Sapporo Clock Tower
Hokkaido Region
The Sapporo Clock Tower, officially known as the Former Sapporo Agricultural College Drill Hall, is a historic wooden building located in central Sapporo, Hokkaido. Constructed in 1878 as a drill hall for the Sapporo Agricultural College (now Hokkaido University), it features a distinctive triangular roof topped with Japan's oldest clock tower installed in 1881. The building served multiple purposes including classrooms, training, ceremonies, and events, and is closely linked to notable alumni such as Inazo Nitobe and Kanzo Uchimura. Architecturally, it is a two-story balloon-frame wooden structure with a metal roof, standing approximately 19.8 meters tall. Today, it functions as a museum with exhibits on the clock's mechanism and the history of the building and university. Despite being surrounded by modern high-rise buildings, it remains a beloved cultural landmark and symbol of Sapporo and Hokkaido. The clock tower's bell chimes are still broadcast on local radio and it hosts various cultural events, maintaining a vibrant connection to the community.
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Tip: Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and experience the museum exhibits in detail. The 16th of each month offers free admission for Sapporo residents with valid proof of address. Advance tickets are not required, but combining your visit with the nearby Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick Office) is recommended for a comprehensive historical experience. The clock tower is easily accessible via a 5-minute walk from Odori subway station. Note that the bell chimes can only be heard near the tower due to surrounding buildings.
Interesting facts
- •The clock installed in 1881 is Japan's oldest mechanical clock tower.
- •The clock's bell weighs approximately 226 kilograms and is made of a bronze alloy.
- •The building was originally painted gray with brown pillars and window frames, later changed to white in 1953.
- •The clock mechanism requires manual winding every four days, a task historically done by volunteers.
- •The bell chimes are broadcast live on local radio during certain hours.
- •The clock tower is considered one of Japan's three major 'disappointment' tourist spots due to its small size and urban surroundings, yet remains beloved by locals.
- •It was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1970 and a Mechanical Engineering Heritage site in 2009.
History
Built in 1878 as a drill hall for the Sapporo Agricultural College, the clock tower was installed in 1881 to provide accurate time signals.
The building originally stood about 130 meters northeast of its current location but was moved in 1906 to accommodate road construction.
It served various roles including a library until 1966 when it was designated for permanent preservation by the city council.
The clock mechanism, made by E.
Howard & Co., required manual winding every four days, a labor-intensive process maintained by dedicated caretakers for decades.
The tower was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1970 and underwent major restorations in the 1990s.
It remains a symbol of Sapporo's pioneering spirit and educational heritage.
Place Guide
First Floor Exhibition Room
Hosts displays featuring historical documents and artifacts related to the Sapporo Agricultural College and the clock tower's history, including materials from Hokkaido University's library.
Second Floor Drill Hall and Event Space1878
Originally used for military training and ceremonies, now serves as a hall for concerts, seminars, and cultural events such as the annual PMF music festival.
Clock Tower and Bell1881
The four-faced mechanical clock, manufactured by E. Howard & Co. in the United States, features large wooden hands and a heavy bronze bell that chimes every hour.
Contact
Phone: 011-231-0838