Historical Village of Hokkaido (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Historical Village of Hokkaido?
What makes it 89% Kids-Friendly: Kids enter free, can ride the tram, join toy-making and butter-churning, and roam car-free lanes; toilets and café present, so a half-day visit stays comfortable and educational.
Positives:
- Kids Go Free: Junior high and younger enter free with a paying adult.
- Stroller & Wheelchair Rental: Borrow a stroller or wheelchair at the entrance at no extra cost.
Challenges:
- Uneven Paths: Gravel and wooden walkways can be slippery; hold kids’ hands and wear supportive shoes.
- Shoe Removal: Most indoor exhibits require taking off shoes; pack clean socks for children.
What is Historical Village of Hokkaido?
- An open-air museum of Hokkaido’s pioneering era featuring over 60 relocated and restored 19th-century wood and stone buildings
- A living-history park organized into urban, rural, fishing and mountain village zones reflecting the life, culture, industry and economy of early settlers
- Established in 1983 to commemorate Hokkaido’s centennial, showcasing authentic residences, schools, factories and businesses of the 1800s
What is so special about Historical Village of Hokkaido for with kids?
- Over 50 restored 19th-century buildings across town, farm, fishing, and mountain villages.
- Junior high and younger enter free, making this cost-effective for families.
- Hands-on toy-making and straw-weaving workshops engage children in pioneer crafts.
- Horse-drawn trolley ride offers a fun, easy way to tour the village.
- Pick up a free map, wear slip-on shoes, and check the event board for seasonal demos.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives families time to see each village zone and join a workshop without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Historical Village of Hokkaido
Horse-Drawn Trolley Ride:
Board the narrow-gauge tram for a slow loop around town and farm areas.
Tip: Buy tickets at the counter: ¥250 per adult, ¥100 per child (3–14); under-3s ride free.
Toy-Making Workshop:
Create traditional wooden tops or paper carp streamers at the Learning Workshop.
Tip: Check the monthly schedule at the info desk; no extra fee beyond admission.
Straw Weaving Demo:
Watch craftsmen weave straw into baskets and ornaments.
Tip: Ask at the workshop desk for demo times; free participation.
Self-Guided Photo Walk:
Explore four distinct zones with over 50 restored buildings.
Tip: Pick up a free map at the entrance and wear easy on/off shoes for indoor areas.
Seasonal Craft Demonstrations:
Try butter churning or grain threshing on weekends in spring through autumn.
Tip: Look for the event board at the main entrance; no extra charge.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Historical Village of Hokkaido
- Arrive at Opening: Get there before 9:00 AM for cooler temperatures and quieter grounds.
- Follow Village Zones: Start in the Town Zone, then move through Farm, Fishing, and Mountain to minimize backtracking.
- Ask for the Free Tour: Inquire at the ticket counter about volunteer-led English tours for a guided 90-minute walk.
Reviews of Historical Village of Hokkaido
Truong Tran
The Historical Village of Hokkaido (北海道開拓の村) is a beautiful open-air museum where you can walk through the history of Hokkaido and Japan. The village collects and preserves authentic old buildings from all over the country. One of the highlights is the horse-drawn tram ride, which costs only 250 yen. It’s a relaxing and charming way to explore the area, especially if you want to rest your feet. B...
G K
I went during the summer. Nothing looked good at all, and it was hot, isolated, and full of insects and gnats following you. But I know that it's great when there's snow. A very different experience from what I've heard and seen in pictures. We missed going there when we were in Sapporo during the 2023 snow festival. Others in our company went there, while we ended up elsewhere. The pictures looke...
Jose Francisco
Did you miss the old buildings converted into museums that you were able to find in other parts of Japan? Then come here and enjoy! You will find homes and businesses as they were 100-140 years ago in Hokkaido. I had a great time checking out every house of the village. It has been a great experience that I recommend to anyone with historical interest. To get there take any transport to Shin Sapp...
Snoop Ee
An excellent place to learn history. How people lived in that era. All the buildings are original and preserved till today. Each house features a special trade, showing tools used and how people worked inside. They are mannequins in the building that showed how work was done in those days. A photography shop had a a photoshoot area and a volunteer stationed there to help you take pictures. The vol...
Jeffrey Lau 樓一飛
If one likes history, this village showcases different types of buildings (such as post office, professional photo studio, wine manufacturer, etc.) about 150 plus years ago. One can walk in and "relive" their lives. This can also he fun for the kids.
When is the best time to visit Historical Village of Hokkaido (Sapporo, Japan)?
The horse-drawn trolley runs mid-April to November. In spring, join weekend butter-churning demos. Summer has outdoor crafts; expect fewer demos and colder indoor spaces in winter.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult admission (¥1,000 x2) | JPY 2,000 |
| Horse-drawn trolley ride | JPY 700 |
| Café snacks | JPY 800 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 3,500 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Historical Village of Hokkaido
Address: Konopporo-50-1 Atsubetsuchō, Atsubetsu Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 004-0006, Japan
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About Historical Village of Hokkaido
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 11-898-2692Explore Popular Things to Do
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