Sapporo is a distinctive city of Japan. Its northern location has given it a wholly different flavor than many other cities. With so many interesting things to do, Sapporo is one of the must-see places in Hokkaido!
Whether you want to learn more about Sapporo’s unique traditional ways of life or its more recent history as a snowy haven for winter sports, there are many museums to visit in Sapporo.
These trips offer great breaks from visiting the other busier parts of the area and can even be a wonderful way to take a break from the slopes if you’re visiting during ski season.
Here are the best museums to visit in Sapporo:
1. The Historical Village of Hokkaido
The island of Hokkaido’s northern location meant that the people who live here developed a unique lifestyle, with unique crafts. At the Historical Village, you can get a close look at what that way of life was like and even experience some of it.
This open-air museum is made up of restored and relocated buildings dating from the Meiji Period to the Showa Period. You can visit the many different exhibitions about the various cultures that have called Hokkaido home and even see craftsmen making different things using traditional methods.
Throughout the year, the village hosts different festivals and events. Adults can enter for 800 yen and children under 14 can enter for free.
To get to the Historical Village of Hokkaido, take JR & Tozai Line (Subway) to Shin Sapporo station. From there take the bus bound for No.22 Kaitakunomura to the last bus stop.
Address: Atsubetsu-cho Konopporo 50-1, Atsubetsu-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Website: https://www.kaitaku.or.jp/en/
2. Hokkaido Museum
If you’re interested in the history, culture, art, and environment of Hokkaido, this is the museum for you! This museum is located not far from the Historical Village of Hokkaido.
Here you can see fossils of animals that lived on prehistoric Hokkaido, including two kinds of elephants, and even handle some of the specimens. Special focus is given to the native Ainu people and their language.
Take the time to observe detailed miniatures and Ainu crafts. The information boards found throughout the museum are written in multiple languages and visitors can rent audio guides in any of six languages including English.
Admission for adults costs 600 yen and admission for university and high school students costs 300 yen.
Address: Atsubetsu-cho Konopporo 53-2, Atsubetsu-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Website: https://www.hm.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/en/
3. Sapporo Art Museum
This striking art museum located in Sapporo Art Park promises a unique and peaceful day for visitors. Much of the art on display is from artists local to Sapporo and Hokkaido, but there are also modern works from all over Japan.
Rotating collections sometimes feature artists from even farther abroad. Be sure to take a stroll around the surrounding art park to see some amazing sculptures in an incredible environment.
Entry fees to the Sapporo Art Museum vary by exhibition.
Address: Geijyutsu-no-Mori 2-chome 75, Minami-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Website: https://artpark.or.jp/en/about/
4. Sapporo Olympic Museum
Sapporo is known far and wide as a host of the 1972 Winter Olympic Games. This museum takes visitors through the experience of those games.
Found at the foot of the Okurayama Ski Jump, this museum details the many events that occurred that year as well as the nature of many winter sports. It also offers interactive exhibits that allow visitors a taste of glory by simulating a ski jump, riding a bobsled, and spinning on ice skates.
Admission is 600 yen for adults and free for children junior high age and younger.
Address: Miyanomori 1274, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Website: https://sapporo-olympicmuseum.jp/english/
5. Hokkaido University Museum
This museum is a great place to visit for any lover of natural history. Here you’ll find the full skeleton of a Holstein bull and a life-sized recreation of a woolly mammoth.
There are many specimens to view and even interactive exhibits, including one where you can actually touch some of the specimens and another where you can see a seismograph so sensitive that it responds to footsteps.
The museum was last renovated in 2016 and now has a café that’s a perfect place to get a snack or even a light alcoholic drink.
The museum is located on the Hokkaido University campus and is only a 10-minute walk from the North Exit of Sapporo Station. Admission is free.
Address: Kita 10-jo Nishi 8-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Website: https://www.museum.hokudai.ac.jp/english/
6. Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art
Located next to the Hokkaido Governor’s Residence, this museum focuses on modern works by artists from Hokkaido. Some of the highlighted artists include Tamako Kataoka, Eien Iwahashi, Kinjiro Kida, and Nissho Kanda.
The collection of glassworks is highly renowned and covers styles from Art Noveau to more modern works. There are also collections from further afield; be sure to check out the works from the School of Pairs, including those by Jules Pascin.
Adult admission costs 510 yen and high school and university students can enter for 250 yen. Special exhibitions cost an extra fee.
Address: Kita 1-jo Nishi 17-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Website: https://artmuseum.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/knb/english
7. Sapporo Beer Museum
Brewers have been making beer in Sapporo since 1877. At the Sapporo Beer Museum, you can learn all about their history and craft.
The museum is housed in the original edifice of the Sapporo Beer factory. You can enjoy samples during the tour as you learn about the extensive history of beer in Japan.
The historical ad campaigns are a must-see. Once you’re done with either a self-guided or group tour, you can head to the Sapporo Beer Garden next door to try not just beer but also meat treats at the beer halls. If you want a restaurant experience, try Lilac Restaurant or Garden Grill.
You can walk to Sapporo Beer Museum from Sapporo Station or take Loop 88 Factory Line bus from Odori subway station or from in front of the Tokyu department store.
Read our suggested itinerary: 1-day in Sapporo Itinerary.
Address: Sapporo Garden Park, Kita 7-jo Higashi 9-chome, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Website: https://www.sapporobeer.jp/english/brewery/s_museum/
8. Sapporo Science Center
This science and nature museum is a great way to spend a day with your family. Learn all about the universe through exhibits like an artificial snow machine and an aurora generator.
A dome features real-time projections of satellite imagery of the northern hemisphere. The state-of-the-art planetarium features shows about astronomy as well as shows about children’s stories, including both classics and books by local Sapporo authors.
Tickets for the exhibition hall and planetarium together cost 1000 yen, while the hall alone costs 700 yen and the planetarium costs 500 yen. Junior high aged children and younger can enter for free.
Address: Atsubetsu Chuo 1-5, Atsubetsu-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Website: https://www.ssc.slp.or.jp/
