Statue of Dr. William S. Clark (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Statue of Dr. William S. Clark?
What makes it 78% Kids-Friendly: Snow tubing, sheep shearing, crafts and flower fields keep 4–12-year-olds busy; open lawns are safe and gear is free, but scarce shade and no child-height toilets reduce convenience.
Positives:
- Free Equipment Rental: Snow tubes, skis, and lavender shears are free after admission, saving extra costs.
- Interactive Family Activities: Hands-on experiences like writing ambition vows and petting sheep keep kids engaged.
Challenges:
- Peak-Season Crowds: Golden Week and weekends can be busy at the statue and workshops—expect lines.
- Wind and Weather Exposure: The hilltop is exposed; bring light jackets or sun hats depending on the season.
What is Statue of Dr. William S. Clark?
- A bronze statue of American educator Dr. William S. Clark atop Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill in Sapporo
- Depicts Clark in 19th-century attire with his right arm raised, symbolizing his exhortation "Boys, be ambitious!"
- Commemorates Clark's founding of Sapporo Agricultural College and his influence on Hokkaido's development
What is so special about Statue of Dr. William S. Clark for with kids?
- Copy Dr. Clark’s iconic pose in a fun family photo
- Interact with sheep and explore seasonal flower fields
- Kids write ambition vows and join hands-on workshops
- Try snow tubing in winter or cut lavender in summer
Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours
Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This allows time for the Clark pose photo, sheep grazing, a Vow of Ambition activity, and a meal without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Statue of Dr. William S. Clark
Dr. Clark Pose Photo:
Stand by the statue and mimic Dr. Clark’s raised-arm gesture for a memorable family shot.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and use a wide-angle setting to fit everyone in.
Sheep Grazing & Flower Fields:
Walk among free-roaming sheep and seasonal blooms like lavender or cosmos.
Tip: Bring a small picnic blanket and snacks to sit near the sheep; check the flower schedule at the info desk.
Vow of Ambition for Kids:
Kids fill out a pledge card and drop it in the statue’s mailbox to store their dreams.
Tip: Bring pens or crayons; each sheet costs ¥100 and kids love drawing on the cards.
Hitsujigaoka Snow Park (Jan–Mar):
Enjoy snow tubing, walking skis, igloos, and mini-snowman zones with free equipment rental.
Tip: Dress in waterproof layers and head to the park right after admission when gear is freshest.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Statue of Dr. William S. Clark
- Visit at Opening: Arrive at 8:30 AM to enjoy empty fields and quick access to the Clark statue.
- Combine with Bus Pass: Use a Sapporo city bus day pass to cover transport to Fukuzumi Station and the hill.
Reviews of Statue of Dr. William S. Clark
Ryan Angulo
Great if youre looking for a quick tour to get out of the city and enjoy nature! 1.5hrs is enough for this entire place.
Chung Wen-Chuan
Good scenic but raining day!
Michael Bushnell
It’s fine. A statue of someone who helped found Sapporo University.
Tony
The weather was nice, and I was able to enjoy a wonderful view.It's a place that can be easily reached from Sapporo city using the subway and bus.
Ryan P
A nice escape from the city. I personally would only visit if you're passing it on your way to somewhere else, I wouldn't plan a specific trip here. There's a small museum and a gift shop. The statue is cool and the view is pretty good.
When is the best time to visit Statue of Dr. William S. Clark (Sapporo, Japan)?
Spring (late Apr–May): watch sheep shearing and join free kite-flying workshops during Golden Week. Summer (mid-Jul): cut up to 50 free lavender stems. Autumn: stroll through cosmos fields. Winter (Jan–Mar): try snow tubing and see the forest illumination.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission fees (2 adults ¥530 each, 2 kids ¥300 each) | JPY 1,660 |
| Vow of Ambition pledges (2 sheets) | JPY 200 |
| Family meal at Hitsujigaoka Rest House | JPY 4,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 5,860 |
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 Statue of Dr. William S. Clark
Address: Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, 1 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-0045, Japan
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About Statue of Dr. William S. Clark
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 11-851-308010 BEST nearby Activities
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