Visitor Attractions The Clock Tower Despite its modest size, Sapporo's Clock Tower has a lot to live up to. Built in 1878 as a drill hall for Sapporo Agricultural College, which went on to become Hokkaido University, it is now known throughout Japan as the symbol of Sapporo.  Given the relatively recently development of Sapporo as a major city, the Clock Tower building is one of the oldest free standing structures in the downtown area and is conveniently situated between Sapporo Station and central Odori Park.  Nominated as a Structure of National Importance, it is nestled between tall modern buildings on all sides, but is still sought out by hundreds of visitors every day for that all-important souvenir photo.  Old Hokkaido Government Building Known as 'Akarenga' (meaning "red brick" in Japanese), this still-used public building serves as a reminder of Hokkaido's pioneer period and the foreign influences of the time. Built in 1888 on the site of the previous Kaitakushi (Hokkaido Development Commission) headquarters, the building was almost gutted by fire in 1909, but miraculously the red brick outer walls escaped almost undamaged and the building was restored back it its prime two years later.  The signature octagonal dome on the roof echoes a suggestion by American advisor Horace Capron, who spent four years in Hokkaido and, working with local Japanese, was pivotal in the development of the island.  These days, the building itself houses exhibitions and is open to the public to allow a glimpse of the wood-paneled interior that was home to Hokkaido's past administrations.  The beautiful gardens and ornamental pond in the grounds draw artists and photographers from far and wide, and are popular spots to relax under a shady tree during the hottest days of summer. Hokkaido Shrine This large Shinto shrine is set in heavily wooded grounds in a corner of leafy Maruyama Park to the west of the city center. One of Sapporo's most popular traditional Japanese-style structures, the shrine attracts almost half the city's population over the New Year period, braving sub-zero temperatures to attend customary festivities. Sapporo Sato Land Situated a subway ride from downtown Sapporo, towards the northeast, Sato Land is an urban farm and recreational park complete with a community 'Center House' building and access to a working dairy. In summer, visitors can enjoy picnics and personal barbeques under specially built shelters, or take pony rides and meet the horses, sheep, rabbits, and goats that inhabit the urban farm. Winter sees the vast expanse of land turn into a cross-country ski course, and the Center House holds regular workshops in the creation of local homemade delicacies throughout the year.  Sapporo Beer Garden & Museum The word beer has become synonymous with Sapporo, and a trip to both the Sapporo Beer Museum and a tour of the brewery gives an insight into the history of brewing in Sapporo since it began in 1876. The adjacent brick buildings of the former brewery now house a beer hall where the celebrated local beverage is complemented by a variety of Hokkaido delicacies including a popular Hokkaido traditional lamb barbeque called 'Jingisukan'. In winter, a visit is made all the more enjoyable by the chance to enjoy a selection of culinary delights in specially built igloos nestling in the snowy grounds.  Mt. Moiwa Situated to the southwest of the city center, the 531m summit of Mount Moiwa is accessible by a 5-minute cable car ride followed by a short-hop on a ski-lift. Despite being a modestly sized mountain, the proximity to the edge of the city means that a panoramic view of the whole area is visible from the viewing station at the top.  During the daytime, it's possible to see as far as the ocean and surrounding mountains to the north of Sapporo and Mt. Eniwa to the south. But Mt. Moiwa's real charm is revealed after dark when the lights of the city, home to nearly 2 million people, flicker below like a blanket encrusted with sparkling diamonds. Romantic, yet spectacular, Mt. Moiwa provides one of Hokkaido's most dramatic night time views. Susukino Considered one of the busiest nightlife districts anywhere in the world, Japan's Playground, Susukino, houses over 4,000 bars, restaurants, pubs, and clubs in an area of only about 12 city blocks. There really is something for everyone, with cuisine and prices to suit all tastes, from simple noodle shops to more sophisticated establishments that specialize in both local delicacies and international fare.  Plus of course plenty of opportunities to drink, dance and even sing the night away at a karaoke box. Hokkaido University Encompassing one of the largest and most beautiful campuses in Japan, Hokkaido University stretches north over a distance of over 1 kilometer from its southernmost boundary near Sapporo Station. As well as providing a genteel academic atmosphere, its avenue of poplar trees and scattering of historical buildings also act as a reminder of how agriculture and its development played a leading role in Hokkaido's past. A bust of Dr. William S. Clark, one of Sapporo's most prominent historical figures and source of the locally famous phrase, "Boys be ambitious", now synonymous with Hokkaido University, can be found in a corner of the park at the southern end of the campus. Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill An alternative option for getting a great look at the city, Hitsujigaoka provides a magnificent view of sprawling Sapporo from an area of highland to the southeast, although you may have to share your space with the many sheep that inhabit the surrounding fields. The scenery is enhanced by a quaint little chapel and the famous statue of Dr. William S. Clark. Sapporo's most famous forefather can be seen pointing towards the city with the inscription "Boys, be ambitious". Historical Village of Hokkaido 54 hectares of outdoor museum space contains around 60 lovingly restored buildings from the Meiji and Taisho eras in Hokkaido, brought back to their former glory. Split into 4 themed sections of town, fishing, farming, and mountain village, the museum accurately portrays what life and work was like for Hokkaido's pioneers. Inside the buildings, typical period furniture and costumes are displayed in such a way as to make the visit both educational and entertaining. Odori Park Originally built to prevent fires spreading between the northern and southern parts of the city, Odori Park now plays host to many of Sapporo's main festivals and events, including the vibrant Yosakoi Soran festival featuring over 40,000 dancers combining traditional and modern music and rhythms. The park is also one of two main sites for the world famous Sapporo Snow Festival with its huge frozen sculptures, and throughout much of winter shimmers with dazzling lights as part of the annual White Illuminations. In summer, an area the size of several city blocks is turned into a giant beer garden, providing cool respite from the warmer weather under the pleasant canopy of the park's many trees. In all, this 1.2 kilometer-long ribbon of lawns, flowerbeds, and fountains, as well as a children's play area and outdoor stage, provide residents and visitors alike with a greenbelt oasis of urban tranquillity. Winter Sports Museum Situated inside the grounds of the impressive Okurayama large ski jump hill, scene of numerous World Cup and Olympic events, the Winter Sports Museum pays tribute to the sports and competitors that have made Sapporo one of the top winter sports cities in the world. The popular virtual-reality ski jump enables novices to experience the thrill of wingless flight through modern technology and brings the world of winter sports to your fingertips, even in mid-August. Sapporo Art Park Established in 1986, Sapporo Art Park is set in a tranquil southern area of the city and consists of The Museum of Contemporary Art, The Sculpture Garden, various craft halls and studios, an outdoor stage, and artists' cottages. The grand concept of this admirable project is to bring art in all its forms closer to the community. In addition to the permanent exhibition of pieces set amongst the natural surroundings of the Sculpture Garden, and the Museum's regular exhibitions of works by world famous artists, the Art Park's craft studios also provide a chance for the general public to express their own artistic tendencies, with regular workshops in ceramics, cloisonné, and weaving, as well as glass, wood and silver crafts.  Botanical Gardens of the Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University Still located on the same ground, this was the site of Japan's first modern botanical gardens, which opened in 1886. About 4,000 species of vegetation unique to Hokkaido are preserved in its virgin woods. The dense cover of Japanese elm, beech and other giant trees makes it a true sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the central business district. You'll find a Jomon pit dwelling; a rock garden made of stones from around the world; the memorial hall of Dr. Kingo Miyabe who was the first director of the garden; the residence of John Batchelor; and the Natural History Museum of the Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, which was Sapporo's first modern museum of natural history, and the last Western-style structure built during the tenure of the Hokkaido Development Commission. Moerenuma Park Moerenuma Park sits in the city's green northern flatlands, and is an example of reclaimed land, formerly used as a waste treatment plant and landfill site.  Covering over 1.8 million square meters, it was created as part of a greenbelt initiative which planned for Sapporo to be enclosed by parks and natural recreation areas. The plan was conceived in 1988 by Isamu Noguchi, a world-famous sculptor who saw the entire park as one giant sculpture with many parts.  Noguchi passed away after completing the master plan, and construction continued for many years before the park was fully completed in 2005.  Famous for its huge glass pyramid, nicknamed "Hidamari" (meaning sunny spot in Japanese) the park features over 3,000 cherry trees, an artificially created mini-mountain, a canal, water fountains and even a manmade beach.  With over 150 items of playground equipment for children, and many exhilarating views and walking trails, there is something for everyone at Moerenuma.   Sapporo Convention Bureau For more information, please contact us at: TEL:+81-11-211-3675 FAX:+81-11-232-3833 E-mail : office@conventionsapporo.jp Copyright (C) 2005 Sapporo Convention Bureau All Rights Reserved.