History / Culture / Tour Spots in Hokkaido Area

  • Sapporo Clock Tower
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    3.5
    2649 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Sapporoshi Chuou-ku Kitaichijounishi 2-chome Former Sapporo Agricultural College Demonstration Center
    The clock tower familiarly, called “Sapporo Clock Tower” was originally constructed as a drill hall for the former Sapporo Agricultural College, the predecessor of Hokkaido University. Originally there was no bell tower but only a mechanism of pulling a rope to ring a small bell, however, the bell tower was constructed in 1881 under the direction of the Governor Kiyotaka Kuroda and since then a Howard pendulum type clock has been in use. It is about 10 minutes on foot from the nearest Odoori Station. The first floor serves as a museum displaying the history of the clock tower and on the second floor you can experience the atmosphere of the historic drill hall and view the workings of the clock.

    It is a tiny building surrounded by tall buildings. Nothing special, just a tiny wooden building. There is an entrance fee for those who want to see it from inside.

  • Hokkaido Shrine
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    4.0
    1199 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Sapporoshi Chuou-ku Miyagaoka 474
    Hokkaido Shrine is located about 15 minutes’ walk from Maruyama Koen Station on the Tozai Line. It was erected to worship the three deities of reclamation: Okunitama no kami, the deity of reclamation and development, Onamuchi no kami, and Sukunabikona no kami. In 1955, the Meiji Emperor, who adopted Western culture and built the foundations of Japan, was newly enshrined. Hokkaido Shrine is also known as a famous place for cherry blossoms in the spring and is popular among the local people.

    Nestled in the Maruyama park and not far from the city zoo, this shrine was beautiful in the spring when the sakura was blooming. It took about 30 minutes to visit the main hall, write the wish on a...

  • Abashiri Prison Museum
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    4.5
    792 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Abashirishi Yobito 1-1
    This historic museum has preserved the former Abashiri Prison barracks as an outdoor museum. It was completely renovated in 2010. The virtual prison movie titled ''Forests Where Inmates in a Red Prison Uniform Worked'' is a must-see digital stereophonic theater experience focusing on the harsh working conditions of the erstwhile prisoners captured with the latest technology. One can explore the facility on a Guided Prison Tour, or actually eat the food the prisoners were given with the Experience Prison Food encounter. Two of the structures, 8 wards, transferred here are treasured as Japan's Important Cultural Properties.

    An interesting visit especially the main prison building! We spent about an hour here but too bad the restaurant was already closed or would have loved to try the prisoner meal set!

  • Historical Village of Hokkaido
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    4.5
    562 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Sapporoshi Atsubetsu-ku Atsubetsuchou Konopporo 50-1
    The Historical Village of Hokkaido is an outdoor museum which reproduces the frontier days of Hokkaido where you can learn about frontier history. There are four separate areas which are the Farm Village, the Sea Village, the Mountain Village and the City and you can walk through each village to experience the different atmospheres. At the Frontier Village Restaurant in the museum, you can eat the simple but delicious “Imo Mochi” and the restaurant’s original Tondenhei (Settlers’) Set Meal.

    I’m astounded at the amount of effort and dedication it must take to maintain this place. It’s literally a village you can easily get lost in. I went during winter when there was barely anyone (it...

  • Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward
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    4.0
    551 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Motomachi 11-13
    The Old Public Hall was completed in 1910 and constructed at a total cost of 58,000 yen, 50,000 yen of which was donated by Mr. Teppei Soma, a leading Hokkaido businessman. The building is impressive with its blue and yellow coloring and symmetrical colonial style. It is also famous for being the dormitory of Emperor Taisho when he was the Crown Prince. In 1974 it was designated as an Important Cultural Property of the country. It is a seven-minute walk from the “Suehiro-cho” tram stop.

    It looks so beautiful in photographs and was so disappointed to see the building under wraps and closed for construction.

  • Trappistine Monastery Tenshien Shop
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    4.0
    567 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Kamiyunokawachou 346
    A 10-minute walk from the Trappistine Convent bus stop. This Trappist monastery is situated on a hill sandwiched between Mt. Hakodate and the city. The monastery was the first one erected for women in Japan when it was built in 1898. The site was originally used by an orphanage before it was destroyed in a storm. The monastery rebuilt on the site was also later lost in a fire. The current monastery was rebuilt in 1927 and is notable for its brick walls and semicircular windows. The monastery is adjoined by a museum, shop, and garden; the shop's French Madeleines cakes are popular souvenirs.

    A catholic convent with beautiful grounds to stroll upon. Located on a hill in the eastern part of Hakodate. Bought some famous Trappist cookies from the souvenir shop. Worth a short visit.

  • Hakodate Orthodox Church
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    4.0
    475 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Motomachi 3-13
    With the beautiful contrast between its green roof and white walls, Hakodate Orthodox Church was Japan’s first Russian Orthodox church. It is located at the top of Daimi-saka going up from Benten Suehiro-dori Street. The current church was built in 1916 to replace the original church that was burnt down in the great fire in Hakodate in the Meiji period, and it was subsequently designated as an Important Cultural Property. In 1996, the sound of the bell in the tower was chosen as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan.

    It is only a small church but has been recently renovated, It has retained its traditional interior fittings

  • Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum
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    4.0
    395 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Abashirishi Tentozan 244-3
    Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum, which is located on Tentozan in Abashiri City, is a tourist facility based on drift ice and the creatures who live in the Sea of Okhotsk. Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum has the biggest projection mapping in Hokkaido and displays the mysterious creatures such as the clione which live in the Sea of Okhotsk. The high-definition five-screen theater which includes a 300-inch screen is also impressive. One very popular experience is freezing a wet towel when touching the ice directly on the drift ice simulation terrace. At the highest observation terrace, 360-degree panoramic views are an amazing sight and have been designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty since 1938.

    Amazing place to learn more about the drift ice. We just arrived here from shiretoko where we saw all the drift ice coming in a few days ago. Its very informative to learn about this. The...

  • Motomachi Roman Catholic Church
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    4.0
    257 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Motomachi 15-30
    Motomachi Roman Catholic Church is distinguished by its Gothic-style architecture and large bell-tower. The Church that visitors see today was rebuilt in 1924 after a fire. Having originally been built shortly after the restrictions on Christian proselytizing in Japan were relaxed, Motomachi Roman Catholic Church’s long history makes it one of the oldest congregations in Japan. To reach the Church, take the Hakodate Streetcar service and get off at the Jujigai Stop in Motomachi, near Mt. Hakodate; the Church is around 10 minutes’ walk from the Jujigai Stop.

    Walk up the Daisan Zaka slope and you will see this Motomachi Catholic Church which was started by a French missionary with a temporary church hall in 1867. You will see a rooster at the top of the...

  • Former British Consulate of Hakodate
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    4.0
    266 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Motomachi 33-14
    The former British consulate in Hokkaido. It was used as a consular office until 1934. There is an “exhibition room” where you can enjoy the state of the former British consul of the time, and an “opening port museum”, where you can learn the history of the opening of Hakodate. It was designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Hakodate City in 1979. There is a combined shop and tea room, where you can also enjoy a British-style traditional afternoon tea.

    While in town we thought better go and see how the British Consul lived here in days gone by . Lovely British style home in a great position. Some interesting information to read, find out a bit of...

  • Bank of Japan Otaru Museum
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    4.0
    329 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Otarushi Ironai 1-11-16
    In about 1900, banks concentrated in Otaru City and it began to be called “Wall Street of the north”. Among them, the Bank of Japan also entered Otaru City, and the building which was completed in 1912 became the Otaru Branch. Using the historical building of the time, historical artifacts of the Bank of Japan and the development of Otaru are displayed. You can feel the weight of a package containing 100 million yen (imitation) and see the anti-counterfeiting technology to prevent the forgery of bills. Guided tours are conducted twice a day (Required time: about 30 minutes.)

    Revealed hitherto unknown facts to me about the economic importance of Otaru and Hokkaido in the east Asian region.

  • Hakodate Magistrate’s Office
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    4.0
    327 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Goryoukakuchou 44-3
    The Edo Shogunate public office building was established at the end of the Edo period in 1864 coinciding with the opening of the port. The administrative center was a base for diplomatic relations as well as security of the northern regions at the end of Edo Period. After that it became the stage of the Battle of Hakodate and upon entering the Meiji period the office buildings were dismantled by the new government, however, in 2010 the building was restored to one third of its original size. You can now glimpse the Magistrate’s Office as it once was. It also exhibits relics from Goryokaku Fort and is a must-see.

    The Magistrates Office is a reconstruction of 1/3 of the original building, featuring halls and rooms that mostly fulfilled more public functions. Lots of effort have been poured into the 1:1...

  • Shiroi Koibito Park
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Sapporoshi Nishi-ku Miyanosawanijou 2-11-36
    Shiroi Koibito Park is a theme park where you can tour the production plant for Shiroi Koibito, a well-known confectionary that is symbolic of Sapporo (an entry fee is charged). There are also hands on activities such as a course in drawing pictures on the Shiroi Koibito, which can be enjoyed by children and adults. The Shiroi Koibito Park is packed full of areas where you can experience things first hand such as a lounge where you can enjoy the sweets in a space surrounded by English antiques as well as a candy lab where you can watch demonstrations by candy craftsmen. There is also a beautiful rose garden which presents different aspects in summer and winter.
  • Hokkaido Daigaku General Museum
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    4.0
    235 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Sapporo-shi Kita-ku Kita 10-jo nishi 8

    The Hokkaido University Museum is one of the best attractions of Sapporo since 1999. It houses 4 million collection of specimens. Snaffles Hakodate Pastry Catchcake Hokkaido Best Tiramisu...

  • Otokoyama Sake Museum
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    4.0
    174 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Asahikawashi Nagayamanijou 7
    Otokoyama Sake Museum is a museum operated by Otokoyama, a sake brewer in Asahikawa City. The exhibits include valuable materials and literature from the Edo period, ukiyo-e prints depicting Otokoyama, as well as vats and other sake making tools. There is free tasting and the museum also sells sake from the brewery. You can also pump up the underground water at the facility to take home free of charge. The sake made with underground water sourced from the perpetual snow in the Mt. Taisetsu range has won numerous awards both in Japan and overseas.

    Its a relatively small place which can easily be covered in 30 mins max (including tasting). I can imagine that it would be more interesting when the sake is actually being made but if you go at the...

  • Hakodate City Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship “Mashu-maru”
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    4.0
    236 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Wakamatsuchou 12 - ahead
    Hakodate City Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship “Mashu-maru” is where the Mashu-maru is preserved and open to the public in the actual boarding point where it operated until the last day of the Aomori-Hakodate ferry in 1988. In addition to the being able to visit the steering room and the communications room in contemporary state, there are exhibits of actual parts and models in the refurbished front green room, and you can learn about the history and operation of the Aomori-Hakodate ferry through video and audio. This museum is located four minutes’ walk from JR Hakodate Station.

    This attraction is closed! Like almost everything in Hakodate and Hokkaido. Government doesnt have to wonder why no tourists are coming. If you close all tourist sites what should we do?? Sad...

  • Sapporo Winter Sports Museum
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    4.0
    174 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Sapporoshi Chuou-ku Miyanomori 1274 Okurayama jumping stadium
    Sapporo Winter Sports Museum is located in the Okurayama Jump Stadium about 30 minutes by car from Sapporo Station. There are exhibits of many valuable materials from the Sapporo Winter Olympics held in 1972 in the museum as well as simulators that allow visitors to experience ski jumping while watching on the big screen. This is a place where you can see, touch and experience the fun of winter sports.

    A museum dedicated to the 1972 winter olympics that took place in Sapporo. A short trip, but a bit of fun.

  • Otaru City General Museum Main Building
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    4.0
    142 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Otarushi Temiya 1-3-6
    A museum opened in July 2007 which looks at the history and natural environment of Otaru City as well as science, technology, and the history of transportation on the island of Hokkaido. The museum is divided into two facilities—the Main Building and the Canal Museum. The Main Building has a permanent exhibit which presents the history of railroads in Hokkaido, including 50 preserved examples of major railway vehicles used on the island such as the Shizuka steam locomotive. The Main Building also has a planetarium and science exhibits and conducts simple experiments and short craft classes on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. In the summer, the Iron Horse, a steam engine built in the United States in 1909, is operated outside the museum, and visitors can ride the train for free.

    This museum is only about trains. The museum was just ok, very little English info. I did really enjoy the train cars on display outside. Especially the snow plow trains. Its worth a visit.

  • Otaru Music Box Museum Hall Number 2 Antique Museum
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    4.0
    133 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Hokkaido Otaru-shi Sakaimachi 6-13
    "This music box company has shops not only in Hokkaido but also nationwide, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Okinawa. Enwrapped in the old-fashioned atmosphere of the museum building located 100 meters away from the Otaru Music Box Museum Main Building, visitors can enjoy the ""music of the heavens"" of the music boxes in the collection up close. Filled with historic and valuable antique music boxes, visitors can also view an Aeolian pipe organ made in England in 1908. The first self-playing pipe organ brought into Japan, the organ still resounds with the same beautiful sounds today as when it was first built."

    I went here because my friend wanted to go. However I ended up falling in love with this place and came back with 2 music boxes. I hope I get a chance to go here again some day again.

  • Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples
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    4.0
    122 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Hakodateshi Suehirochou 21-7
    Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples is located in Suehiro Town, Hakodate and introduces the lives and culture of northern peoples. Collections with high academic value on a global level are on display. They include materials formerly held by Hakodate City Museum collected by philanthropists and the Hokkaido Development Commission between 1879 and 1886 in addition to Ainu folk materials collected by Dr. Osamu Baba, a world authority on research into northern peoples.

    This was my favorite museum in Hakodate. Everything was in English as well as Japanese. Learned a lot about the native people and early settlers. Only 300 yen. One hour is probably enough time.

Hokkaido Areas

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Not just a prefecture but an island of its own, Hokkaido is the most northerly prefecture and island of the Japanese archipelago. Arriving in Hokkaido, which is rural and bursting with breathtaking nature, means entering a world where vast national parks, towering mountains, and natural hot springs can be found at every turn. Come December, these natural splendors freeze over and morph into a winter wonderland.

Hokkaido Photo Album

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