Seikatei (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Seikatei?
What makes it 44% Kids-Friendly: School-age children may like turning the tatami house into a treasure hunt and play in adjacent park, but fragile artifacts, narrow rooms, and no hands-on exhibits require close adult supervision.
Positives:
- Free entry: No admission fee for adults or children.
- Quiet setting: Few tourists visit, so kids can explore calmly.
Challenges:
- Narrow rooms: Supervise children closely to protect fragile floors and artifacts.
- No stroller access: Doorways and steps block wheelchairs and strollers.
What is Seikatei?
- A Meiji-era wooden villa built in 1880 that melds Japanese and Western architectural styles
- A former imperial rest house for Emperor Meiji and reception venue for pioneering dignitaries, now designated a tangible cultural property by Sapporo City
- One of the few surviving Meiji-period structures in Sapporo, located on the south side of Hokkaido University
What is so special about Seikatei for with kids?
- Free self-guided tour of a Meiji-era villa with mixed Japanese-Western rooms
- Interactive treasure hunts keep kids engaged indoors and outdoors
- Garden scavenger hunt showcases local plants and insects
- Picnic and play in the park across the street
- Small crowds allow a relaxed family pace
Note: Seikatei is 44% Kids-Friendly. You may want to consider other Kids-Friendly Things to Do in Sapporo for a more suitable experience.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Free tour takes 10–20 minutes; add time for games and a park picnic.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Seikatei
Self-guided interior tour:
Enter two tatami rooms and a bay-window room to see Meiji-era Japanese-Western design.
Tip: Look up at the Pole Star motifs and count the tatami mats.
Tatami-room treasure hunt:
Turn the visit into a game by asking kids to spot sliding-paper doors and Western knobs.
Tip: Give each child a simple checklist of items to find inside.
Garden scavenger hunt:
Explore the original Meiji-era garden layout for trees, insects, and flowers.
Tip: Prepare a list of common tree and insect names to check off as you go.
Park-side picnic:
Cross the street to the Kairakuen park site for open play and snacks under the trees.
Tip: Buy onigiri or pastries nearby and bring a blanket for sitting.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Seikatei
- Visit at opening: Arrive at 9 AM to enjoy the house before any groups arrive.
- Pack light snacks: Buy food nearby and picnic in the park to save time.
Reviews of Seikatei
Wing Au
After visiting 北大 Hokkaido university why not do 消息清華as well ? This is 清華亭，a western outside japanese style inside house preserved since it was used by the emperor for an afternoon tea a hundred years ago . i do not know any other country that sincerely reveres their monarchs . maybe Thailand
Hazel Tse
The place is quiet and peaceful
Edd G
The security guard is super friendly. He gave us the maps and told us to do the stamp. A lovely grandpa
Peng-Fan Chen
Not eye-catching at the firs sight. But the mixed-style interior and the history connected to the Japanese royals make it worth a look.
Benton
Seikatei 清华亭 hid among the neighbourhood very well. We entered the yard once seeing the house, stepped into the knee-high snow, following tracks somebody made probably several weeks ago. Still, we sank every step. After cutting a corner, we found no way in yet. We climbed the step case nearby to the public road and circled the Seikatei outside to find the right gate, just meters from what we just ...
When is the best time to visit Seikatei (Sapporo, Japan)?
Spring brings cherry blossoms around the house. Autumn foliage colors light up the garden. Closed Dec 29–Jan 3.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission | JPY 0 |
| Subway round-trip | JPY 1,200 |
| Snacks and picnic supplies | JPY 1,500 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 2,700 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Seikatei
Address: 7 Chome Kita 7 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0807, Japan
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About Seikatei
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Phone Number
+81 11-746-108810 BEST nearby Activities
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