When it comes to must-see tourist attractions in Sapporo, the top two are the Sapporo Clock Tower and Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill.

Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, in particular, is located south of Sapporo and is famous as the first spot tourists visiting from Chitose Airport go. Because it's such a popular spot, there's a wealth of information available. So much information that you might get lost!

With so much information available, you might be feeling overwhelmed. Therefore, this time, we'll introduce the charms of Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill. We hope this will be helpful as you begin your Sapporo sightseeing.

<Contents>
1. What is Hitsujigaoka Observation Deck?
2. Highlights of Hitsujigaoka Observation Deck
3. Restaurants and rest spots at Hitsujigaoka Observation Deck
4. Access and Basic Information to Hitsujigaoka Observation Deck

One tourist spot that can be reached with a light trek from Sapporo Dome is "Hitsujigaoka Observation Deck." Vast farmlands spread out at the foot of the hill.

That's no surprise, as the Hitsujigaoka Observation Deck originally began as part of an agricultural research station. Since its opening in 1959 (Showa 34), the facility, centered around the observation deck built in a corner of the Hokkaido Agricultural Research Station, has grown into a famous tourist spot that every visitor to Sapporo should visit at least once.
Originally, Sapporo Dome was also located on the site of this agricultural research station, and since it is a place that will never be sold off to private companies, it has maintained the same landscape since its establishment.

Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill has been watching Sapporo's growth during the period of rapid economic growth from the south, together with tourists.

You can enjoy the scenery of Hitsujigaoka throughout all four seasons.

Open 365 days a year. Its charm lies in the fact that you can enjoy all four seasons without distinction: the winter scenery of bare trees stretching straight towards the sky, the spring when the fresh green leaves spread day by day amid the white of the remaining snow, the vibrant deep green of summer that unfolds before your eyes, and the beautiful blue of the clear sky as it transitions into the warm colors of autumn in September and October.

Hitsujigaoka Observation Deck is always welcoming and open to travelers.

Since it's not at a particularly high altitude, the temperature isn't much different from that of downtown Sapporo. I think it's a spot that even people who don't like the cold can easily enjoy.

The name "Hitsujigaoka" (Sheep Hill) might lead you to expect large flocks of sheep. However, this isn't a tourist farm, but rather part of an agricultural research station, so you won't see herds of sheep very often.

The sheep's well-being and environment are always our top priority. We operate on a style where people adapt to the sheep's daily routine. However, this is also the true nature of a farm, and it allows you to experience Hokkaido in its purest form.

Putting aside the interaction with animals for now, let's start with a commemorative photo in front of the Clark statue, which rivals the Clock Tower in popularity in Sapporo.

Dr. Clark, an American, took up the position of headmaster at Sapporo Agricultural College in July 1876 (Meiji 9), at the fervent request of the Japanese government. He stayed in Sapporo for eight months, and his famous farewell speech to the students in Shimamatsu, in what is now Kitahiroshima City, "Boys, be ambitious!", is well-known.

I believe these words ignited a spark in the hearts of the pioneers of Hokkaido, a region that was far from prosperous. And today, they are words that even elementary school students in Hokkaido know.

As you feel that spirit, the first thing that unfolds before you from the observation deck is a vast green space, and if the timing is right, you can watch sheep leisurely grazing. Beyond that lies the city of Sapporo.

To the right stands the gleaming silver Sapporo Dome. The view of the Sapporo Station area, with its towering buildings and the distant mountain range, is truly breathtaking. You can really feel that this is the gateway to Sapporo.

After that, let's visit the Sapporo Snow Festival Museum.

The Sapporo Snow Festival began in 1950 with six snow sculptures erected in the 7th Avenue plaza of Odori Park. This exhibit compactly presents over 6 years of history through panels, photographs, and snow sculpture models. It clearly explains that the Snow Festival was a symbol of Sapporo's post-war recovery and development.

One of the first things that surprises people when they come to Sapporo is the shape of ordinary houses.

The gable roofs, designed to allow snow to easily slide off, are said to have a charming appearance. The Austrian Pavilion at Hitsujigaoka Observation Deck and the adjacent Hitsujigaoka Rest House are also gable-roofed buildings typical of Hokkaido. The open-air Austrian Pavilion has a souvenir shop on the second floor and is popular with tourists.

The adorable sheep plush toys are especially popular with children. Once you pick one up, you won't want to let go because of its wonderful texture.

In addition, the Blanc Birch Chapel, a wedding venue, boasts a beautiful garden and a stunningly symmetrical exterior, creating a truly beautiful setting.

It enjoys high ratings from visitors, and it's not uncommon to see happy newlywed couples walking around Hitsujigaoka Observation Deck receiving congratulatory applause from tourists. It's not a place you see once and then forget about; it's a place loved by locals, and one that visitors will want to return to if they have the chance. That's Hitsujigaoka Observation Deck.

Hitsujigaoka Cafe Miyata-ya ANNEX

Sapporo is a city with many coffee shops dedicated to the pure enjoyment of coffee.

Many long-established coffee shops are deeply rooted in the local community, starting with their own roasting process and emphasizing freshly ground and freshly brewed coffee. Miyata-ya Coffee Shop is one such example.
That branch is located in the Austrian Pavilion at Hitsujigaoka Observation Deck. The fragrant coffee is sure to soothe your journey to Sapporo. It's a space where you can take a breather.

Basic Information (Miyata-ya Cafe/Shop Opening Hours)
July-September 8:30-18:00
July-September 8:30-19:00
October to April 9:00 to 17:00

Hitsujigaoka Observation Deck Rest House

When it comes to Hokkaido's soul food, it's Jingisukan (grilled lamb). You can easily enjoy plenty of it at the rest house located inside the observation deck.

The spacious interior, designed to accommodate large groups, exudes a distinctly Hokkaido atmosphere. The use of natural light and materials throughout the restaurant avoids the cheap feel often associated with tourist facilities, making it a comfortable place to enjoy a meal and conversation.

It's not just because it's in Hitsujigaoka, but they offer all-you-can-eat Genghis Khan (grilled lamb). They also have a great selection of classic Western dishes. And with soft-serve ice cream to finish off (available only in summer), it's a restaurant everyone can enjoy.

Basic Information and Opening Hours (Hitsujigaoka Observation Deck Rest House)
May/June: 10:30-17:00
October to April: 10:30 to 19:00
October to April: 10:30 to 15:00
*Last orders are taken 30 minutes before closing.

Austrian House Hitsujigaoka Original Soft Serve Ice Cream

For those looking for a more casual break, we recommend the takeaway corner at the Austrian Pavilion or purchasing their original soft-serve ice cream. If the wind is chilly, you can relax in the rest area inside the pavilion; if the weather is pleasant, you can enjoy it outside—there are many ways to enjoy yourself.

Among them, we recommend the original soft serve ice cream. Enjoy the rich flavor that can only be tasted here at Hitsujigaoka Observation Deck. The flavors are rich vanilla and Yubari melon, which has a perfect balance of sweetness and aroma.

And then there's the Hokkaido original, a hidden gem known only to those in the know: haskap berries. Their aroma and tartness, cultivated in the northern lands, create a crisp flavor that's so addictive, it's no wonder some people become hooked.

From New Chitose Airport, take National Route 36, turn left at the Sapporo Dome intersection, and it's about a 5-minute drive.

The route via Hitsujigaoka-dori is more comfortable as it has less traffic and fewer traffic lights. Since this route also involves a left turn, it's advisable to stay in the leftmost of the three lanes. Because traffic moves faster than on the national highway, changing lanes may take longer.

Alternatively, you can take the Chuo Bus Fuku 84 (Hitsujigaoka Line) from Fukuzumi Subway Station, which runs approximately every 20 minutes. Or, from Sapporo Station, take the Chuo Bus 89 (Hitsujigaoka Line, via Hiragishi Subway Station), which runs approximately every hour.

This service operates only during the summer season, from April 1st to November 30th. In addition, there are many regular sightseeing buses operating during the summer, allowing you to enjoy the area according to your available time. If you're focusing solely on Hitsujigaoka, public transportation is recommended. However, if you want to enjoy Sapporo in a full day, including other tourist spots, a regular sightseeing bus is a better option.

Afterword

So, what did you think? Hitsujigaoka is a beloved symbol of Sapporo among many citizens. It's not a place with steep slopes; rather, it's a spot where gentle, leisurely paths continue, offering a very relaxed and expansive landscape.

It may be a place that perfectly reflects the open and welcoming spirit of the people of Hokkaido, who readily accept visitors. It is precisely because of this relaxed and enriching environment that it has so many repeat visitors.

I highly recommend visiting at least once, when you're feeling light and carefree, as if you're being caressed by the wind.

Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Deck Basic Information
Address: 1 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo City
Hours:
May/June 8:30-18:00
July-September 8:30-19:00
October to April 9:00 to 17:00
No regular holiday
Parking: Available (free)
Price: Adult 520 Yen, Child 300 Yen
Telephone number: 011-851-3080
http://www.hitsujigaoka.jp/

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