Hey everyone! Welcome to Sapporo! As someone who’s lived in this city for a long time, let me give you a local’s take on one of Sapporo’s symbols, the Sapporo Clock Tower – a perspective you might not find in the guidebooks.
First Thing to Know: The Clock Tower and its “Disappointing” Reputation
Alright, let me get straight to an important point, even if it sounds a bit negative upfront. The Sapporo Clock Tower is sometimes called one of “Japan’s Top 3 Disappointing Tourist Spots.” By the way, the other two often mentioned are Harimayabashi Bridge in Kochi and Oranda-zaka Slope in Nagasaki. If this is the first time you’re hearing this, you might be surprised, but it’s a relatively well-known sentiment.
Why does it get called that? Often, it’s because people find it “smaller than expected” based on photos, or they feel the atmosphere is different from what they imagined because it’s surrounded by modern buildings. And admittedly, it does look a bit small, nestled among taller office buildings.
So, What’s the Real Deal? My Honest Take as a Local
To be perfectly honest, when I revisited it as an adult with some colleagues after a long time, my genuine reaction was, “Ah, so this is it.” Of course, it has historical value and it’s a charming building. But, if your time in Sapporo is very limited and you’re looking for those “absolute must-see” spots, there might be other places you’d want to prioritize… maybe. (Truly sorry to any Clock Tower enthusiasts!)
But It’s Not All Disappointment! The Clock Tower’s Charms and How to Enjoy It
So, does that mean it’s not worth visiting at all? Not exactly. The key is to manage your expectations and think of it as part of a larger city stroll.
1. Prime Location! Perfect for a Stop While Walking Downtown
The biggest advantage of the Clock Tower is undoubtedly its location. It’s right in the heart of Sapporo, just a short walk from Odori Park and the Sapporo TV Tower.
- Odori Park: A beloved park for locals, featuring seasonal flowers and various events. It’s pleasant just to walk through.
- Official Website (Japanese only): https://odori-park.jp/ (Try using your browser’s translation feature)
- Sapporo TV Tower: Offers panoramic views of Odori Park and the Sapporo cityscape from its observation deck. Especially recommended for night views.
- Official Website (English): https://www.tv-tower.co.jp/en/
If you’re exploring this area, the Clock Tower is really close by. It’s less about making a special trip and more about casually stopping by like, “Oh, there’s the Clock Tower!” Combining it with Odori Park and the TV Tower makes for a classic downtown walk. By the way, when visiting these spots, it’s always a good idea to check their respective admission fees and opening hours beforehand, as these can change.
2. Affordable Admission Fee
Even if you decide to go inside, the entrance fee is quite reasonable at 200 yen for adults (as of April 2025). You can learn a bit about the Clock Tower’s history and the development of Sapporo from the exhibits inside.
- Hours, Fees, etc.: Information can change, so please be sure to check the official website for the latest details before your visit.
- Sapporo Clock Tower Official Website (English): http://sapporoshi-tokeidai.jp/english/
3. Still a Sapporo Icon! Great for Photos and Night Views
Regardless of the “disappointment” talk, it remains one of Sapporo’s iconic buildings. Its quaint appearance is photogenic. Taking a picture from a slight distance, incorporating the surrounding buildings, can be interesting.
And here’s a little local tip! It might not be widely known, but the Clock Tower actually looks quite beautiful when it’s lit up at night. Seeing it bathed in light, away from the daytime crowds, has a special charm. If you have some free time, maybe after dinner, stopping by for a quick look could be a nice experience.
Basic Info and Tips for Visiting the Clock Tower
- Official Name: Former Sapporo Agricultural College Drill Hall
- Address: Kita 1-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
- Access:
- About a 5-minute walk from Odori Station (Subway Namboku, Tozai, Toho Lines)
- About a 10-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station
- Crowds:
- It often gets busy with tourists during the day, especially during Golden Week, the Obon summer holidays, and the Sapporo Snow Festival period.
- If you want to take photos of the exterior quietly, early morning or the evening illumination time (as recommended earlier) might be better.
- The interior isn’t very large, so it might feel a bit cramped when crowded.
Conclusion: Don’t Expect Too Much, Enjoy It as Part of Your City Exploration!
The honest local opinion is that the Sapporo Clock Tower might not be the kind of place you travel to Sapporo just to see. However, if you go in knowing about its “Top 3 Disappointing Spots” reputation (the other two being Harimayabashi in Kochi and Oranda-zaka in Nagasaki!) and visit it in combination with other downtown sights like Odori Park and the TV Tower, you’re less likely to feel let down.
Instead, approach it with a casual mindset like, “Ah, so this is the famous Clock Tower,” “Conveniently located downtown,” or “It actually looks quite nice at night.” As a charming landmark representing Sapporo’s history, it will surely become a small part of your travel memories.
Sapporo has plenty of other attractions too: delicious food (ramen, seafood, Jingisukan BBQ!), the vibrant nightlife of Susukino, beautiful parks, and nature. Enjoy the Clock Tower, but definitely make sure to experience all the other great things Sapporo has to offer!
