Sights in Hokkaidō
-
Hakodate-yama
This small mountain (334m) offers a memorable view of Hakodate, especially at night when the twinkling city lights contrast the dark waters. A ropeway whisks you to the top in a few minutes.
A 10-minute walk from the summit is a car park. At its far end there is an overgrown path that leads to moss-covered walls and buttresses, the ruins of an old fort, Hakodateyama Yōsai. It's refreshingly deserted, and you can happily clamber around, Indiana Jones–style, among ferns with fronds the size of palm leaves.
Take tram 2 or 5 to the Jūjigai stop, and walk a few minutes uphill to the ropeway platform. Alternatively, a summit-bound bus (¥360, 30 minutes) leaves directly from th…
reviewed
-
A
Clock Tower
A famous Sapporo landmark, the clocktower is about a 10-minute walk from the JR Sapporo Station or a three-minute walk from Ōdōri Station. Enter by 17:00. Visitors can look at some clocks and get a brief history of the building, which was built in 1878 and (supposedly) has never missed tolling the hour for 120 years.
It's also known as one of Japan's top three gakkari (disappointing) spots, mainly because the brochure photos often remove the urban metropolis that dwarfs the small building. You might walk right by before realising it's right in front of you.
reviewed
-
B
Hokkaidō University
Established in 1876, this university is a scenic place, with a number of unique buildings. The Furukawa Memorial Hall and the Seikatei are noteworthy, and several campus museums are open to the public. The bust of William S Clark, the founding vice-president of the university, is a famous landmark. Upon his departure in 1877, Professor Clark famously told his students: 'Boys, be ambitious!'
reviewed
-
C
Hokudai Shokubutsuen
One of Sapporo's must-sees, this beautiful outdoor garden is the botanical showpiece of Hokkaidō University. Here you'll find more than 4000 plant varietals, all attractively set on a meandering 14-hectare plot just 10 minutes on foot southwest of the station. Of particular note is the small section dedicated to Ainu wild foods and medicinal plants, though English-language signage is sadly in short supply.
reviewed
-
D
Tokei-dai
This clock tower was constructed in 1878 and has now become the symbol of Sapporo and a useful landmark for visitors. It's not particularly stunning, but you can wander around a small museum of local history. It's open daily (except Monday).
The clock tower was renovated in 1998, although the clock itself did not need repairs. Two generations of the Inoue family have voluntarily kept it in meticulous working order - allegedly, the clock has never missed tolling the hour in over 120 years.
reviewed
-
Hokkaidō Jingu
This temple is nestled in a forest so dense that it's easy to forget that the city is just beyond the grounds. Attention has been paid to labelling the natural surroundings: a large plaque lists a number of local birds and the largest trees have identification signs. The temple lies a few blocks east of Maruyama-kōen station (exit 1).
reviewed
-
Ōnuma Quasi-National Park
Though quite a distance from Hakodate proper, this national park boasts an unusually large lake and swamp that offers beautiful canoeing, fishing and many scenic hiking tracks, is worth the trip. Bring insect repellent, as tourists are particularly tasty. You're much better off hiring a car, as the train connection is inconvenient. Many of the hills have hidden hot springs, but finding them can be difficult - your best bet is to ask a local for directions to their favourite gem.
reviewed
-
Foreigners' Cemetery
Quite unusual, as it has the graves not only of well-known people of the time, but of sailors, clergy, and others as well, all of whom died far away from their homelands. Many of the graves have English, Russian, or French inscriptions and it is an interesting slice of Japan's colonial history. The walk there is a sight in itself: running parallel to the edge of the bay, it affords some beautiful views of the water.
reviewed
-
Moiwa-yama Ropeway
Panoramic views of Sapporo can be had from this scenic ropeway, which runs 1200m up the slopes of Moiwa-san. At the top is a large tourist complex where you can linger over a meal, shop for Hokkaidō-related paraphernalia or scan the cityscape with high-powered binoculars. You can easily access the ropeway by taking the tram to the Rōpuwei-iriguchi stop, and then walking west towards the hill for around 10 minutes.
reviewed
-
Salmon Museum
Half aquarium, half museum, the interesting salmon museum is a tribute to one of the world's most delicious fish. It's located across the street from the Sapporo Winter Sports Museum. Check out over 20 different species of salmon in varying stages of development. Salamanders, turtles and frogs are on display as well. Great place to go with kids.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Goryō-kaku
Japan's first Western-style fort was built in 1864 in the shape of a five-pointed star (goryō-kaku means 'five-sided fort'), and was designed to trap attackers in deadly crossfire. Nothing remains of the actual fort structure, but the landscaped grounds and moat are picturesque, and the moss-covered walls are quite fun to scramble upon. To reach the fort, take tram 2 or 5 to the Goryōkaku-kōen-mae stop. From there it's a 10-minute walk.
reviewed
-
Hokkaidō Museum of Literature
This offers viewers the opportunity to see the private side of many of Japan's famous novelists, primarily those with a Hokkaidō connection. Letters, memorabilia, books and short films all help viewers understand why these writers have earned a place in the canon of Japanese literature. English signage is limited.
reviewed
-
Goryō-kaku Tower
Recently rebuilt but to mixed reaction ('looks like Big Brother', said a resident), the tower provides an attractive view of the fort below and the surrounding city. To reach the fort, take tram 2 or 5 to the Goryōkaku-kōen-mae stop (around 220, 15 minutes). From there it's a 10-minute walk.
reviewed
-
TV Tower
There's no way you'd overlook the Eiffel Tower-shaped affair at the east of Ōdōri-kōen: the TV Tower is 90m high. It has a 360-degree view of the city and souvenir shops below.
reviewed
-
E
Ainu Association of Hokkaidō
Located just across the street from Sapporo's impressive botanical gardens and museum, the association has an office and a display room of robes, tools and historical information.
reviewed
-
Hokkaidō Museum of Modern Art
There is a comprehensive collection of modern works by primarily Japanese artists. Special exhibitions feature a variety of foreign and native artists. Enter by 16:30.
reviewed
-
Squid boats
At the docks there are some interesting fishing vessels, particularly the squid boats. Lantern-light attracts the squid to the surface; few boats are as picturesque.
reviewed
-
Hakodate City Museum Annexe
Nearby the lanscaped grounds where the old fort once stood, this museum offers a taste of the fort's history, including weaponry and bloodstained uniforms (ugh!).
reviewed
-
Russian Greek Orthodox Church
A beautiful old church restored in 1916. Remove your shoes before you enter. It's closed in winter from about 26 December through to February (dates vary).
reviewed
-
Old British Consulate
English-style tea-time makes a relaxing afternoon here that much more enjoyable. British souvenirs and postcards add to the nostalgia. Marmite, anyone?
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Hakodate City Museum of Northern Peoples
A good place to learn about the Ainu and their culture. English signs have been added to some exhibits.
reviewed
-
Viewing Deck
The city hall's viewing deck is free. It's just northwest of the TV Tower, on the 19th floor.
reviewed
-
Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward
This building has a great view of the bay and the outgoing squid boats.
reviewed
-
Yachigashira Onsen
On the southern edge of Hakodate-yama is this enormous hot spring, one of Hokkaidō's oldest, with dark iron-laden water. To get here, take tram 2 to Yachigashira, the final stop. On foot, continue to the first intersection and then turn right – you'll see the public bathhouse complex on the left shortly after you turn.
reviewed
-
Wakkanai Shikai Hyaku-nen Kinen-tō
Atop a grassy hill a few blocks from the train station is the town's centennial memorial tower. On a clear day you can see Russia, just like former Alaskan governor Sarah Palin!
reviewed
