Hey everyone! It’s your friendly Sapporo local here, ready to introduce a spot that I really think visitors from overseas should check out: Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill.
When it comes to Sapporo sightseeing, there are plenty of options, but the view from here is something special, you know? It’s definitely worth venturing a little out of the city center for.
Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill Official Website
Get a Panoramic View of Sapporo! And Don’t Forget a Pic with Dr. Clark
First things first, when you think of Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, this is what comes to mind: the famous statue of Dr. Clark! He was the first vice-principal of the Sapporo Agricultural College (now Hokkaido University) and is known for his famous words, “Boys, be ambitious!” This phrase is actually super famous not just in Hokkaido, but all over Japan – it even pops up in TV quiz shows sometimes. Oh, and by the way, there’s another bust of Dr. Clark on the Hokkaido University campus. Seriously, how important was this guy? Haha.
Anyway, striking the same pose as the statue for a photo is the classic, must-do thing here! Even locals like me might sheepishly do it for fun – it’s kind of an expected ritual, haha. The view is fantastic: wide-open pastures, the Sapporo city skyline spread out beyond, and on a clear day, you can even see the distant mountains. That sense of openness is pretty hard to find elsewhere, you know?
Honestly, this place is less about thrilling attractions and more about relaxing and enjoying the scenery and the wide sky. So, I think it’s particularly great for families or couples looking for a peaceful time.
The Scenery Changes Beautifully with the Seasons
One of the best things about Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is that it offers a different, beautiful view no matter when you visit.
- Spring: The snow melts, and the greenery gradually deepens. You might even see some cherry blossoms.
- Summer: Lavender is the star! Around July is the peak season. It looks like a stunning purple carpet. Plus, seeing the sheep grazing peacefully in the pasture is just so quintessentially Hokkaido – really relaxing.
- Autumn: The autumn leaves are beautiful, of course. The air tends to be clearer, offering great visibility on many days.
- Winter: A pure white snowscape! The roof of the Sapporo Dome turns white too, creating a magical scene. It’s cold, but the crisp air feels refreshing.
Enjoy Food and Souvenirs Too
It’s not just about the views! There are restaurants and shops at the observation hill, so you can take a break or look for souvenirs.
You’ll find restaurants serving the local specialty, Genghis Khan (lamb BBQ), and the popular Hokkaido-style soft-serve ice cream. Eating Genghis Khan while taking in the view might just be an extra special treat. Actually, I remember trying a rare deer meat Genghis Khan here once. If I recall correctly, it wasn’t gamey at all and tasted pretty good. I also checked out the souvenir shop, and they seemed to have not just the standard stuff, but some rather unique and interesting goods too.
【A Local’s Honest Take ①】 Access Can Be a Bit of a Hassle, Frankly
Okay, let me be honest. Getting here from the center of Sapporo (like Sapporo Station or Susukino) involves either taking the subway and then a bus, or going by car (taxi or rental). So, I can’t exactly say it’s super convenient. The most common way is to take the Toho Subway Line to Fukuzumi Station and catch a bus from there (the Fuku 84 / Hitsujigaoka Line).
But hey, watching the scenery change gradually from the bus window isn’t bad, and since it’s one of Sapporo’s famous tourist spots, I think it’s worth the effort if you’re interested.
About That Admission Fee…
Just between us, there is an admission fee. It’s 1000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children (elementary and junior high school students). (By the way, Sapporo citizens get a discount: 500 yen for adults and free for kids. This info is as of May 2025). Yeah, some people might think, “Ah, it’s not free?”
But when you consider the vast landscape, the photo op with the Dr. Clark statue, the beautiful seasonal flowers, the peaceful sight of sheep… all those experiences combined, personally, I think the price is quite reasonable. Keeping a place like this well-maintained costs money, after all.
【A Local’s Honest Take ②】 Avoiding the Crowds…
As you’d expect from a popular spot, it tends to get crowded during weekends, public holidays, Golden Week, and the summer vacation period, especially during the daytime on nice weather days.
If you want to enjoy the scenery leisurely without the crowds, I recommend aiming for right after it opens (early morning) or visiting on a weekday. In winter, perhaps due to the cold, it often feels less crowded. You might not get the snowy landscape all to yourself, but you can likely enjoy it in relative peace. Personally, I quite like the winter view in the crisp, clear air.
Also, something you might not know – there’s actually a wedding chapel on the grounds. So, if you’re lucky, you might even encounter a happy couple!
Getting to Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, Fees, etc. (Check Before You Go!)
Directions, fees, and opening hours can change, so please be sure to check the latest information on the official website before you visit!
- Access:
- From Fukuzumi Station on the Toho Subway Line, take the Chuo Bus (Fuku 84・Hitsujigaoka Line) for about 10 minutes. Get off at the “Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill” bus stop, and it’s right there.
- By car, it’s about a 30-minute drive from central Sapporo.
- Access Details
- Admission Fees & Opening Hours:
- Opening hours can vary depending on the season.
- Admission fees might also change, so please be aware.
- Business Hours & Admission Fees
(Please remember that the fees and travel times mentioned here are estimates as of when this article was written. Always double-check the latest information yourself on the official website or other reliable sources!)
Wrap-up: If You’re in Sapporo, Definitely Visit Hitsujigaoka!
So, there you have it – my introduction to Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill. While it’s a classic tourist destination, I truly think it’s a wonderful place where you can feel the vastness of Sapporo and the essence of Hokkaido. It’s more suited for those looking to relax and enjoy the scenery rather than seeking thrills.
If you get the chance to come to Sapporo, make sure to pay it a visit!
