Visitor Attractions The Clock Tower Like Singapore's Merlion and Copenhagen's Little Mermaid, Sapporo's Clock Tower has a lot to live up to. Built in 1878 as a drill hall for the Sapporo Agricultural College, which went on to become Hokkaido University, it is now known throughout Japan as the symbol of Sapporo. Nominated as a Structure of National Importance, it is somewhat overshadowed by the tall modern structures that surround it, but the charm of the American-style building still manages to attract hundreds, maybe thousands of visitors a day.  Old Hokkaido Government Building "Red Brick" Akarenga, or red bricks, serves as a reminder of Hokkaido's pioneer period and the foreign influences of the time. Built in 1888, this grand edifice was based on the old Massachusetts State House and is situated alongside a shady garden and pond that provide the perfect place for a cool respite during hot summer days. The building itself houses exhibitions of photographs of other old state buildings from around the world, and is open to allow the public a glimpse of the wood-paneled interior that was home to Hokkaido's past administrations. Hokkaido Shrine A large Shinto shrine is set in heavily wooded grounds in the corner of Maruyama Park to the west of the city center. One of Sapporo's few 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 short way from the city center towards the northeast, Sato Land is an urban farm cum park complete with a community Center House and access to a working dairy. In summer, visitors can enjoy picnics and barbeques under specially built shelters with grills provided, 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 local homemade delicacies throughout the year.  Sapporo Beer Garden & Museum The word beer has become synonymous with Sapporo, and a trip to the Sapporo Beer Museum plus a tour of the brewery gives an insight into the history of brewing in Sapporo since it began in 1876. The adjoining brick buildings of the former brewery now house a beer hall where the local brew is complemented by a variety of Hokkaido delicacies including the popular lamb barbeques named after the Mongolian warrior Genghis Khan. In winter, a visit is made all the more enjoyable with a chance to enjoy the culinary delights in one of the igloos specially built in the grounds.  Mt. Moiwa Situated to the southwest of the city center is the 531m peak of Mt. Moiwa, the summit of which is accessible by a 5-minute cable car ride followed by a 3-minute ski-lift ride. From here, during the daytime, it's possible to see as far as the ocean and surrounding mountains north of the city and Mt. Eniwa to the south. But Mt. Moiwa's real charm is revealed after dark when the lights of Sapporo, home to 1.8 million people, flicker below like sparkling diamonds in a huge jewelry box. Romantic, yet spectacular, Mt. Moiwa provides one of Hokkaido's best nighttime views. Susukino Sapporo's nocturnal quarter houses over 4,000 bars, restaurants, pubs, and clubs in an area of only 1 square kilometer. There 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. Hokkaido University One of the largest campuses in Japan, Hokkaido University stretches over 1 km north from its southernmost boundary near Sapporo Station's north exit. As well as providing a suitable 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 leading forefathers and source of the famous "Boys be ambitious" saying now synonymous with Hokkaido University, can be found in a corner of the park at the southern end of the campus. Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill Somewhat overshadowed by the hi-tech Sapporo Dome Sports Stadium nearby, Hitsujigaoka provides a sprawling view of Sapporo from an area of highland inhabited by sheep in the southeast of the city. 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 actual buildings from the Meiji and Taisho eras in Hokkaido, beautifully restored to their former glory. Split into 4 sections of town, fishing village, farming village, and mountain village, the concept is to show the actual working and living conditions of 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 some of Sapporo's main festivals and events, including the Yosakoi soran Festival and the Beer Garden in summer, as well as the Snow Festival and White Illumination in winter. The 1200 meter-long stretch 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 tranquility. Winter Sports Museum Situated inside the grounds of the impressive Okurayama large hill, scene of various World Cup and Olympic victories, the Winter Sports Museum plays 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, while other modern technology brings the world of winter sport to your fingertips, even in mid-August. Sapporo Art Park Established in 1986, Sapporo Art Park in the southern suburbs of the city 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 of Contemporary Art'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, cloisonne, and weaving, as well as glass, wood and silver crafts.  Botanical Gardens of the Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University Opened in 1886, this is Japan's first modern botanical gardens. 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 the only truly tranquil place in 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 in the tenure of the Hokkaido Development Commission. Moerenuma Park Moerenuma Park was designed as a central park in the city's green northern flatlands, under the Greenbelt Concept. This concept plans for Sapporo to be enclosed by parks and greenbelts. The plan was conceived in 1988 by Isamu Noguchi, a world-famous sculptor and designer of gardens. Reclamation work has been moving forward steadily under a large-scale concept whereby the entire park is viewed as a single sculpture. As of FY 1999, 70 percent of the park's facilities have been completed, including "Sakura-no-Mori" (cherry woods), where more than 80 playground installations stand; "Moere Beach," a water playground; "Play Mountain," which affords a panoramic view; tennis courts; and an athletic stadium. The rest of the facilities will be completed by FY 2004.   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.