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.
Sapporo Clock Tower is one of the oldest and most historic buildings in the city and a well-known symbol of Sapporo. It was built in 1878 as part of the Sapporo Agricultural College (today Hokkaido University) and originally served as a drill hall for students.
The clock mechanism was imported from the United States and installed in 1881, and remarkably it is still working today. The building itself is a simple wooden structure in an American colonial style, which reflects the strong Western influence on the early development of modern Sapporo.
Inside, there is a small museum with photographs, historical documents, and exhibits explaining the early history of the city and the role of the college in shaping Hokkaido. The interior is modest, but interesting if you enjoy local history.
From the outside, the Clock Tower looks surprisingly small compared with the surrounding modern office buildings, which creates an unusual and charming contrast. Because of that, it often appears more impressive in photos than in real life.
A very very famous attraction for the city of Sapporo. Very photogenic building with a snow backdrop. Entry is 300¥ and a lot of very photogenic angles. Inside is a very informative museum. I heard a tour being undertaken in English. Well worth the visit.
It is one of Sapporo's most iconic landmarks. The building is quite small, but it stands out among the surrounding modern buildings.
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Inside, there is a small museum showcasing the history of the clock tower and early development of Sapporo, with old photos and simple exhibits.
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The clock is still working, the atmosphere is calm, and the location is very central and easy to reach. It is a nice spot for a quick photo.
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.
