142-82-5111 |
| Notes | Parking available Walking paths Sightseeing spot |
| Location / Getting There |
Ukimido Park is a great sightseeing spot and a good place to get some photos on the shores of Lake Toya. The park can be easily recognized by its stone sculptures and its small outcrop where the iconic shrine is located. The shrine, surrounded by the tranquil waters of Lake Toya make for a great photography opportunity, in any kind of season. The shrine is only a five minute walk from the main car park, which is located on the northern side of lake.
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The park has paths that intertwine making for a pleasant walk through the warmer months. The park, as with most of the parks around Lake Toya, has large sculptures arranged around its grounds. The small island that the shrine is on, was once part of a hill that was formed when the caldera was formed 110,000 years ago. Ruins from this period, known as the Jomon period, can be found around this small island! The large car park that sits right next to the park has plenty of spaces so parking is not a problem.
| Height | 907m / 2962ft |
| Length | 12km round trip |
| Hiking Time | Winter - 4 hours to summit Summer - 3 hours to summit |
| Notes | Cabin available (booking required 011-571-5111) Overnight stay ￥800 per person |
| Location / Getting There | Take the National Road 5 国道５号線, 30 minute drive from Sapporo. 30 minute walk to trail head from Zenibako station. Jozankei, Minami Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 061-2301 |
Cool sights along the path
This relatively easy hike is a popular trail, especially for locals. For those not heading to the top, there are places along the way to forage for wild mushrooms. To get to the trail head, take the National Road 5 国道５号線, turn left (coming from Sapporo), turn right (coming from Otaru) at the intersection between a 7-11 and a Ralse Supermarket. Follow this road through a residential area up to the trail head. Alternatively, it is a thirty minute walk from Zenibako JR station. You can make this a great day trip, or stay overnight at a cabin which can be found three quarters of the way up.
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Ginjinso cabin
The cabin that can be found is a two story structure and is well kept. It was built in 1960, and since 1974 it is operated as a welfare facility of Tokai University. Be warned, you will need to reserve the cabin in advance if you wish to stay the night! The custodian who stays there runs a tight ship, but the facilities there are great. There is a toilet and cooking facilities here, bunk beds and a warm stove can be found here also. The start of the hike is on a gradual incline making for a pleasant walk. After the cabin, the trail gets quite steep and is a thirty minute trek to the top.
| General Admission | Ropeway ￥1600 - Adults ￥800 - Children |
| Opening Hours | 8:30 - 17:00 (During winter, the ropeway stops 1 hour earlier) |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0142-75-2401 |
| Notes | 400 car parking spots : ￥500 40 bus parking spots : ￥2000 40 minutes to Usu Observation deck Restaurants and shops at bottom of ropeway |
| Location / Getting There | From JR Toyako station, take the Donan Bus bound for Toyako Onsen. (15 min.) Get off at the Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal. Change buses to Showa Shinzan and get off at last stop (15 min.) *No bus service to Showa Shinzan in winter. 2 and a half hour drive from Sapporo city. 184-5 Aza Showa Shinzan, Sobetsu-cho, Usu-gun, Hokkaido, Japan 052-0102 |
The ropeway up overlooking Shōwa-Shinzan
Mount Usu is an active stratovolcano in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. Since 1900, it has erupted a total of four times. In 1910, in 1944 which created Shōwa-Shinzan, in 1977, and as recent as March, 2000. Mt. Usu is formed on the southern rim of the caldera which contains Lake Toya. Mount Usu and Shōwa-Shinzan are major tourist attractions in the Shikotsu-Toya National Park. The best way to see the Shōwa-Shinzan peak and Mt. Usu is to take the cable car to the top. From here, it is a 10 minute walk to the viewing platform offering views looking down over Lake Toya, Shōwa-Shinzan, and the towns of Date and Toyako.
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Path along the basin crater
The car park to get to the ropeway is just off Lake Toya. From here you can take the ropeway up. It takes about thirty minutes to get to the Observation Deck via the ropeway and after a short walk. If you want to explore further, there is a path that leads further down into, and around, the Usu Crater Basin. It is a nice hike along the path, though it will take an extra hour heading down and back. It is a long flight of stairs down to the path along the craters edge, so bring some water! The path around has some stunning views along the coast. Inside and outside the crater you can see the volcanic steam vents coming through the surface.
Volcano Village
After taking in some spectacular views, you can make your way back to the ropeway and head down to the “Volcano Village” next to the car park, which lies at the bottom of Mt. Usu and Shōwa-Shinzan. Here you can find a half dozen restaurants, toilet facilities, souvenir shops, and information centers, and a museum. The Information center has information on what to explore in the area. There is also an eruption experience room using sounds and images. There is also a theater with a film on the history of Mt. Usu. The gallery, here too, has panels with images on the area.
Restaurant Funka-tei 9:00 - 15:00 Soba noodle and curry restaurant 
Volcano Ramen 10:00 - 15:00 Ramen noodle shop
Village Store
Shopping9:00 - 18:00 Summer
9:00 - 16:00 WinterSouvenir Shops
Hinokuniya
Honpo Shopping9:00 - 19:00 Summer
9:00 - 16:00 WinterSouvenir Shops 
| Admission | ￥800 - Adults (15-64) ￥700 - Adults groups (10 people or more) ￥600 - College & High school students ￥500 - College groups (10 people or more) Free - seniors (over 65) and children (under 14) |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 - 17:00 (May - Sep) 9:00 - 16:00 (Oct - Apr) |
| Closed | Mondays* December 29th - January 3rd *if Monday is a public holiday, Tuesdays will be closed |
| Contact | 011-898-2692 http://www.kaitaku.or.jp/ |
| Notes | Free parking Bus access Located near Hokkaido Historical Museum Located near Centennial Memorial Tower |
| Location / Getting There | Take JR & Tozai Line (Subway) to Shin Sapporo station. Change bus bound for [No.22 Kaitakunomura] (15min) to last bus stop. 40 minute drive from Sapporo station. 60 minute drive from Chitose airport. Konopporo 50-1,Atsubetsu-cyo,Atsubetsu-ku |
The front entrance
The Historical Village of Hokkaido is a must see while sightseeing in the Sapporo area. Opened in 1983, it includes fifty-two historical structures from the “frontier days” of the Meiji period to the Shōwa period that have been relocated and reconstructed or recreated. Visitors can get a glimpse of what life was like during the pioneer days from the mid 19th century to the early 20th century. The Historical Village consists of 52 buildings and is divided into a town area, fishing village, farm village, and mountain village.
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One of the menu wax dioramas
The main building that serves as the entrance into the village is the old Sapporo Station building. After buying your ticket and entering the village grounds, it is like stepping back in time. As there is a lot to see, and the grounds of the villages are huge, be prepared for a lot of walking. Visiting the Historical Village is a day trip, so bring water and it’s a good idea to bring something to eat (there is only one small snack restaurant on the grounds). In the summer a horse-drawn trolley runs along the main street of the Town, and in winter a horse-drawn sleigh goes around the villages. Seasonal village festivals and events including farm work and other hands-on events are held periodically throughout the year.
To get to the Historical Village, it is a forty minute drive from Sapporo Station. Take route 12 heading to Ebetsu. Alternatively you can take a train or subway and then take the bus. Take the JR train to Sapporo Station, or you can take the subway from Odori along the ‘Tozai line’ (orange line) to Shin Sapporo station. From Shin Sapporo station, take the No.22 bus to Kaitakunomura bus stop (last stop), which is at the Historical Museum. For bus timetables, see below.
Shin Sapporo Station to
Kaitakunomura8:23
9:15
10:00
10:45
11:30
12:15
13:00
13:45
14:30
Kaitakunomura to
Shin Sapporo Station9:45
10:30
11:15
12:00
12:45
13:30
14:15
15:00
15:45
16:30
17:15
17:40
