Sapporo Clock Tower

Sapporo Clock Tower is a historic building located in the heart of Sapporo and has been cherished by local residents for more than 140 years. Its official name is the former Sapporo Agricultural College Drill Hall, and it was built in 1878 as a facility of Sapporo Agricultural College, the predecessor of Hokkaido University. The construction was based on a concept by Dr. William S. Clark, the first principal; William Wheeler, the second principal, drew up the floor plan; and the work was carried out by Adachi Kiyoyuki, chief architectural engineer of the Hokkaido Development Commission, among others.

Originally used as a central hall for student military drills and ceremonies, the building initially had no clock tower. In 1881, by order of Kuroda Kiyotaka, then head of the Development Commission, a pendulum tower clock made by E. Howard & Co. of the United States was installed, and from then on it became the timekeeper of Sapporo. This clock mechanism is still in operation today, and every hour on the hour, the clear sound of its bell rings out across the Sapporo sky.

It was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1970 and remains standing today after several restoration projects. The interior is open to the public as a museum, and the large exhibition room on the first floor displays materials, panels, large models, and video explanations introducing the history of the Clock Tower and what Sapporo Agricultural College was like in those days. Volunteer guides are also available, so if the timing is right, you can hear a detailed explanation.

The second-floor hall is a space restored to resemble a Meiji-era lecture hall and is now used for events, lectures, concerts, and more. In 2017, a bronze statue of Dr. Clark, recreated as he looked at age 50, was installed, making it a popular photo spot where visitors can sit side by side on a bench for commemorative pictures. On both sides of the hall, there are also exhibits and materials related to the Clock Tower, including a sister clock made by E. Howard & Co. This sister clock, like the main one, keeps time using weights and a pendulum, and visitors can see its structure up close.

In addition, around 9:15 every morning, the director occasionally gives a demonstration and explanation of winding the clock, providing a good opportunity to deepen one’s understanding of how the mechanism works.

It is said that in the past, the sound of the bell could be heard across a wide area of Sapporo. There is also an anecdote that during the great fire that struck Sapporo in 1892, students of Sapporo Agricultural College climbed onto the roof and brushed away sparks to protect the building, and the exhibits offer a glimpse into this history.

The exterior is characterized by white walls and a red triangular roof, creating a romantic appearance that harmonizes with the changing seasons and tells the story of Sapporo’s history. After sunset, LED lighting illuminates the building, enveloping it in a fantastical atmosphere. Especially on winter nights, when it stands out against the snowy landscape, it is a particularly memorable sight and highly recommended as a sightseeing highlight. The illumination runs daily until 9:30 p.m.

There are also plenty of photo spots. On the grounds, there is a dedicated point where you can beautifully capture a full view of the Clock Tower with a smartphone. On the second floor of the Sapporo MN Building directly across the street, there is a free photo terrace that offers a slightly elevated view of the Clock Tower. In addition, there is another photo spot near Sapporo City Hall, diagonally across from the back of the Clock Tower, and in summer the 19th-floor observation corridor of City Hall is open to the public free of charge, allowing visitors to enjoy a view of the Clock Tower from above.

Near the entrance there is also a museum shop with original products available only here. For example, it offers canned candies with the Clock Tower design, butter candies with illustrations of Dr. Clark, keychains, magnets, and other items perfect as souvenirs or mementos.

Sapporo Clock Tower is also conveniently located, about a 10-minute walk from Sapporo Station. In winter, visitors can use the underground pedestrian space, making it comfortable to visit even when it is snowy.

With its fame, historical value, and beautiful appearance, Sapporo Clock Tower is such an iconic landmark that “When you think of Sapporo, you think of the Clock Tower” is a common saying. It remains a special place beloved by both citizens and tourists alike, indispensable not only as a tourist attraction but also when talking about Sapporo’s history.