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Sapporo Clock Tower: A Symbol of Sapporo's History

A historic landmark in Sapporo, the Clock Tower showcases the city's development and unique American-influenced architecture.

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The Sapporo Clock Tower, a charming wooden structure with a striking red roof and white walls, stands as a symbol of Sapporo. Built in 1878 as a drill hall for the Sapporo Agricultural College, it's now a museum showcasing the city's history and early development.

A brief summary to Sapporo Clock Tower

  • Monday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during winter nights to see the Clock Tower beautifully illuminated against the snowy landscape.
  • Check out the museum inside to learn about the history of Sapporo and the Clock Tower's significance.
  • Listen for the hourly chimes of the original clock, a sound that has marked time in Sapporo for over a century.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From JR Sapporo Station, walk south for about 10 minutes along Kita 2 Jonishi street. The Clock Tower will be on your left. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Namboku Line to Odori Station. From there, it's a 5-minute walk to the Clock Tower. Look for the exit signs pointing towards the tower. Subway fare is approximately ¥200-300. Alternatively, several bus lines stop near the Clock Tower, accessible from Sapporo Ekimae Bus Terminal. Check local bus route maps for the closest stop; bus fares are typically around ¥210.

  • Taxi

    A short taxi ride from Sapporo Station to the Clock Tower will cost approximately ¥700-¥900, depending on traffic. This is a convenient option if you have limited time or are carrying luggage.

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Discover more about Sapporo Clock Tower

The Sapporo Clock Tower, known locally as Sapporo Tokeidai, is a beloved landmark and a significant piece of Sapporo's history. Constructed in 1878, it initially served as a drill hall for the Sapporo Agricultural College, which later became Hokkaido University. The building's design reflects American Western-style architecture, a novel concept in Japan at the time, and is one of the few surviving examples of such architecture in the city. The clock itself, installed in 1881, was manufactured by E. Howard & Co. in Boston, Massachusetts. This clock has been accurately keeping time for over a century, its chimes resonating throughout the city. The tower and its clock were designated as an Important Cultural Property in 1970, and the clock was certified as Mechanical Engineering Heritage of Japan in 2009. Inside the Clock Tower, visitors can explore a museum that showcases the history of Sapporo and the tower itself. Exhibits include photographs, dioramas, and artifacts that detail the development of Sapporo and the role of the Sapporo Agricultural College. The second floor features a hall restored to its Meiji-era appearance, hosting concerts and lectures. The tower's white-walled facade provides a picturesque backdrop, especially when illuminated at night or surrounded by winter snow.

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