・「Boys, be ambitious」の言葉で有名なクラーク博士像との記念撮影は大変人気
1 / 10

Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill Sapporo

3.9
·9k reviews·Sapporo, Japan

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best chance for sheep & lavender

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
・「Boys, be ambitious」の言葉で有名なクラーク博士像との記念撮影は大変人気

Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill Sapporo

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best chance for sheep & lavender

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

3.9
(9k reviews)

"Iconic statue, panoramic views, and summer lavender fields make this a memorable Sapporo stop."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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. 🍨

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

3.9 · 8,832 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dr. William S. Clark Statue

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

Panoramic Sapporo Views

Hilltop

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

Summer Lavender Fields

Summer Lavender Fields

Rear of the hill

A charming small lavender field offering a fragrant and colorful display in summer.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Sheep Sightings

While called 'Hill of Sheep,' actual sheep sightings can be unpredictable, with some visitors noting they weren't visible at noon or due to renovations. Check ahead if seeing sheep is a priority.

Consider the Entrance Fee

The admission fee can be a point of contention for some visitors, with reviews mentioning it's around 1000 yen per person. Weigh this against what you hope to experience.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best chance for sheep & lavender
Crowd
Medium
When
Clear afternoons
Why
Optimal city views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍北海道|Hokkaido #日本の風景 #羊蹄山 #ニセコ #japannature #visitjapan #hokkaido #nisekojapan
@hina_tabilog
49.6K likes • 1.1M views

🎯 Bus is Best in Winter

Navigating to the top in winter can be slushy; a bus is recommended for easier access. 🚌 Reddit

🍦 Don't Miss the Soft Serve

Enjoy delicious soft-serve ice cream while relaxing and taking in the views. 🍨 Reddit

⁣ 🇯🇵 𝐒𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐨 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐰𝐨⁣ (𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝟷)⁣ 小小一個園區而已 沒有很大 大概半小時到四十五分鐘就可以逛完了 ⁣ #hitsujigaokaobservationhill #さっぽろ羊ヶ丘展望台 #Drclark #boysbeambitious⁣ #sapporo ⁣ #hokkaido ⁣ #japan #japantrip #札幌⁣ #北海道 #日本
d_cs036
832 likes • 0 views
📍Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observatory Hill, Hokkaido 👉 Old photos! Famous for the bronze statue of Dr. William S. Clark says “Boys, be ambitious”, and with panoramic views of downtown Sapporo✨ #sapporo #hokkaido #visitsapporo #japantravel #japantrip #sapporohitsujigaokaobservatory #visithokkaido #visitjapan #visitjapanjp
nazayazulaikha
322 likes • 0 views

🐑 Sheep Availability Varies

Sheep may not always be visible, especially around noon or due to renovations. 🐑 Reddit

📸 Capture the Iconic View

The view of Sapporo with the Dr. Clark statue is a must-capture moment. :camerawithflash: Instagram

Welcome to Hitsujigaokoa Observation Hill - a famous historical place with an iconic view of Sapporo! The statue is of William Smith Clark, known as the “father of Hokkaido pioneering”, who helped the development of agriculture practices in Hokkaido during the Meiji period. The statue was commissioned in 1976 to commemorate 100 years since the founding of Hokkaido University and 100 years since Dr...
visit.sapporo
70 likes • 0 views

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. 🚌 Reddit

🍦 Don't Miss the Soft Serve

Enjoy delicious soft-serve ice cream while relaxing and taking in the views. 🍨 Reddit

🐑 Sheep Availability Varies

Sheep may not always be visible, especially around noon or due to renovations. 🐑 Reddit

📸 Capture the Iconic View

The view of Sapporo with the Dr. Clark statue is a must-capture moment. :camerawithflash: Instagram

💜 Lavender Picking Fun

Experience lavender picking for a fragrant souvenir in the summer months. :herb: Instagram

What Travellers Say

3.9
(9k reviews)

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

Panoramic city views
Dr. Clark statue
Summer lavender fields

What People Dislike

Entrance fee cost
Inconsistent sheep sightings
Japanese-only exhibits

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

In winter, taking a bus is highly recommended to avoid the slush and difficult terrain. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, there is a souvenir shop that also sells soft-serve ice cream, which is highly recommended by visitors. Reddit

Most visitors spend about 1 to 1.5 hours here, depending on how much time they spend exploring the exhibits and enjoying the views. Instagram

The exhibits are primarily in Japanese, which might be a barrier for non-Japanese speakers. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2