Sapporo Clock Tower

Monday, July 31, 2023 Updated

Balloon-Frame Clock Tower

The Sapporo Clock Tower was constructed in October 1878 as the drill hall of the former Sapporo Agricultural College (now Hokkaido University). The tower was designed by Professor William Wheeler, who took over as Vice President after Dr. William S. Clark. A popular landmark in Hokkaido, the wooden building's baloon-frame structure is a unique attraction in the city of Sapporo and is one of the few remaining Western-style buildings in Sapporo.

The large clock, manufactured by E. Howard and Co. of Boston, has four faces and is driven by weights. The bell, known for its clear sound, was manufactured at the Akabane Branch Factory of the former Ministry of Industry. A wooden placard with the calligraphy of "enbujo" (drill hall) hangs above the main entrance. It was written by Tomomi Iwakura, a statesman who played an important role in the Meiji Restoration. The word enbujo was said to be suitable for the building because it’s an academic building used for martial arts training. The building is now recognized by many of the local Japanese people as a symbol of the city and is featured on almost any Hokkaido tour or Sapporo day-trip.

History of Hokkaido near Odori Park

There's a small museum inside the tower building covering the history of Sapporo and the former Sapporo Agricultural College. Visitors can learn about the cultural properties in Sapporo and throughout Hokkaido at this charming museum by using the available computer database, photo panels, and library.

For those interested in the clock tower itself, the museum offers video presentations detailing the mechanisms of the clock and bell, as well as a small scale model of the clock. Guests can also rent the large hall upstairs to hold private events from business gatherings to even small concerts.

Just a short walk away from the lively Odori Park, enjoy the sights and history of Sapporo Clock Tower with Japan Deluxe Tours during our fully-guided Hokkaido Tour packages. Ask your travel agent about our affordable range of custom tours to enjoy the highlights of Sapporo and the rest of Hokkaido with your own personal tour-guide.