The Hokkaido University Museum (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is The Hokkaido University Museum?
Touch drawers, dinosaur fossils, and seismograph demos plus stroller-friendly aisles and diaper stations create an engaging, low-cost science outing for children up to 12.
Positives:
- Hands-on Learning: Interactive exhibits let kids explore real specimens safely.
- Free Admission: No entry fee makes it easy to stay longer or return later.
Challenges:
- Limited Seating: Café Polus has few tables and fills up at lunchtime.
- Japanese Labels: Many exhibit descriptions are in Japanese only, so bring a translation app.
What is so special about The Hokkaido University Museum for with kids?
- Free admission and family-friendly exhibits
- Interactive Zone lets kids touch real science specimens
- Stand on the seismograph to feel floor vibrations
- Life-size mammoth and skeleton displays at child height
- Café Polus offers fun, small-sized kid snacks
- Museum shop features affordable science-themed souvenirs
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 2-3 hour visit lets the family explore key interactive exhibits and enjoy snacks without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in The Hokkaido University Museum
Interactive Zone:
Children handle real specimens such as animal skulls and plant samples in touch drawers.
Tip: Check daily demo times at reception for guided touch sessions.
Seismograph Station:
Kids feel floor vibrations on the original seismograph by stomping gently.
Tip: Stand clear of others and stomp softly to avoid damage.
Mammoth & Skeleton Displays:
Pose under the life-size woolly mammoth model and giant Holstein skeleton at eye level for kids.
Tip: Use a wide-angle lens on your camera for group shots.
Café Polus Snacks:
Pick Mini Mammoth burgers or soft-serve ice cream for a fun, kid-friendly treat.
Tip: Arrive before 11:30 am or after 2 pm to avoid lines.
Museum Shop Souvenirs:
Browse science kits, postcards, and university-themed goods.
Tip: Look for DIY experiment kits under ¥1,000.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission | JPY 0 |
| Café Polus snacks (4 items) | JPY 2,400 |
| Museum shop souvenirs | JPY 2,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 4,400 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When is the best time to visit The Hokkaido University Museum?
In winter, warm up inside with hands-on exhibits. In spring, pair your visit with cherry blossoms on campus. Check the museum website for rotating exhibits in autumn.
How to Maximize Your Visit to The Hokkaido University Museum
- Visit on Weekdays: Fewer crowds give more space for children at exhibits.
- Arrive at Opening: Be there at opening time to join the first Interactive Zone demo.
- Bring a 100-yen Coin: Use lockers to store bags and keep hands free for exhibits.
Map of The Hokkaido University Museum
Address: 8 Chome Kita 10 Jonishi, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan
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Reviews of The Hokkaido University Museum
Jeff McD
When we came here, they had a special exhibit combining beautifully preserved insects with their print counterparts in illustrated scientific publications. Super nice! Entrance is free and lots of information available. Although most are in Japanese, it's still a nice museum in the middle of the city.
Patority
I was pleasently surprised! Tbh I expected way less! Every department has kind of it‘s own exhibition. So you can see a variety of different science fields in this museum, from animals, over dinosaurs, medicine, geology, culture studies… Also most exhibitions offer english information. Great museum, especially when considering it‘s free!
kyczzz
A pretty good museum that admits anyone free of charge. Besides history of the university, the museum is a collection of various categories of items likely from efforts of the many different departments of the university. You could easily spend 1 hour in there if you take your time to look through most rooms, spread over 3 floors. Pretty accessible from Sapporo JR station ~ 10 minutes walk.
Nix
We went to see the Gingko Trees at the University but actually enjoyed the Museum as well. There are some interactive exhibitions inside. It’s also free to enter. The ice cream is really good!!
Tommy On
Free admission in the middle of campus. 3 floors with a nice variety of stuff to see. You got the uni's history, biology, space, science, medicines (pharmaceutical and diseases), archeology, anatomy, insects, minerals/rocks, and more. There is a mildew smell when entering the building, so you might need to get used to that. Small gift shop and cafe at the end. Included edible insects for sale.
About The Hokkaido University Museum
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 11-706-2658See available options
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