Sapporo Clock Tower (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Sapporo Clock Tower?
What makes it 67% Kids-Friendly: Kids enter free and can hear the loud chime and view models, but no hands-on play area, many stairs, and exhibits may lose interest after 30 minutes.
Positives:
- Central location: Located a 5-minute walk from Odori Station, easy to reach after visiting nearby parks.
- Free entry for kids: Children under high school age enter the museum free, saving on family costs.
- Short visit: At 2-3 hours you can cover highlights without tiring younger kids.
Challenges:
- Narrow stairways: Second-floor hallways and staircases are narrow; hold young children’s hands.
- Limited stroller access: A stroller lift is available but must be operated by staff, which may involve a wait.
- Restroom location: Public restrooms are in a separate building reached by an outdoor path.
What is Sapporo Clock Tower?
- A wooden clock tower built in 1878 as the drill hall of the Sapporo Agricultural College, exemplifying early American-style architecture in Hokkaido
- An Important Cultural Property of Japan that symbolizes the introduction of Western education and the pioneering development of Hokkaido
- A museum space detailing the history of Sapporo and featuring the original four-faced clock mechanism that has chimed hourly for over a century
What is so special about Sapporo Clock Tower for with kids?
- Children enter for free and enjoy interactive history displays
- Hear the original 1881 clock bell chime each hour
- Hands-on exhibits let kids explore clock gears
- Photogenic white-and-red façade suits family photos
- Easy 2–3 hour visit fits into a day around Odori Park
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A visit lasting 2-3 hours gives time for the museum, bell chimes, photos and a short break without overloading kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Sapporo Clock Tower
Hear the hourly bell chime:
Stand inside or outside to hear the original 1881 clock chime.
Tip: Arrive a few minutes before the hour for best sound and photos.
Explore interactive exhibits:
See models of the clock mechanism and touch safe replicas at the first-floor museum.
Tip: Encourage kids to find each gear and explain how the clock works.
Take a family photo outside:
Use the white wooden façade and red roof as a backdrop.
Tip: Morning light or blue hour in early evening gives soft colors.
Attend piano open night:
On the first Monday of each month, families can play or listen to the piano on the second floor.
Tip: Register at arrival and check dates on the official website before visiting.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Sapporo Clock Tower
- Time for the bell: Plan to arrive five minutes before the hour to catch the full chime experience.
- Combine nearby spots: After the Clock Tower, walk to Odori Park playground to let kids run.
- Early or late visit: Visit early morning or during blue hour to avoid crowds and get clear photos.
- Check piano schedule: Look online for monthly piano event dates to include a music stop in your plan.
Reviews of Sapporo Clock Tower
HL Tan
A unique little museum about the clock tower history in Sapporo. Quite amusing that the old mechanical clock still works and is well maintained. There was an explanation session in Japanese on how it works. Looks like they take serious pride in their jobs.
SossoOrange
Very nice museum, about the history of the building. Most explanations are translated jn English. There is also a spot inside to take pictures with a statue Dr Clark and a small shop. Visited in June, and the inside of the building was very hot despite fans and some air conditioning.
is it who
A small, but historically important landmark clock tower in Sapporo city which you can visit while you’re in Sapporo!!! It is small & very old Clock tower which is representing the long history of the Sapporo city!!! For sure!!! 👍 ( not that big as you expected too!!!) :)
Steven Cheng
Nothing really too special about this old clock house. It may have its significant at the time when it was built but it is now surrounded by modern buildings! If you pay ¥350 for a ticket to visit inside of the building but the information displayed is all in Japanese, Chinese and Korean, very few have English distribution. But the mechanical clock display inside on the second floor is very cool....
Wilbert Ong
The symbol of Sapporo, a great location to capture memories while in the metro, near this landmark is a huge park where you can unwind and relax while having some great pictures and ice cream. FYI the Sapporo Clock Tower has an entrance fee of less than 500 yen per person.
When is the best time to visit Sapporo Clock Tower (Sapporo, Japan)?
In winter, snow on the red roof makes a magical photo backdrop. In spring, cherry blossoms at nearby Odori Park frame the tower. Summer evenings offer longer daylight for bell-chime visits. In autumn, golden leaves add color around the building.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult admission (350 yen × 2) | JPY 700 |
| Souvenir | JPY 500 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 1,200 |
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 Sapporo Clock Tower
Address: 2 Chome Kita 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0001, Japan
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About Sapporo Clock Tower
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 11-231-083810 BEST nearby Activities
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