Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill
Observation hill overlooking Sapporo —a unique common denominator shared by Hitsujigaoka and Dr. Clark
A statue of Dr. Clark, famous for the phrase, “Boys be ambitious!” stands atop Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill.The sight is recognized nationally for its panoramic views of downtown Sapporo and pastoral views of grazing sheep. The Observation Hill was originally a national research center, where sheep were kept. Before the war, it operated as the Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce Tsukisappu Sheep Farm and after the war, as Hokkaido Agricultural Experiment Station. After the war, however, the number of tourists increased so dramatically that it interfered with research. As a result, the Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill was built in one corner of the research center in 1959. Interestingly, the statue of Dr. Clark has a similar history. There used to be a bust of Dr. Clark on the Hokkaido University campus, but it too attracted too many tourists, and the current statue at Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill was built as a replacement in 1976, which marked the centennial of Dr. Clark’s arrival in Hokkaido.The observation hill offers commanding views of downtown Sapporo and on sunny days the view extends as far as Mt. Shokanbetsu in the distance beyond the Ishikari plain. Here, you will also find the Hitsujigaoka Rest House, which serves jingisukan featuring different types of meat, Sapporo Snow Festival Museum, where you can check out mock-ups of ice sculptures, Hitsujigaoka Footbath, where you can enjoy hot springs from across Hokkaido, and Austria House, which sells souvenirs and original soft serve ice cream flavors. Various events are also held throughout the four seasons, including sheep shearing, lavender picking, and gourmet events showcasing seasonal tastes.
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There’s a scattering of facilities that can be enjoyed in any season. The Sapporo Dome is one of the places that provides for a great view, with the statue of Dr. William S. Clark within sight. Aim for the best photo opportunity.
Hitsujigaoka Rest House
The specialty of the Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is Genghis Khan, a Japanese mutton barbecue dish. Adults can enjoy an all-you-can-eat plan for 100 minutes at ¥2,830, and an all-you-can-eat-and-drink plan for 100 minutes at ¥4,000. There are also deer Genghis Khan (¥1,858) and Hokkaido pork Genghis Khan (¥1,544) variations. Phone: 011-852-1271
Sapporo Snow Festival Museum
In 1950, 6 snow sculptures were created at the snow dumping ground at the Odori 7-chome public square—this would become the beginning of the snow festival. This museum lets you learn about the history that spans over half a century with many valuable materials stored there, such as the first hand-written poster. Entrance is free.
Hitsujigaoka Footbath
Circulated filtered hot water bath, which utilizes the antibacterial effects of the shells of scallops. Maximum occupancy of 12 persons, and the operating hours are from 9:00–17:30 (May to June, September), 9:00–18:30 (July, August), and from 10:00–16:00 (October to April). Usage is free of charge.
For Enjoying the Green Season!
The sheep that are raised at the Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill are sheared at the beginning of spring in preparation for the summer. The shearing work is done every year at the same time as the spring festival during Golden Week, and many Sapporo citizens and tourists come out to take a look at this unique working environment.
We recommend the month of July if you’re aiming for superb pictures of the purple flower garden. The attractive scenery within Sapporo city is unexpectedly vast, and tranquil.
Sheep Shearing
The sheep that are raised at the Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill are sheared at the beginning of spring in preparation for the summer. The shearing work is done every year at the same time as the spring festival during Golden Week, and many Sapporo citizens and tourists come out to take a look at this unique working environment.
Lavender Field
The back garden of Austrian House features a lavender field with approximately 1300 plants that bloom every year in July. The entire field is transformed into a carpet of purple, complete with the fragrance of lavender in the air. In mid July every year visitors have the chance to cut their very own lavender from the field. Each person is allowed to cut around 50 branches and take them home free of charge. This service ends once all the lavender has been cut.
Full of Autumn Flavors
An event is held using autumn seasonal ingredients. In September of this year, the “Nemuro/Kushiro Seafood Festival” was held, which gave people the chance to experience saury (Nemuro City), Senposhi Oyster (Kushiro Town), scallops (Kushiro Town), and other seasonal foods that are delivered directly from Nemuro and Kushiro, baked directly on the spot.
Note: Event content is subject to change.
Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill Snow Park 2020
Period: from January 10 to March 8 , 2020
Hours of Operation: 10:00–16:00 (final reception at 15:45)
But was concern also held postponed due to the influence of the small snow, because it has gotten the voice of many expectations from everyone of citizens and tourists looking forward to the Snow Park, hurriedly ordered the snow from Jozankei district, part of It will be open from attraction, but we kicked off at the dates of the planned!
Play with Snow in a Pure White Field!
We recommend the Snow Park for those who want to play with snow but don’t want to go all the way to the ski resort. In addition to the “new snow diving” corner, where you can roll around in the soft snow, and the “mini snowman building” corner, there are also igloos that adults can enter, providing for a casual snow-playing experience that everyone from small children to travelers unaccustomed to snow can enjoy. The winter landscape is beautiful the following day after a heavy snowfall, so why not head out a bit early?
Free Rentals for Easy Excursions!
For those who want to enjoy authentic winter activities, try taking on “tube sledding” where you sled down a hill on large tube, the “walking ski” of about 1 km, and the “snow strider” for kids from 2-5 years old, where boards are placed on bicycle tires and the kids move forward by kicking their feet on the ground. Equipment rentals and trials are all free of charge, for a wonderful day full of play. If you find yourself getting a bit chilly, head over to the Hitsujigaoka Footbath to warm up.
Walking Ski
Enjoy a walk using walking skis in the pure white field. Courses from 200 m (recommended for beginners) to 1 km are available, for enjoyment of the snow walk at your own personal level. The equipment can be rented free of charge, and the staff will help you put it on, so that beginners can also have a stress-free experience.
