ABOUT
About this spot
The Sapporo Clock Tower is a two-story wooden building in Chuo Ward, Sapporo. Its official name is the Former Sapporo Agricultural College Drill Hall. It was designated an Important Cultural Property in 1970 and is regarded as the oldest clock tower in Japan. Although it is now surrounded by tall buildings, the white building with a large clock above its gable is a familiar symbol of Sapporo. The hall was completed in October 1878 for the Sapporo Agricultural College. It was proposed by the first vice-principal, William S. Clark, planned by his successor William Wheeler, and designed and supervised by the Hokkaido Development Commission. The Howard four-faced clock was installed in August 1881. Its dial is about 1.67 m across and the weights still have to be wound by hand about every four days. After the college moved to the present site of Hokkaido University, the building was bought by the city and moved here in 1906. It served as a library from 1911 to 1966, and in 1966 the city council decided to preserve it permanently at this location. Inside, the first floor has exhibits on the building's history, and the second floor is a hall used for concerts. Allow about 30 minutes. The Sapporo TV Tower is about 280 m away and the Former Hokkaido Government Office about 500 m. A renovation closure is planned around fiscal 2028, so check the latest information before you visit.
Last updated October 23, 2026