What other travelers are saying about Sapporo Clock Tower
Visited on 15 Dec 2025.
Admission ticket is 350 yen per person. Sapporo Clock Tower is one of the city’s most iconic historical landmarks and is listed as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Built in 1878 as the drill hall for the former Sapporo Agricultural College (now Hokkaido University), it is the oldest wooden clock tower still standing in Japan. The building features a charming American-style Victorian design with a white exterior and a bright red roof, standing out amid the modern buildings in downtown Sapporo. Its large clock, made in the United States, has been keeping time since 1881, and the chimes still sound on the hour. Inside, the museum showcases the history of the building and Sapporo’s early development, with most explanations available in English. There’s also a photo spot with a statue of Dr. Clark and a small souvenir shop. A wheelchair-accessible elevator to the 2nd-floor exhibition makes it easy for all visitors.
The Clock Tower is conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from Sapporo Station. In winter, you can even reach it via the underground walkway connected to the station, avoiding the snow. Despite its modest size, it is highly symbolic and a must-see for visitors, offering a glimpse into Hokkaido’s pioneering era while serving as one of Sapporo’s most photogenic spots.
The clock in the Sapporo Clock Tower chimes every hour. It has become a familiar sound to the residents and visitors of Sapporo.
The Sapporo Clock Tower was built in 1878. It was originally constructed as a drill hall for the Sapporo Agricultural College.
Yes, visitors can go inside the Sapporo Clock Tower. The interior houses a museum that provides insights into the tower's history and its significance to the city of Sapporo.
The museum inside the Sapporo Clock Tower displays various exhibits related to the history of the tower and the early days of Sapporo. Visitors can learn about the building's original function, the history of the clock, and the development of Sapporo.
The Sapporo TV Tower, built in 1957, is one of the city’s earliest landmarks and has stood watch over Odori Park for more than six decades. Designed during Japan’s post-war modernisation period, it originally served as a key broadcasting tower and quickly became a symbol of Sapporo.
Visiting in winter is especially beautiful. From the observation deck, the view of Odori Park blanketed in snow feels almost timeless—quiet, white, and serene. The symmetrical lines of the park, covered in soft snow, make the city look peaceful and historic, as though time has slowed down.
A simple but meaningful stop for anyone who wants to appreciate Sapporo’s history and the gentle beauty of its snowy landscape.
Small museum with great little titbits about the university of Hokkaido and the history of sapporo. Also impressive to see the mechanism of the clocktower which is still in its original form. But what left the best impression was to have a free tour guide that speak English and could explain in detail every panels as well as awnser my questions. Another tour was happening right next to mine, so it didn't seem like a rare occurrence either. For the price and the proximity to jr station, would definitely recommend!
Sapporo Clock Tower is not as big as Big Ben, but it’s still worth a quick visit for a photo stop. It’s conveniently located along the walking route toward Sapporo TV Tower and Odori Park, so it’s easy to stop by on the way.
We walked there from Keio Plaza Hotel, and it was a straightforward and pleasant walk. There is an entrance fee of around 200–300 yen if you want to go inside, but honestly, if you don’t plan to enter, taking photos from outside is already more than enough. 👍
If you have a lot of time to spare, this may be a visit for you. I personally did not find this worthy of coming. There is entrance fee which is probably just a small consideration towards maintaining it. If that is benchmarked against the historical significance, found it to be bot justifiable. 1 thing that is surprising is with the clock. It is not Japan made but US made. And it still works.
