Hokkaido University is not only an educational institution but also a popular sightseeing spot for travelers. As one of Japan’s national universities, it is a member of the National Seven Universities, renowned for excellence in higher education and research. Hokkaido University, often called ‘Hokudai’ (北大), is conveniently located just north of Sapporo Station, a mere 5-minute walk away. The campus extends approximately 2.4 kilometers northward and is considered one of Japan’s top universities.
During the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the marathon race passed through the campus three times, making it an exciting venue for spectators.
See this article: Where to look at Marathon and Race Walk in Sapporo of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Game
Hokkaido University was originally founded in 1876 as Sapporo Agricultural College by William S. Clark. In 1907, Tohoku Imperial University established its Faculty of Agriculture in Sapporo, which later became Sapporo Agricultural College. On April 1, 1918, it was designated as the fifth Imperial University. The School of Medicine was established in 1919, at which time the Agricultural College became the Faculty of Agriculture. This was followed by the establishment of the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Science, and finally, in 1947, the Faculty of Law and Literature. The university adopted its current name, Hokkaido University, in 1947. In 1953, the Graduate School was established.
When the first president, William S. Clark, left Sapporo Agricultural College to return to the United States, he famously said to his students, “Boys, be ambitious” while riding his horse. This phrase remains a key educational philosophy of Hokkaido University.
Another statue of William S. Clark can be found at the Hitsujigaoka Observatory Hill.
See this article about Hitsujigaoka:
- A Vast Expanse of Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, Sapporo
- Hitsujigaoka Snow Park, Winter Activities and Events in Hitsujigaoka, Sapporo
Access
5 minutes from Sapporo Station
Parking
- No parking in the university
- You can park below.
- 100 yen per 30 min (7:00-19:00), max fee 1,000 yen per day
- 100 yen per 60 min (19:00-7:00), max fee 400 yen per day
Other reasonable parking around Sapporo station area.
See this article: Where to Park My Car in Sapporo Station Area, 12 reasonable parkings
Place to visit
- Hokkaido University Information Center “Elm no Mori” (Left side building at the main gate)
- Clark Memorial Student Center Clark Shokudo (cafeteria) — you can have a meal reasonably. see more information for University dining
- The Hokkaido University Museum — worth visiting, some fossil of dinosaur is here.
- Model Barn — historical place and worth visiting
- Library Faculty House Trillium — events and exhibition see Sapporo Campus Map by Google
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