Panduan
The Sapporo Clock Tower, located in Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, is the oldest clock tower in Japan. Officially known as the 'Former Sapporo Agricultural College Hall,' it was constructed in 1878. Its distinctive appearance, featuring a triangular roof and a large clock, is an iconic symbol of the Sapporo cityscape. Currently designated as a National Important Cultural Property, it serves as a precious historical structure that conveys its former role as an educational facility. Every hour, the resonant sound of the bell echoes through the city, offering a nostalgic connection to the past.
This building was born as a facility for the Sapporo Agricultural College, the predecessor of Hokkaido University. It was built based on the vision of the first Vice-Principal, Dr. William S. Clark, to serve as an 'assembly hall' for training in northern defense. The design was executed by the second Vice-Principal, William Wheeler. Although it was originally located in a different spot, it was moved to its current location in 1906. Throughout its history, the building has played various roles, serving as an office for educational organizations, a military facility, and even a municipal library during the Showa era, growing alongside the history of Sapporo.
Inside the museum, visitors can view precious documents from the Sapporo Agricultural College era and materials held by the Hokkaido University Library. The second-floor hall is a spacious area that once served as an assembly hall and is now used for events. Here, you can see the statue of Dr. Clark, allowing you to feel the educational atmosphere of that era up close. The first-floor exhibition room offers video explanations of Sapporo's history, a scale model of the Sapporo Agricultural College, and detailed materials regarding the clock's mechanism. The exterior architecture is also a major draw, providing a rare opportunity to observe historical architectural styles in person.
The Sapporo Clock Tower shows different expressions depending on the season. During the summer (around July to September), the interior can become warm, so visiting in light clothing is recommended. Conversely, in winter (December to March), the weather is extremely cold, so we highly recommend preparing with heavy coats and thermal gear. After sunset, the building is illuminated, allowing visitors to enjoy its majestic, historical silhouette against the quiet night sky. The hourly bell chime continues to fascinate visitors regardless of the time of day or season.
Beyond simple sightseeing, you can deeply engage with history at the Clock Tower. The second-floor hall often hosts cultural events such as music festivals. Taking a photo with the statue of Dr. Clark is also a very popular activity for travelers. In the exhibition rooms, you can touch upon the spirit of the Hokkaido frontier while reading through historical documents. Additionally, the shop inside the facility offers various goods related to Hokkaido University and items that evoke a sense of history.
Located in the heart of Sapporo, it is very easy to visit during a sightseeing stroll. The surrounding area is filled with other buildings that symbolize Sapporo's history, as well as various shopping and gourmet districts. It is within walking distance from Odori Station (served by the Subway Namboku, Tozai, and Toho lines), making it an extremely convenient base for your Sapporo sightseeing tour.
As the Clock Tower is a historic wooden structure, please observe the following guidelines: