The Sapporo Clock Tower, or Tokeidai, is a wooden landmark in central Sapporo, about a 10-minute walk from Sapporo Station. Built in 1878 for Sapporo Agricultural College, it has white walls, a red roof and a clock installed in 1881 that still works. Inside, a small museum traces the building’s story and Sapporo’s early development through exhibits and historical documents. The compact visit suits anyone interested in the city’s beginnings; the building’s American-style design also makes a striking contrast with the surrounding modern offices.
A college hall from Sapporo’s early years
The building was completed in 1878 for Sapporo Agricultural College, the forerunner of Hokkaido University. Its formal name is the Former Sapporo Agricultural College Drill Hall. The college used the hall for student activities including physical training, military drills, lectures and ceremonies. The idea for the building is linked to Dr. William S. Clark, the college’s first principal, who came from the United States. William Wheeler, the college’s second vice-president, was involved in planning its construction.
At the time, Sapporo was developing as Hokkaido’s main city. The tower’s history is closely connected to that period and to the college’s role in educating people for the island’s development. It is one of the city’s oldest surviving buildings and was designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1970.
The clock and the building
The clock was not part of the original structure. It was purchased in Boston and installed in 1881, three years after the hall was completed. The mechanism still operates, and the clock marks the hour with its chime. Inside, visitors can see the clock’s workings and learn about its history.
The tower’s white wooden exterior, red roof and Western-style design stand apart from the office buildings around it. Its modest scale is easiest to appreciate from the street: look up at the clock face and compare the old wooden structure with the much taller buildings nearby. The exterior is also illuminated after dark, giving the landmark a different look from its daytime appearance.
What to see inside
The first floor contains museum displays about the tower, Sapporo’s past and the agricultural college. Historical documents, photographs and explanatory panels help explain how the building was used and how the city developed around it. English explanations are available, which can help make the exhibits easier to follow.
The second floor is a large open hall that has been used for ceremonies and events. The museum is small, so a visit can be brief, but the exhibits add context that is easy to miss from outside. If you are planning to enter, tickets are recommended in advance. For a walk-up look at the building and its clock, the exterior can be viewed without visiting the museum.
Getting there
The address is 2 Chome Kita 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, in central Sapporo. The walk from Sapporo Station takes about 10 minutes. In winter, an underground walkway provides an alternative route that avoids walking through snow. The tower is also close to Odori Park, making it straightforward to include with other central Sapporo sights.
FAQ
What is the Sapporo Clock Tower?
It is a wooden hall built in 1878 for Sapporo Agricultural College, now Hokkaido University. Today it houses a small museum about the building and Sapporo’s history.
Does the clock still work?
Yes. Installed in 1881 after being brought from Boston, the clock still operates and chimes on the hour.
How long should I spend at the Sapporo Clock Tower?
Allow about 30 to 60 minutes to see the building and its museum exhibits.
How do I get to the Clock Tower from Sapporo Station?
It is about a 10-minute walk. In winter, you can take an underground walkway to avoid the snow.
