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Curious about visiting Hokkaido University in Sapporo? We share our experience exploring its historic grounds, famous landmarks, and serene avenues. Decide if it's a must-add to your 2026 Hokkaido adventure!
On my latest trip to Sapporo, one of the places I decided to check out was Hokkaido University. I have a bit of a quirky habit: if there’s a university near a travel destination, I often find myself wandering through its campus. Honestly, it’s not always groundbreaking, but there’s a certain charm to exploring these academic spaces. I even did it in Da Lat, Vietnam!
And it turns out, I’m not alone in this peculiar travel preference.
Now, I wouldn’t put Hokkaido University on a 'must-see' list for everyone visiting Northern Japan. But, if you have some extra time or share my love for campus strolls, it’s definitely worth considering for a unique experience.
The campus has a very distinct atmosphere. When I visited, it wasn't overly crowded, offering a peaceful escape from the city bustle.
As you venture deeper into the grounds, you'll eventually come across something rather famous:
Boys, be ambitious!
- William Smith Clark
This iconic quote is associated with the bust of William S. Clark, the first vice-president of Sapporo Agricultural College, the predecessor to Hokkaido University. He’s arguably more famous for this inspiring motto than his official title!
It's pretty easy to spot the tourists here – they're the ones snapping photos with the bust, while the students just casually walk by!
Further on, you’ll find a pond, which was completely frozen during my winter visit. I’ve seen pictures of it in other seasons, and it looks quite lovely with the water flowing or surrounded by lush greenery.
And yes, even in Hokkaido, the land of abundant snow, I spotted students making those adorable snow ducks! Two students were diligently crafting them, adding a touch of playful creativity to the snowy landscape.
I have a hunch they might be engineering students, simply because the building behind them looked like an engineering faculty building. But hey, I could be wrong!
I made a mental note to capture their finished masterpieces on my way back.
My next destination within Hokkaido University was the famous Heisei Poplar Avenue.
📍 Japan 〒001-0016 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Kita Ward, Kita 16 Jonishi 13 Chome
However, the timing of my visit wasn't ideal. The trees weren’t in full leaf, and much of the snow had already melted. So, it wasn't quite as picturesque as I had imagined it would be in its prime.
Upon arrival, it was exactly as expected – beautiful, but I could tell it would be even more stunning with vibrant green leaves. Despite my slight disappointment, it was incredibly peaceful, with hardly anyone around. I did spot one photographer, meticulously capturing the scenery from various angles.
Exploring these areas took me a little over an hour. If you include the walk back, it was probably around 90 minutes. I tend to move pretty quickly, so if you prefer a more leisurely pace, I’d recommend setting aside 2-3 hours to fully soak it all in.
While there's a cafeteria in the central part of the university where you could grab a bite, I opted to explore other dining options. Sapporo is renowned for its delicious soup curry, and there are plenty of fantastic restaurants nearby that I wanted to try instead.
And just as I promised, here are the adorable finished snow ducks from earlier! I was quite surprised to see students making these, as I thought snow was so common in Hokkaido that they wouldn't bother. It just goes to show, a little bit of childlike wonder can be found anywhere.
As I exited the main gate of Hokkaido University, I took one last look. While it might not offer grand, flashy attractions, if you’re like me and enjoy visiting university campuses as part of your travels, then Hokkaido University is certainly a worthwhile stop in Sapporo. It’s a quiet, reflective experience that offers a glimpse into local student life and history.
Yes, once you enter the campus, you will find a bust of William S. Clark, who served as the first president of Hokkaido University. He is well-known for his famous quote, 'Boys, be ambitious!'
At the time the article was written, it wasn't the season for lush leaves, and much of the snow had melted. While it might not have met expectations, it was reportedly quiet and peaceful due to the lack of crowds.
According to the article, a quick tour of the campus takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. If you take your time and explore leisurely, you can expect it to take around 2 to 3 hours.
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