Hey there! Welcome to Sapporo!
Sapporo has tons of fantastic sights, but today I want to introduce a spot that might surprise you: Hokkaido University, or “Hokudai” (北大) as we locals call it.
“Wait, a university as a tourist spot?” you might be thinking. But honestly, it’s packed with things to see and do. I’ve lived in Sapporo for years, and even just strolling through the Hokudai campus feels great. The scenery changes beautifully with the seasons, making it one of those places I really hope tourists check out.
Why Visit a University? What Makes Hokudai Special
The first thing you’ll notice is its size – it’s huge! Even though it’s right near Sapporo Station, stepping onto the grounds feels like entering a massive park. It’s full of greenery and historic old buildings, offering a peaceful escape from the city buzz.
Of course, it’s a university for students and researchers, but one of its charms is the open atmosphere that lets anyone wander in and explore freely.
Plus, Hokudai isn’t just any university. It was originally one of the “Former Imperial Universities,” known across Japan for its history and prestige as a top national university. Even here in Sapporo, it’s seen as the best university around, a place where really smart people study. Getting a little taste of that academic vibe might be interesting, don’t you think?
The Must-See Star: The Golden Ginkgo Avenue
When you talk about Hokudai, the one thing you absolutely can’t miss is the “Ginkgo Avenue” (銀杏並木, ichō namiki). It’s genuinely famous. In autumn, the ginkgo trees lining both sides of this roughly 380-meter path turn a brilliant yellow all at once. It looks like a golden tunnel – breathtakingly beautiful.
During this season, lots of people come to take photos and enjoy a walk. The ground gets carpeted with yellow leaves too, making just walking there feel special.
A Recent Highlight: The Evening Light-Up Event
In recent years, they’ve started holding a light-up event at night during the autumn Ginkgo season. This offers a totally different atmosphere from the daytime view, and it’s quite fascinating.
The ginkgo trees, illuminated by colorful lights, look incredibly magical and vibrant. I went last year myself, and the colors and mood were unlike anything I’d seen before – definitely worth seeing. If your trip happens to coincide with the event period in autumn, visiting at night could be a great experience.
However, since it gets crowded during the event, driving there might be a bit challenging for tourists. Using a taxi or the subway is probably the best bet. That said, if you’re staying near Sapporo Station, it’s not an impossible walk, so you can be flexible. Keep in mind that outside the main illuminated street, it gets quite dark during the event, so wandering the vast campus freely at night isn’t really feasible. For safety, sticking to the brighter areas is recommended. But the light-up itself is truly beautiful, so it’s worth seeing if you’re in Sapporo during that time. Check the university’s official website for details as the event approaches.
Strolling Through the Vast Campus
Beyond the Ginkgo Avenue, the Hokudai campus has other points of interest:
- The Hokkaido University Museum: Admission is free! It showcases the university’s research achievements, along with exhibits on Hokkaido’s nature and history. It might just spark your intellectual curiosity. The building itself is historic and quite lovely.
- Official Website (English): The Hokkaido University Museum
- Ōno Pond (大野池): A large pond right on campus. You might see water birds, making it a nice spot to relax.
- Historic Buildings: Beautiful, historic structures like the Clark Memorial Student Center and the Furukawa Hall are scattered around the campus. They make for great photo opportunities.
Access and Basic Info
Getting to Hokudai from central Sapporo is super easy:
- Access: It’s about a 10-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station to the main gate. It’s also close to the Kita-12-jo and Kita-18-jo stations on the Namboku Subway Line.
- Admission: Entering the campus grounds is free! That’s a great perk, right? The museum is also free. (Note: Special events might sometimes have an admission fee, so be aware.)
From a local’s honest perspective, this easy access and the fact that it’s free are big reasons why Hokudai is so easy to enjoy. It’s perfect for popping over when you have a bit of free time between sightseeing spots or just want a pleasant walk on a nice day.
When is the Best Time to Visit? How Crowded Is It?
The absolute best season is autumn (late October to early November) when the Ginkgo Avenue is stunning. However, the campus is also great for walks in spring and summer with its lush greenery. Winter offers beautiful snowscapes, but it’s very cold, and the paths can be slippery, so bundle up and be careful.
Regarding crowds, as mentioned, the main street area gets quite busy during the peak Ginkgo season in autumn and during the light-up event.
Honestly, from a local’s point of view, outside of those peak times or if you move away from the main Ginkgo Avenue, the campus is so vast that it doesn’t usually feel overwhelmingly crowded. Being able to stroll at your own pace is one of Hokudai’s charms.
Wrap-up
Hokkaido University isn’t just a university; it’s a unique tourist spot where you can experience Sapporo’s history, nature, and academic atmosphere. The autumn Ginkgo Avenue is a must-see, but even in other seasons, just wandering the huge campus can be refreshing.
Its easy walking distance from Sapporo Station is another plus. Why not add it to your Sapporo itinerary? I bet you’ll find something wonderful there!
