Speaking of the Sapporo Clock Tower, it has earned the dishonorable title of being one of Japan's three most disappointing tourist attractions, due in part to the fact that it is smaller than you would expect when you actually visit. However, it is by no means disappointing. The more you learn about the clock tower, the more interesting it becomes, so let's learn more about it. First of all, it is well-known that the clock tower was located in a different place than it is now. When the building was completed in 1878, it was located a little further north than it is now.

(Photo courtesy of Sapporo Clock Tower)

Moreover, there is no symbolic clock as there is today. After all, it was a "demonstration hall" built as an auditorium for students of Sapporo Agricultural College (the predecessor of Hokkaido University) to conduct military training, entrance ceremonies, and graduation ceremonies. At the original location shown above, there is still a stone monument inscribed "Sapporo Agricultural College Demonstration Hall Site." The clock tower was added to the martial arts training hall in 1881, three years after the building was completed. The American Howard Company's pendulum tower clock, which tells the correct time with a clear bell sound, is affectionately known to Sapporo residents as the "Great Clock of the Agricultural School." In 1903, the agricultural school moved to the current location of Hokkaido University, and the martial arts hall was taken over by the city of Sapporo. It was around this time that it began to be called the "Clock Tower," but it was actually only recently, in 1998, that it was officially renamed the "Sapporo Clock Tower." When you step inside the clock tower, you can learn about the history of the agricultural school and the martial arts training hall on the first floor. There are many valuable documents and photographs from that time on display, which is quite interesting. It's still fresh in our memory that the building underwent renovation work, including repainting, in 2018, but did you know that the color of the paint has actually been changing steadily up until now? You can learn this surprising fact at the exhibition. When you go up to the second floor, you will find a space that has been recreated to look like the training grounds of the time. I can't help but imagine that students from the past would have lined up on these benches to take part in ceremonies. And when it comes to Sapporo Agricultural College, it's got to be Dr. Clark! In fact, the martial arts hall was built based on Dr. Clark's ideas. On the second floor, there is a space where you can take a photo with Dr. Clark. The Howard Company's pendulum tower clock is still in working order today, and was recently confirmed to be the oldest operating tower clock in the country. There is a similar machine on the second floor that shows you how the clock works, so be sure to check it out in detail. The clock tower, which has been ticking away for over a century, is a source of great pride for the citizens of Sapporo, who are even stated in the city charter as "We are citizens of Sapporo, whose bells ring out from the clock tower." ▼For more information, please see the Domingo spot page. Sapporo Clock Tower *There is also a video introducing the fascinating exhibits at the Sapporo Clock Tower. Please take a look! <Sapporo Clock Tower> Location: Kita 1-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo Phone: 011-231-0838 Business hours: 8:45-17:10 (entry until 17:00) Admission fee: 200 yen for adults, free for high school students and younger Official website: http://sapporoshi-tokeidai.jp/