[Sapporo Clock Tower Travel Guide] A Landmark That Has Watched Over Sapporo’s Growth

The first floor of Sapporo Clock Tower is an exhibition room introducing the history of Hokkaido’s development and the construction of the Clock Tower through original materials and dioramas preserved from the time.
The second floor is the original drill hall. With its high ceiling and excellent acoustics, it is a sacred space.
At the entrance to this drill hall is a monument of Dr. Clark sitting on a bench. You can sit beside him for a commemorative photo, and depending on the time, it is so popular that lines form for photos.
At the back of the drill hall, a sister clock of the Clock Tower’s own clock, a tower clock made in 1928 by the Howard Company of the U.S., is on display.
You will be amazed by its size, which exceeds expectations, and by the simplicity and precision of its structure, which runs only on weights without electricity or batteries.
Aside from consumable parts such as wire ropes and screws, it remains in its original condition, making it a rare and valuable example even worldwide.

The clock of Sapporo Clock Tower has continued marking time for more than 140 years without ever stopping.
The bell rings every hour, the number of times matching the hour. At 1 o’clock it rings once, at 2 o’clock twice, at 3 o’clock three times, and so on.
Since it rings the most at 12 o’clock, visiting just before 12:00pm is recommended. You can enjoy listening to the bell for longer.
The clear sound of the bell is said to be a sound that symbolizes Sapporo.
More than 100 years ago, when there were still no cars or tall buildings, the sound is said to have carried for several kilometers.
It is also nice to listen carefully while reflecting on the history.

If you want to take commemorative photos with the beautiful Clock Tower, a symbol of Sapporo, there are several classic photo spots.
A photo platform has been set up on the right side of the building near the intersection, where everyone can stand, strike a pose, and take a commemorative photo together.
However, this angle captures the building from a diagonal, looking slightly upward.
If you want to photograph the entire exterior head-on, head to the “Clock Tower Photo Plaza” in the MN Building across the street in front of the Clock Tower.
It is a popular photo spot because you can take a picture directly from the front.

Odori Park is located in the center of Sapporo. Surrounded by about 4,700 trees of 92 varieties, including lilacs and Japanese elms, it also features lawns and fountains that make it a relaxing space, loved by both tourists and locals as a place of rest in the office district.
The flower beds in Odori Park began in 1875 when the Kaitakushi planted Western flowers there, and today the Sapporo Flower Bed Promotion Association is in charge of maintaining them.
The flower beds also host competitions in which member companies compete to create the most beautiful displays.

Built in 1956 at Nishi 1-chome, the starting point of Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower has watched over Sapporo’s development since its completion and is loved by locals and visitors alike as one of the city’s landmark structures.
The observation deck, located Approx. 90m above the ground, offers spectacular views over Sapporo, and on clear days you can even see the Ishikari Plain and the Sea of Japan.

Sapporo Nijo Market is said to have begun in the early Meiji period, when fishermen from Ishikarihama started selling fresh fish there.
About 20 fresh fish shops line the market, and fitting for a place rich in seafood, freshly purchased fish and shellfish are displayed each day.
You will also be glad to find a wide selection of Hokkaido seafood such as crab, hokke, and scallops, as well as dried fish and processed seafood products.
There are also many restaurants inside the market. Many of them serve seafood dishes such as sushi, seafood rice bowls, and grilled seafood.

This seafood izakaya stands in a great location just steps from Sapporo Clock Tower, one of the city’s symbols, and offers an easy way to enjoy Hokkaido seafood.
One of its attractions is that it stays open throughout the day and night, so you can enjoy fresh seafood rice bowls no matter when you visit, making it a great choice for tourists.
The specialty Kaki Dengaku is a must-try dish, featuring Akkeshi oysters topped with dengaku miso and grilled until fragrant.

A meat specialty restaurant on Sapporo Ekimae-dori, also close to the popular sightseeing spot Sapporo Clock Tower.
It has been popular since opening in 2015, serving carefully selected meats such as aged beef and branded beef in their best condition.
The meats you can enjoy in the New York-inspired interior include not only beef, pork, and chicken, but also game meats such as Ezo deer and wild boar.

Founded in 1961, Snow Brand Parlor Sapporo Main Store is a long-established Sapporo sweets shop with more than 50 years of history.
Inside, you can enjoy ice cream made for Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun, more than 30 kinds of parfaits, and meal items, while the shop at the entrance also sells souvenirs and soft serve ice cream.
The highlight is, of course, the ice cream. The ice cream named “Snow Royal” was specially created for Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun when they attended the Hokkaido Centennial Ceremony in 1968.

A resort hotel located in the suburbs of Sapporo.
Popular for its extensive family-friendly facilities such as a spa and pool, it offers an open-air bath with hot spring water as well as a large public bath with seven tubs and three saunas.
In addition to an indoor pool available year-round, an outdoor pool also opens in summer.

La'gent Stay Sapporo Odori is located a 5-minute walk from Odori Station on the subway.
Its Japanese-modern design creates a warm and relaxing atmosphere.
The guest rooms come in a variety of types so travelers can choose what suits their trip best, all with a simple and functional design.

A city hotel in central Sapporo with convenient access to major sightseeing spots such as Sapporo Clock Tower and Susukino.
The nearest subway station and the airport bus stop are both within walking distance, making it an ideal base for your trip.
Its natural hot spring large public bath is also a popular feature. Equipped with a jet bath and sauna, it is well regarded as a place where you can wash away travel fatigue and refresh yourself.