Feel 150 Years of History: 12 Iconic & Exotic Hokkaido Landmarks

The Majestic former Hokkaido Government office constructed in 1888 also earned the nickname the red brick office for nearly 80 years. A new office was built and the government offices moved later. Visit this majestic lady located close to the Sapporo station, and witness the lovely gardens full of blooms to feast your eyes as enjoyed by visitors from hotels in Hokkaido Japan.

Situated in the centre of Sapporo, close to Odori Park, this clock tower made of wood was constructed in 1878 and is considered the oldest clock tower in Japan. Dr John Clark, the vice principal of the Sapporo School of Agriculture, came up with the idea of erecting this clock tower at the drill hall for students which was also used for ceremonies. It remains a popular tourist attraction.

Allowing small ships to transport goods to warehouses, Otaru Canal, built in 1923, beckons visitors to admire the beauty and the atmosphere although it is not used for the same purpose now. The canal was restored with care and the warehouses were turned into museums and shops making it a place to rekindle the glorious past of Otaru as enjoyed by guests at Grand Park Otaru.

Situated at Nakajima Park, Sapporo this is a western-styled building built in 1880 in Odori as a hotel and later moved to Nakajima Park in 1958. Currently, it is designated as an important national cultural property and is open to the public for viewing and is used for weddings and concerts.

Started in 1872 and situated in proximity to the Odori subway station, Akino Sohonten is the oldest pharmacy in Sapporo. The existing building with a sloping gabled roof was done at the dawn of the 20th century in 1901 with the storehouse completed in stone.

This is a gracious building with five connecting arches not only making it stand out but also being symbolic of the glorious past of Otaru as the esteemed economic city in northern Japan. The interior complements the exterior with its fine architecture. A great place to visit to have a feel of the regal past.

This older section of Hakodate near the canal is worth exploring. The prosperous warehouse business in the early 19th century evolved with the city at that time. With no warehousing required as it was in the past, all these have been repurposed as shops, restaurants and museums making it a very lively area.

Constructed in 1923 for the storage of soybeans, the western-styled structure was re-purposed as an Otaru Art Base and showcases a Stained Glass Museum using fine stained glass being crafted in England. This is a beautiful place to visit for lovers of artistic things in addition to the historical value.

Designated as an important cultural property at present this church was founded in 1858 by the Russian Consulate and the current structure was built in 1916 using western-styled architecture.

Designated as an important cultural property, this is a noteworthy building with a magnificent main hall and spacious rooms made for special guests like the imperial family who stayed at this historical place on a visit to Hakodate.

Built originally as the Kanemori Western Goods Store in 1880, the structure has been restored and made open to the public as a unique location for archives and designated by Hokkaido as a tangible cultural property.

Abashiri was opened in 1890 near the Abashiri River to the east of Mount Tento. Home to inmates serving sentences of less than 10 years, the older parts of this prison were moved to the base of Mount Tento in 1983, Now open to the public as a Prison Museum.