The Sapporo Clock Tower: history and a visit to a symbol of the city

  • Published on : 22/01/2015
  • by : G.L.
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Youtube

Colonial Carillon

The Sapporo Clock Tower (札幌時計台, Sapporo tokeidai) represents one of the city's most iconic symbols. Built in 1878 in an American architectural style, this wooden structure bears witness to the Western influence on Hokkaido's development during the Meiji era. Originally designed as a military training hall for the Sapporo Agricultural College (now the University of Hokkaido), it has spanned almost 150 years of history, changing function several times. Its distinctive carillon, which has never stopped ringing since its installation in 1881, continues to mark the hours for the city's inhabitants and visitors alike.


Address, timetable & access

Our tours in Découvrir Sapporo

  • Duration : 9 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto
  • Duration : 13 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Miyajima
  • Duration : 13 days
  • Locations : Tokyo, Hakone Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka, Okinawa
See all our other Tours (3)

Latest Articles

Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art

The Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art

Located right in the center of Sapporo, the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art offers beautiful collections allowing you to discover Japanese art, but also European art, from the 19th century to the pre

Sapporo Beer Museum

If you have the chance to visit to the northern island of Hokkaido, do not miss the Sapporo Beer Museum!