The Historical Village of Hokkaido is an open-air museum located in the Atsubetsu district of Sapporo. It was opened in 1983 and contains more than 50 buildings and facilities from the Meiji and Taisho periods. This was the time during which Hokkaido developed rapidly and got its modern face.

Historical Hokkaido Buildings

Many of these buildings were located at various points in Sapporo, although there are also some buildings that were originally built in other cities in Hokkaido, such as Otaru, Asahikawa, and Obihiro, and have been relocated here.

Among the buildings in the Village, you can find the Old Sapporo Station which serves as the entrance to the facility and the Hokkaidô Government Headquarters. A wooden building that would later be replaced by the so-called Aka Renga are particularly famous.

However, the greatest attraction of the Village is probably in its variety of buildings and constructions. They show the strange architectural mixture that characterized the urban landscape of Sapporo. Between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, you saw traditional Japanese houses next to houses inspired by Western models. There were also Buddhist and Shinto temples coexisting with Christian churches, and typical ryokan next to farms typical of the North American Far West.

The Atmosphere of the Past

In addition, it is possible to access most of these buildings. All kinds of furniture, equipment, and clothing of the time are preserved showing us the way of life of the inhabitants of Hokkaido.

In any case, the Historical Village of Hokkaido perfectly reproduces the atmosphere of Sapporo in the last quarter of the 19th century. This was the time when Hokkaido officially became a territory of Japan, and a large number of settlers from all regions of the country flocked to the island in search of a better life.

Of course, the museum also has dedicated exhibitions about aboriginal Ainu culture and Hokkaido’s nature.

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As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Hokkaido. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Historical Village of Hokkaido Area Map

Hakodate is Hokkaido’s 3rd largest city after Sapporo and Ashikawa with a population of around 260.000 people. It is located on the southwestern part of the island, and it is especially known for its star-shaped Goryokaku fort. When Japan opened its ports more widely for foreign trade in the late 19th century, Hakodate was the first port to be opened. Hakodate became the most important Japanese port in the north and soon became the largest city in Hokkaido before it was destroyed in a fire in 1934.

Attractions in Hakodate

Hakodate is well-loved by domestic tourists but often overlooked by foreign tourists which makes it a hidden gem. If you like green cities surrounded by beautiful countryside, then Hakodate is a great place to visit.

One of Hakodate’s main attractions is its fresh, locally caught seafood. A visit to the morning market is a must-do, as you can taste some of the best seafood in Japan. Hokkaido crab is deliciously juicy, and rice bowls with all kinds of seafood toppings make for a great breakfast or lunch. There are restaurants right next to the market from which you have a good view of the market while you eat.

The Motomachi area is a beautifully preserved city heart where you can still feel the Meiji era atmosphere in its amazing architecture and street image. There are also several churches that were used by the foreign population of that time. For more history, the Museum of Northern Peoples is also a must-see. In this museum, you can learn more about the area’s original Ainu inhabitants and other indigenous groups. The museum is housed in an old bank building that was built in 1926.

Meiji Era Buildings

One of the most stand-out areas of Hakodate is the port area with its Meiji-era signature-style red brick buildings. In these buildings, you will find shops where you can find local souvenirs. While you are in the area, stop by Tea Shop Yuhi for a cup of tea in a charming wooden building that dates back to 1885.

For those who like hiking, a trek to the top of Mount Hakodate is a great idea between May and October. From its 334-meter summit, you will have an amazing view of the city and its surroundings. And the sunset or night views are especially stunning.  If you are not in the mood for a walk to the top, there is also a cable car that can take you there.

Goryokaku Fort

Goryokaku Fort, Hakodate’s most famous sight, deserves its own special mention. It is a Japanese castle with elements of Italian and French design that was built in 1864. The fort is using Western-style techniques and shaped like a five-pointed star. Because of its shape, many weapons could be placed on the walls with fewer blind spots compared to a traditional Japanese castle. This is making it a very modern castle for the time and location. It was used as a fortress for a short time only, as the Republic of Ezo used it as their main fortress rose and fell within the same year in 1869.

Nowadays, it is a beautiful park and Special Historic Site that can be enjoyed in all seasons. If you want to see its star-shape clearly, you can view the park from the Goryokaku Tower right next to the park.

Onuma Quasi-National Park

The Onuma Quasi-National Park is around 90 km2 large and only 20 kilometers away from Hakodate in southwest Hokkaido. There is an active volcano, Komagatake, two lakes dotted with small islands, and forests around the lakes. The lakes were created by mudflows after volcanic eruptions. It is a great park to take a day-trip to, as there are plenty of short walking courses and activities you can do such as boat tours, canoeing, and cycling in summer and snow-trekking and skiing in winter.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Hokkaido. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Hakodate Area Map

Otaru is a small port city situated northwest of Sapporo. The town faces Ishikari Bay and has long served as the main port of the Sapporo region. Otaru is one of the most popular destinations for tourists visiting Hokkaido. It has gained the nickname ‘Northern Wall Street’ because it once thrived economically for its former Bank of Japan branch and the many traders that set up shop here. One of the highlights to visit is the ‘Herring Mansion’ where you can see antiques and learn more about the herring fishing industry that made this town rich.

The glassworks shops, coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping malls along the canal have been converted from stone-built or brick-built warehouses, which were used for storage in the days when commerce flourished and the canal was crowded with jostling barges. When night falls, oil lamps on the cobbled streets are lit, and the town evokes a gentle, nostalgic mood.

Otaru’s other nickname is ‘the town of hills’ after its hilly landscape. Mt. Tenguyama that towers behind Otaru is a popular ski resort in winter. There is an observation point on Mt.  Tenguyama, and the panoramic view including the whole of Otaru and its port area is absolutely wonderful. There are also cable cars to take you to the mountaintop.

Seafood Paradise

Its picturesque exterior aside, Hotaru’s main attraction is the superb seafood that can be had here. There are several food markets where you can indulge in the freshest seafood you probably ever had, but if you are looking for generous portions for a very decent price the Sankaku market should definitely be on your list.

Getting a donburi bowl is the way to go, which is a bowl of rice with toppings of seafood. If you are one to try new flavors, raw uni (sea urchin) is something you can’t skip. It is sold all around the world, but the sea urchin from Hokkaido is something else. If you have never tried it before, this is one of the best places in the world to do so.

Quintessential Japanese food sushi is also not to be missed in Otaru. There is even a 200-meter long special street dedicated to sushi shops, Sushiya Dori. Eating delicious sushi behind the counter like a pro is a great experience, and will be one of the highlights of your trip.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Hokkaido. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Otaru Area Map