Wooden cabins and old mansions create a diverse and intriguing open-air museum that shows how people lived on the island more than a century ago.
The Historical Village of Hokkaidō consists of about 60 buildings built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They provide fascinating insights into the different types of communities on the island of Hokkaidō during the Meiji and Taisho periods. Admire the traditional aesthetic of the buildings as you learn about the daily lives of Hokkaidō people back then.
Tour the four different sections of the museum. Make your way through the fishing village area to see how the local maritime community played a role in the development of the region. Step into the farm village to understand the agricultural tools and techniques that helped its residents to thrive. The mountain village section provides an intriguing look at how people adapted to life at higher altitudes, while the town area shows what it was like for people in a busy municipality.
Hokkaidō is Japan’s second-largest island and has a long and rich history. To learn more, study the exhibits of the Hokkaidō Museum, a 15-minute walk north of the open-air village exhibit. This site has a focus on such topics as the island’s history and wildlife, as well as the culture of the Ainu people. Admire the modern and elegant red façade as you approach the building.
The two complexes open daily from morning until late afternoon in summer, although the Hokkaidō Museum is closed on Mondays. The village is also closed Mondays from October to April. Pay for separate admission to either museum or buy a combination ticket that offers a discount to visit both.
Find the Historical Village of Hokkaidō in the eastern outskirts of Sapporo in the Atsubetsu ward. Ride a train from the city center to Shinrin Koen Station and catch a connecting bus to get here in less than 1 hour.
While you’re in this part of the city, be sure to visit nearby attractions such as Rakuno Gakuen University, Nopporo Forest Park and the Hokkaidō Centennial Memorial Tower.
