CityBuddy
Sapporo Clock Tower
Best time to visit
Morning visits are ideal to avoid crowds and capture the serene sound of the clock chimes in fresh daylight. Spring offers beautiful floral surroundings around the building.
Budget tips
Entry is modestly priced around 200 yen, with occasional free admission days for local residents. Combining the visit with a Hokkaido pass can save transit costs when touring nearby spots.
Recommended for
History buffs, Architecture lovers, Photography enthusiasts, Cultural explorers
Plan your visit
30-45 min
About
Quick facts: The iconic clock mechanism has been ticking continuously for over 130 years, making it one of the oldest working clocks in Japan. The building originally served as a drill hall for the former Sapporo Agricultural College, now Hokkaido University.
Highlights: Visitors can hear the chimes ring out exactly on the hour, a nostalgic sound preserved since the late 19th century. The wooden structure's American-influenced architecture pops against Sapporo's modern skyline, creating an intriguing blend of old and new.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as the wooden floors can be slightly uneven.
- Best photo spot is from the lawn facing the front where the clock tower stands tall against the sky.
- Skip peak lunch hours to enjoy a quiet tour inside the building.
- Visit during weekdays, ideally morning, to avoid crowds and hear the clock chimes clearly.
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Sapporo, Japan, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
