What other travelers are saying about Sapporo Archives Museum (Former Sapporo Court of Appeals)
There is a lot of history in this building. From the outside it is an impressive building. Entry is free of charge. Inside there is a number of historic displays of the old court rooms and local and building history.
Has new displays each month. We have met some very knowledgeable, friendly hosts each time we visited. Highly recommended. No fee to visit.
I didn't explore the building enough to know more about the building's history all of former court house. I did go through the art exhibit they featured, and noticed they had a several workshops going on in some of the rooms.
2025.11.9 (Sunday)
Located on the western end of Odori Park (opposite end of Sapporo TV Tower), I applaud the preservation of gorgeous stone building. Not my first visit. I always make it a point to visit the Oba Hiroshi Memorial Museum to purchase the merchandise. This time, a book. The late illustrator draws beautifully. It invokes joy in my heart just viewing his drawings.
Amazing building doubling as a museum and exhibition halls. When I went on 24th October, there was a photography exhibition with SIAF.
Really beautiful photos from the photography club.
Also had a room displaying a trial room, that was used as one before. Please don't be shy, there's a lovely lady that would love to explain the history and get you to wear some clothes used in trials!
Lovely garden at the front of the building and you can see the rest of Odori Park and Sapporo TV Tower.
Yes, admission to the Sapporo Archives Museum is completely free. Visitors can explore all the exhibition rooms, including the Criminal Court Exhibition Room, the Sapporo history displays, and the Oba Hiroshi art gallery at no charge. The museum also features a café, shop, and rooms that can be rented for art shows and events.
Visitors can walk freely around the restored courtroom and take pictures. However, photography policies can vary, especially during special exhibitions, so it's best to check for signage or ask staff regarding photo restrictions. The exterior of the building and the garden are popular spots for photography throughout the year.
One room on the first floor has been renovated to its original appearance as a courtroom, and this is sometimes used for mock trials as an educational experience. Visitors can enter this preserved grand courtroom to experience the atmosphere of the Appellate Court era. The museum occasionally has staff who can explain the history and may even offer visitors the opportunity to wear clothes used in trials.
Most visitors spend between one to two hours exploring the museum's exhibitions. The museum has two floors with exhibition rooms displaying models, old maps, and photographs of Sapporo's history, along with English information alongside Japanese text. Additional time can be spent enjoying refreshments at the SIAF Lounge café or browsing the souvenir shop that sells Oba Hiroshi art postcards and reproductions.
Yes, the museum is generally well-maintained and offers facilities for disabled and elderly visitors to ensure an inclusive experience. The location at the western end of Odori Park makes it easily accessible via public transportation, with Nishi-Juichome Station on the Tozai Subway Line just a four-minute walk away. The café on the first floor also provides a comfortable place to rest during your visit.
