
Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill Sapporo
Panoramic hilltop views with the iconic Dr. William S. Clark statue and a pastoral setting.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for sheep & lavender

Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill Sapporo
Best Time
Best chance for sheep & lavender

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Panoramic hilltop views with the iconic Dr. William S. Clark statue and a pastoral setting.
"Iconic statue, panoramic views, and summer lavender fields make this a memorable Sapporo stop."

🎯 Bus is Best in Winter
Navigating to the top in winter can be slushy; a bus is recommended for easier access. 🚌
🍦 Don't Miss the Soft Serve
Enjoy delicious soft-serve ice cream while relaxing and taking in the views. 🍨

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
3.9 · 8,832 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dr. William S. Clark Statue
Center of the hill
Iconic bronze statue of the 'father of Hokkaido pioneering' with his famous quote.

Panoramic Sapporo Views
Hilltop
Breathtaking vistas of Sapporo city, especially stunning during clear weather.

Summer Lavender Fields
Rear of the hill
A charming small lavender field offering a fragrant and colorful display in summer.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Sheep Sightings
Consider the Entrance Fee
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bus is Best in Winter
Navigating to the top in winter can be slushy; a bus is recommended for easier access. 🚌
🍦 Don't Miss the Soft Serve
Enjoy delicious soft-serve ice cream while relaxing and taking in the views. 🍨
🐑 Sheep Availability Varies
Sheep may not always be visible, especially around noon or due to renovations. 🐑
📸 Capture the Iconic View
The view of Sapporo with the Dr. Clark statue is a must-capture moment. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bus is Best in Winter
Navigating to the top in winter can be slushy; a bus is recommended for easier access. 🚌
🍦 Don't Miss the Soft Serve
Enjoy delicious soft-serve ice cream while relaxing and taking in the views. 🍨
🐑 Sheep Availability Varies
Sheep may not always be visible, especially around noon or due to renovations. 🐑
📸 Capture the Iconic View
The view of Sapporo with the Dr. Clark statue is a must-capture moment. :camerawithflash:
💜 Lavender Picking Fun
Experience lavender picking for a fragrant souvenir in the summer months. :herb:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the panoramic views of Sapporo and the iconic Dr. William S. Clark statue. The summer lavender fields and the chance to see sheep add to the charm, though sheep sightings can be inconsistent. Some find the entrance fee a bit steep for the overall experience, and exhibits are primarily in Japanese.
"From the top of the hill, you can see a vast and faraway view. There are several buildings and exhibitions to see around, as well as a small lavender field in the back. Despite the name "Hill of Sheep," there are only a few sheep to see. The sheep pens are currently undergoing renovation, I believe. The souvenir shop has good items, and it's a great place to sit, relax, and enjoy some delicious soft-serve ice cream."
Sawit Khosittham
"Lots of exhibits to see, all in Japanese though. Had a snow festival exhibit and general history of William Clark. Also cute sheep and beautiful stained glass pieces! If going, would recommend bus during the winter time, pretty hard to get to the top and lots of slush, have to be on the same road as cars."
Tuyet Pham
"It’s a pleasant place with nice views of the city and a nice grassy area with lavender in summer (and some sheep fields). But it’s expensive (¥1000 per person when we went) and if you are from somewhere with sheep and grassy spaces, you might feel it’s a bit familiar!"
Michael Bushnell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended way to reach Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is by bus. From Sapporo Station, you can take a bus towards the hill. During winter, buses are particularly advised due to potential slush and difficult road conditions.
While accessible by car, navigating the roads, especially in winter, can be challenging. Some visitors have noted it's on the same road as cars, implying potential difficulties.
In winter, taking a bus is highly recommended to avoid the slush and difficult terrain.
Walking might be feasible depending on your starting point and the season, but it's generally more convenient to use public transport or a car, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Taxis are an option, but they can be more expensive than public transportation. It's advisable to check fare estimates beforehand.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is approximately 1000 yen per person. Some visitors have noted it can be a bit expensive for what is offered.
Information on discounts is not widely available. It's best to check the official website or inquire at the ticket counter upon arrival.
Advance booking is generally not required for Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill. Tickets can typically be purchased at the entrance.
Opening hours can vary by season. It's recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Visitor opinions vary. Some find the views and exhibits worthwhile, while others feel it's a bit pricey, especially if sheep aren't visible.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo spot is with the Dr. William S. Clark statue, with the Sapporo skyline in the background. The lavender fields in summer also offer beautiful photographic opportunities.
Clear afternoons offer the best panoramic views of Sapporo. For softer light and fewer crowds, consider visiting earlier in the morning.
You can take photos of the sheep from their enclosures. However, direct interaction or close-up photos might be limited depending on their visibility and the enclosure setup.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic city views and the expansive landscape. A standard zoom lens is versatile for general shots.
🎫 🐑 Onsite Experience
While the hill is named after sheep, their presence can be inconsistent. Some visitors report not seeing them at all, especially around noon or due to renovations.
You can enjoy panoramic views of Sapporo, visit exhibits detailing the history of William Clark and Hokkaido, and in summer, explore the lavender fields. There's also a souvenir shop and a cafe.
Yes, there is a souvenir shop that also sells soft-serve ice cream, which is highly recommended by visitors.
Most visitors spend about 1 to 1.5 hours here, depending on how much time they spend exploring the exhibits and enjoying the views.
The exhibits are primarily in Japanese, which might be a barrier for non-Japanese speakers.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit