The Story of the Otomobori – The Manmade River The central axis of urban Sapporo
Infrastructure of the Otomobori in 1866 (Keio 2) ー The spirit of Kametaro and the prosperity of Sapporoki ー

Sosei River

Sosei River is about 14 kilometers long which starts from near Nakajima Park, flows through the downtown area, and ends near the border between Sapporo and Ishikari City.
It is said that the irrigation ditch excavated by Kametaro Otomo in the late Edo period for agricultural and domestic water supply was just the beginning.
Afterward, through changes in usage methods and routes, the channel became the river it is today. The original name of Otomobori was also renamed to Sosei River in 1874 (Meiji 7).

Sapporo City, Chuo Ward, Kita Ward, Higashi Ward.

The statue of Kametaro Otomo (located in Sosei River Park).

Kametaro Otomo, a pioneer of Sapporo City development.
This statue was erected in 1986 (Showa 61) to honor his achievements in creating the Otomobori, which later became the Sosei River.
The height of the statue is about 2.7 meters. It portrays Kametaro holding a telescope, supervising the excavation of the canal.
This statue, which watches over the Sosei River, was temporarily relocated, but was later returned to its current position with the completion of the Sosei River Park.

1 Chome Minami 1 Jonishi Chuo Ward, Sapporo (located in Sosei River Park)

Sosei Bridge

The history of the Sosei Bridge dates back to 1869 (Meiji 2).
It is said that at that time, it was just a simple structure of logs lined up and covered with boards.
Two years later, when the Otomobori was renovated, a bridge with a handrail was built and was named “Sosei Bridge” for the first time.
In 1910 (Meiji 43), it was replaced with a modern stone arch bridge.
The current Sosei Bridge was reconstructed based on the design of the original bridge of that time.

Sapporo City, Chuo Ward, South 1 West 1 to East 1-Chome.

Sosei River Park

This park was completed in 2011 (Heisei 23) along “Sosei River Street,” which divides the center of Sapporo city into east and west.
There is also a promenade that extends from West 4 to North 1.
In early summer, beautiful lilacs bloom and there are various artworks displayed, creating a fun atmosphere akin to an outdoor art expo!
There are also stairs that lead down to the water’s edge, making it a relaxing space for locals.

South 4 to North 1, West 1, Chuo Ward, Sapporo

Sapporo Village Shrine

The shrine was founded in 1899 (Meiji 32).
When the shrine was established in 1899 (Meiji 32), it was originally intended to be named “Sapporo Shrine”. but the name was already being used by the official Hokkaido Shrine, thus Sapporo Village Shrine was adopted instead.
The shrine worships the deities Okunitamanokami, Onamuchinokami, and Sukunahikonokami.

14-Chome-3-1 Kita 16 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo

Myokenzan Honryu-ji (Myoken-do)

In 1867 (Keio 3), Kametaro Otomo built it as a guardian shrine of the village within the precincts of Honryuji Temple.
The festival of Myoken-do, Myokensontaisai, has the oldest history among the temple festivals in Sapporo.
Today, a prayer meeting is held every July as a memorial service and festival.

15 Chome Kita 14 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo

Otomo Park

This park was created on the site of the model farm “Otesakuba” established by Kametaro Otomo in 1867 (Keio 3).
There is also a waterway that resembles the old Otomobori, which was dug to supply water to Otesakuba and flows into the Fushiko River.
There is a signage board in the park that provides easy-to-understand explanations of the history and importance of that time.

16 Chome Kita 13 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo

The Sapporo Village History Memorial Hall

It is a museum built on the site of Kametaro Otomo’s official residence, the founder of Sapporo’s development, and opened in 1977 (Showa 52).
The museum displays historical items such as old documents related to the former Sapporo village, farming tools, and household goods.
In the front yard, a monument has been erected in dedication of the area being the birthplace of onion cultivation in Japan.

16-Chome-2-6 Kita 13 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo

Viewing hours are from 10:00am to 4:00pm (last entry is at 3:30pm).

Closed on Mondays, the day after national holidays, and during the year-end and New Year holidays.

Historical items related to Sapporo Village and Kametaro Otomo

The statue of Kametaro Otomo (located in the front yard of the Sapporo Village History Memorial Hall).

Apple Monument

This monument is dedicated to the apple cultivation in the former Sapporo Village. It is located on private property and is not open to the public.

12 Chome Kita 11 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo

Daikakuji Temple

It was completed around 1917 (Taisho 6).
It is the first Soto Zen temple in the former Sapporo Village.
The main gate at the entrance, completed in 1920 (Taisho 9), is said to be the largest in Hokkaido. The upper floor of the temple serves as the Buddha altar room.
The arrangement of the outer gate, main gate, and main hall in a straight line follows the format of Zen temples.
It has also been chosen and listed as one of “Sapporo Furusato Culture 100 Selections”.

11-Chome-2-10 Kita 10 Johigashi, Higashi Ward, Sapporo

Motomura Road (diagonal street)

The road (Route 273) extends northeast from around North 7, East 3, East Ward.
It used to be called Ishikari Kaido or Barato Kaido, and was one of the main land arteries during the pioneering period.
There is a “history display board” in North 8, East 5, which explains the history and notable figures associated with the area.

North 7 to 10 – East 3 to 11, East Ward, Sapporo