The Sapporo Clock Tower has unfortunately earned the title of one of "Japan's Three Major Disappointing Tourist Spots," often because visitors find it smaller than expected. However, it's far from a disappointment. The more you learn about the Clock Tower, the more fascinating it becomes. Let's dive in and explore its rich history.

First, it's a well-known fact that the Clock Tower wasn't always in its current location. When the building was completed in 1878 (Meiji 11), it was situated slightly north of where it stands today.

(Photo courtesy of Sapporo Clock Tower)

Moreover, it didn't have its iconic clock at all. It was originally built as a "Drill Hall" for students of the Sapporo Agricultural College (the predecessor to Hokkaido University) to use for military training, as well as entrance and graduation ceremonies. A stone monument marking the "Site of the Sapporo Agricultural College Drill Hall" still stands at its original location.
The clock tower was added to the Drill Hall in 1881 (Meiji 14), three years after the building's completion. The pendulum clock, made by the E. Howard & Co. of Boston, USA, told the correct time with its clear chimes and was affectionately known by Sapporo citizens as the "Great Clock of the Agricultural College."
In 1903 (Meiji 36), the Agricultural College moved to the current location of Hokkaido University, and the Drill Hall was acquired by the city of Sapporo. It was around this time that it began to be called the "Clock Tower," but it was only officially renamed the "Sapporo Clock Tower" surprisingly recently, in 1998 (Heisei 10).
When you step inside the Clock Tower, the first floor allows you to learn about the history of the Agricultural College and the Drill Hall. There are many valuable historical materials and photographs on display, making it quite an interesting experience.
You may remember the renovation work, including repainting, that took place in 2018 (Heisei 30). But did you know that the color of the paint has actually changed over the years? The exhibition reveals surprising facts like this.
Going up to the second floor, you'll find a space that recreates the era when it was a Drill Hall. You can almost imagine the students of the past sitting on these long benches for their ceremonies... it really sparks the imagination.
And when you think of the Sapporo Agricultural College, you think of Dr. Clark! In fact, the Drill Hall was built based on Dr. Clark's vision. On the second floor, there's even a spot where you can take a photo with Dr. Clark.
The pendulum clock from E. Howard & Co. is still in operation today. It was recently confirmed to be the oldest operating tower clock in Japan.

On the second floor, there is a model of the same type that shows how the clock mechanism works, so be sure to check out the fine details. Having chimed for over a century, the Clock Tower is a source of great pride for the citizens of Sapporo, so much so that it is enshrined in the Sapporo Citizens' Charter: "We are citizens of Sapporo, where the Clock Tower bell rings."

▼For more details, please see the Domingo spot page
Sapporo Clock Tower

※We also introduce the fascinating exhibits of the Sapporo Clock Tower in a video. Please take a look!


＜Sapporo Clock Tower＞
Location: Kita 1-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Phone: 011-231-0838
Hours: 8:45 AM - 5:10 PM (Last admission at 5:00 PM)
Admission: Adults 200 yen, free for high school students and younger
Official Website: http://sapporoshi-tokeidai.jp/