Historical Village of Hokkaido (Kaitaku no Mura) Sapporo
Step back in time at this open-air museum showcasing 19th-century Hokkaido life with over 60 traditional buildings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Experience horse-drawn carriage rides
Historical Village of Hokkaido (Kaitaku no Mura) Sapporo
Best Time
Experience horse-drawn carriage rides
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at this open-air museum showcasing 19th-century Hokkaido life with over 60 traditional buildings.
"This place evoked that very sense of wonder and magic and yet it was so sparsely populated."
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Get a combined ticket for the village and Hokkaido Museum for 1400 yen.
👟 Shoe Removal Comfort
Be prepared to remove shoes inside many buildings; warm socks are a good idea.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Meiji & Taisho Era Architecture
Across the village
Step back in time through over 60 meticulously preserved buildings from Hokkaido's early development.
Interactive Building Experiences
Various workshops and homes
Walk inside historical structures like police boxes, breweries, and fishing huts to see period tools and settings.
Winter Snowscape Magic
Entire village
Experience the village's charm amplified by a blanket of snow, creating a truly picturesque and magical atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Season
Allocate Your Time Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Get a combined ticket for the village and Hokkaido Museum for 1400 yen.
👟 Shoe Removal Comfort
Be prepared to remove shoes inside many buildings; warm socks are a good idea.
Towns to visit for a solo traveller in March?
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Pace
Allow at least 2.5 hours to see all the buildings and exhibits.
🚌 Bus Schedule Awareness
Buses run every half hour, so plan your transport accordingly.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Combo Ticket Value
Get a combined ticket for the village and Hokkaido Museum for 1400 yen.
👟 Shoe Removal Comfort
Be prepared to remove shoes inside many buildings; warm socks are a good idea.
🚶♀️ Explore at Your Pace
Allow at least 2.5 hours to see all the buildings and exhibits.
🚌 Bus Schedule Awareness
Buses run every half hour, so plan your transport accordingly.
🗣️ Engage with Guides
Volunteer guides can make your visit more interactive and informative.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Historical Village of Hokkaido for its immersive historical experience and picturesque scenery, especially in winter. The chance to explore authentic 19th-century buildings is a major draw, offering a tangible connection to Hokkaido's past. While some find the cold challenging and the bus schedule requires planning, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many recommending it as a must-visit for its unique charm and educational value.
"Definitely worth the 1000 yen entrance fee! Took our time and saw every dispaly buildings in every village and town. Whole tour of place took roughly 2 1/2 hours.
Highly recommend!!"
DT
"If one likes history, this village showcases different types of buildings (such as post office, professional photo studio, wine manufacturer, etc.) about 150 plus years ago. One can walk in and "relive" their lives. This can also he fun for the kids."
Jeffrey Lau 樓一飛
"My husband and I greatly enjoyed visiting the Historical Village in December 2024. It was quite cold, but the old buildings were made so more magical by the snow. Please note it is quite big, and can take a full day to visit.
It is 1000円 to visit or you can get a combined ticket for the Hokkaido museum (a 10 minute walk down the road) for 1400円; we chose the latter. There are maps with descriptions available in English and many other languages. There are 4 sections with about 60 buildings total : a town, fishing village, farm village and a mountain village with a collection of buildings from all over Hokkaido dating from the Meiji and Taisho Periods (1868 to 1926).
The small hiking trail to the mountain village from the farm village is closed in winter, but you can take a small shortcut through the shrine to get back to the town, and you can still visit all the buildings. The toilets are heated. You can go inside the buildings, but for some of them you have to take off your shoes to see more.
Our favorite buildings were the police box, sleigh factory, sake brewery, herring fishing structures, silkworm house, and dairy farm. I enjoyed seeing the specialized equipment for these industries, such as the machines for sorting male/female silkworm cocoons (these labels/explanations are Japanese only).
The volunteer guide in the herring fishing structure made the visit so interesting, interactive, and was able to adjust his Japanese to my abilities.
There is a great restaurant on site with Hokkaido specialties for lunch. The horse-drawn carriage only operates in the winter (Dec-March) on weekends, holidays, and during the snow festival, so we could not try it. The buses only stop by every half hour so plan accordingly."
Sarah Hasselman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Historical Village of Hokkaido (Kaitaku no Mura) is accessible by public transport. You can take a bus from Sapporo Station, typically routes 111 or 88, which stop near the village. The journey takes approximately 40-50 minutes. Some visitors also opt for tours or private car services for convenience, especially if traveling with family.
Yes, it's quite manageable to visit Kaitaku no Mura using public transportation. Buses are the primary method, and while they may not run extremely frequently, planning around their schedule is feasible.
The main transportation options are public buses from Sapporo Station. For those seeking more convenience or privacy, booking a private car or joining a tour are also viable choices.
Absolutely! The Historical Village of Hokkaido is a popular day trip destination from Sapporo, easily reachable by bus within an hour.
Yes, tours are available and can simplify transportation and logistics. Platforms like Klook offer tour options, sometimes with discount codes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for the Historical Village of Hokkaido is 1000 yen. You can also purchase a combined ticket with the Hokkaido Museum for 1400 yen, offering great value.
While not always advertised, some platforms like Agoda may offer cheaper tickets, though booking in advance is usually required.
The opening hours can vary by season. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information, especially regarding winter hours and any potential closures.
Yes, tickets can often be purchased online in advance through various platforms, sometimes offering better prices or guaranteeing entry.
Indeed, a combined ticket is available for the Historical Village of Hokkaido and the nearby Hokkaido Museum, costing 1400 yen.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend around 2.5 hours exploring the village, but you could easily spend a full day if you wish to delve deeper into each building and exhibit.
The village features about 60 buildings across four sections: a town, fishing village, farm village, and mountain village, showcasing architecture from the Meiji and Taisho periods.
You can walk inside many of the buildings, but for some, you'll need to remove your shoes. Heated toilets are available, and maps with English descriptions are provided.
Yes, it can be fun for kids as they can walk into the buildings and imagine life from over 150 years ago.
Visitors often highlight the police box, sleigh factory, sake brewery, herring fishing structures, silkworm house, and dairy farm as particularly interesting.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant on-site that serves Hokkaido specialties for lunch, making it convenient to refuel during your visit.
The restaurant offers local Hokkaido specialties, providing an opportunity to taste regional cuisine while visiting the historical site.
While there are dining options within the village, the surrounding area might have limited choices, so eating at the on-site restaurant is often recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire village offers numerous photo opportunities, especially in winter with the snow. Look for charming street scenes, traditional building exteriors, and any unique architectural details.
Photography is generally allowed inside the buildings, but it's always good to be mindful of any posted signs or staff instructions.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for exterior shots. However, the village's charm is present throughout the day, and winter snow scenes are magical at any time.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more comfortable, consider bringing snacks and drinks, although there is an on-site restaurant. Dress children in warm layers for the outdoor exploration, and ensure they have comfortable, easy-to-remove footwear for entering buildings. The open space allows kids to move around, and the interactive nature of exploring the old homes can be very engaging.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Public transport is a viable option for reaching the village, making it accessible without a car. Engaging with volunteer guides can add a personal touch to the visit, offering insights and conversation. The opportunity to walk through the buildings and imagine the lives of past inhabitants offers a unique sense of discovery, even when traveling alone.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Winter, in particular, provides a stunning canvas with snow-covered roofs and pathways, creating a magical atmosphere. Look for charming street views, detailed architectural elements, and the interplay of light and shadow. Visiting during the golden hours can enhance the mood of your shots. Remember to be respectful when photographing interiors and any personal items left within the buildings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Hokkaido's Past
Visitors can step inside over 60 buildings, offering a tangible connection to the past. These structures range from humble farmhouses and bustling commercial establishments like post offices and photo studios, to specialized facilities such as sake breweries, police boxes, and even silkworm houses. The attention to detail within these buildings, often furnished with period tools and equipment, allows for an immersive experience. Many visitors find the herring fishing structures and the sleigh factory particularly fascinating due to their unique industrial significance.
The village is designed to be explored on foot, allowing for a leisurely pace and discovery. While the main paths are generally well-maintained, some areas might require more careful navigation, especially during winter. The Hokkaido Museum, located a short walk away, complements the village experience by providing broader historical context.
Winter Wonders and Practicalities
Despite the cold, the village remains accessible, and some activities are exclusive to the winter months. The horse-drawn carriage rides, for instance, typically operate on weekends and holidays during winter, offering a charming way to traverse the snowy grounds.
Planning your visit around the bus schedule is crucial, as services may run less frequently in colder months. The village's expansive nature means you'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is essential, regardless of the season. The combination of historical immersion and the serene winter landscape makes for a memorable, albeit chilly, experience.
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