Question 1

What events are held in winter?

Accepted Answer

From around January to March, Hitsujigaoka Snow Park offers snow activities such as tube sliding, cross-country skiing and making mini snowmen, a popular way to experience a Hokkaido winter. Please check the official website for dates.

Question 2

Can I bring a pet?

Accepted Answer

Pets are not permitted, as stated on the official website. If there is no pet boarding facility nearby, please make arrangements in advance.

Question 3

What can I see at the Sapporo Snow Festival Museum?

Accepted Answer

The Sapporo Snow Festival Museum presents the more than half a century of festival history and how the snow sculptures are made, through panels and displays. It is popular as a way to get a feel for the festival outside the season.

Question 4

How long should I allow?

Accepted Answer

The grounds are fairly compact and flat, so allow 1-2 hours for the Clark statue, the Snow Festival Museum and a walk by the pasture. Adding a meal at the restaurant or a seasonal event makes it about half a day.

Question 5

Is there an annual pass?

Accepted Answer

Yes, an entry passport is sold at 800 yen (valid until 31 March 2027), allowing unlimited entry within that period. It is good value for anyone visiting several times a year or staying in the area for a long period.

Question 6

What are the admission fee and opening hours?

Accepted Answer

Admission is 1,000 yen for adults, 500 yen for elementary and junior high school students, and free for pre-school children. Sapporo residents pay 500 yen for adults, with elementary and junior high school students free (ID required). Opening hours are 9:00-17:00 from October to May (last admission 16:45) and 9:00-18:00 from June to September (last admission 17:45).

Question 7

Can I see the sheep all year round?

Accepted Answer

Sheep graze in the pasture through the warmer months from summer into autumn, where you can watch them feeding at leisure. In winter the pasture is under snow, so the season for seeing them is limited. Please check the official website before visiting.

Question 8

Where is the statue of Dr Clark?

Accepted Answer

The bronze statue of Dr Clark stands on the hill within the grounds and was erected in 1976. His right arm is raised to point to eternal truth, and the statue is a famous photo spot along with the words Boys, be ambitious. The grounds are fairly flat and easy to walk around.

Question 9

What is the view from the observatory?

Accepted Answer

From the hill you can see central Sapporo and the Ishikari plain, and on a clear day as far as Mount Teine and Mount Yotei. In the foreground are the wide pastures and grazing sheep, an open, distinctly Hokkaido landscape that hardly feels like a major city.

Question 10

Are there places to eat?

Accepted Answer

There is a restaurant in the grounds, popular for Hokkaido's famous jingisukan lamb and rich soft-serve ice cream made with Hokkaido milk, which you can enjoy while taking photographs with the Clark statue.

Question 11

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

There is a car park within the grounds of the observatory, so coming by car is convenient. By public transport it is about 10 minutes by bus from Fukuzumi Station on the subway Toho Line.

Question 12

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Adults 1,000 yen, elementary and junior high school students 500 yen, pre-school children free (Sapporo residents: adults 500 yen, elementary and junior high school students free).

Question 13

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

1 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido

Question 14

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

Question 15

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

Not stated on the official website (we recommend checking in advance, as there may be seasonal closures).

Question 16

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

October to May 9:00-17:00 (last admission 16:45); June to September 9:00-18:00 (last admission 17:45).

Question 17

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 10 minutes by bus from exit 1 of Fukuzumi Station on the subway Toho Line. About 30 minutes by car from central Sapporo.

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