Sapporo Clock Tower - Hokkaido

Sapporo Clock Tower (札幌市時計台), located in Kita 1-jo Nishi 2-Chome, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture, is one of the city's museums and well-known historic landmarks.

Sapporo Clock Tower

Sapporo Clock Tower details

Sapporo Clock Tower was built sometime in 1878. It first served as a martial arts hall/drill hall for the Sapporo Agricultural College now Hokkaido University. However, the clock was installed only in July of 1881 by the E. Howard & Co. of Boston Massachusetts. It became operational on August 12, 1881. 

Sapporo Clock Tower - Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture

札幌市時計台

A colored Sapporo manhole cover inside the Sapporo Clock Tower vicinity

In 1903, the school building of the Agricultural College was relocated to where Hokkaido University is presently located. Instead of tearing down the martial arts hall, it was given to the City of Sapporo. It was given new life as a public hall and then as a municipal library. 

Sapporo Clock Tower stamp

It became a place for locals to meet up and was endeared to the residents who would eventually refer to it as the Sapporo Clock Tower. It was said that before the city had tall buildings and noisy traffic, the sound of the bell of the tower can be heard as far as 4 kilometers away making it a part of the local's everyday life. 

Some of Sapporo Clock Tower's Ground Floor Displays

The Sapporo Clock Tower was recognized as an important Western-style architectural heritage and was designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 1970. 

Some of Sapporo Clock Tower's Second Floor Displays

At present, the Sapporo Clock Tower doubles as a museum that showcases the pioneering phase of Hokkaido. The second floor of the building is an accurate reproduction of what the martial arts hall looked like during the early days of the Sapporo Agricultural College. Also, on the second floor is a replica of the clock made and installed by E. Howard & Co. 

Team Nicerio visits Sapporo Clock Tower

I got to see the Sapporo Clock Tower for the first time last January 4, 2022, which was my 64th day here in Japan under the JET Programme. However, it was only last April 16, 2022, that I got to enter, explore, and experience it for the first time. Although it was not that big, there were plenty of informative displays inside. I learned a lot about the early days of Sapporo in this place and got to appreciate the city deeper after visiting. 

Sapporo Clock Tower Admission Fee

Sapporo Clock Tower Admission Fee

To enter, tourists must pay 200 yen per person. Entrance is FREE for high school students and kids. It's also FREE for Sapporo residents every 16th of each month just show your residence card or certificate of residence in Sapporo as proof. 

Sapporo Clock Tower Operating Hours

Sapporo Clock Tower is open from 8:45AM - 5:10PM every day. It is closed for the first three days of the year (January 1-3). 

Why visit Sapporo Clock Tower?

Sapporo Clock Tower is one of the symbols of Sapporo. It is highly recommended that you visit it if not take a photo of its facade when you are in the city. 

Getting to Sapporo Clock Tower

From Sapporo Station, there are several options to reach Sapporo Clock Tower. 

By Bus - Head to Sapporo Eki mae Bus Stop and ride the bus going to Otaru Chikko Eki / Iwanai Bus Terminal / Otaru Eki mae Terminal and then board down at Tokeidai Mae. 

Bus fare: 210 yen

Travel time: 5 minutes

On foot - Head south of Sapporo Station via the Nishi 3 chome dori.

Travel time: 10 -15 minutes

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