Hoheikan, Sapporo - A snow covered street with a few signs on it
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Hoheikan Sapporo

4.2
·1k reviews·Sapporo, Japan

A historic 1881 European-style building in Nakajima Park, once a hotel for emperors, now a museum and event space.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Escape the heat in a cool space

CrowdLow
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Hoheikan, Sapporo - A snow covered street with a few signs on it

Hoheikan Sapporo

Best Time

Summer afternoons

Escape the heat in a cool space

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic 1881 European-style building in Nakajima Park, once a hotel for emperors, now a museum and event space.

4.2
(1k reviews)

"A surprisingly interesting and pretty gem of a building, meticulously maintained."

Vertical photo
TIP

☕ Enjoy a Coffee Break

The cafe inside offers a peaceful spot to relax with a drink after exploring the historic building.

🏛️ Appreciate the Architecture

While interiors can be sparse, focus on the building's European-style design and historical significance.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Architecture

Historic Architecture

Nakajima Park

Step back in time at this stunning Meiji-era European-style building, a former hotel for Japanese emperors.

Tranquil Cafe

Tranquil Cafe

Inside Hoheikan

Enjoy a coffee and relax in a calm, historic setting within the building's annex.

Event Space & Museum

Event Space & Museum

Hoheikan

Explore the building's history as a museum and witness its use as a venue for events and weddings.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the History

Hoheikan is a beautifully preserved historical building from 1881. While it's an event space and museum, many visitors note the interiors can feel sparse. Plan to appreciate the architecture and imagine its past as a grand hotel.

Location & Access

Nestled within Nakajima Park, Hoheikan offers a peaceful escape. It's accessible via subway and a pleasant walk, making it a convenient stop on your Sapporo itinerary. Consider combining it with other park attractions.

Best Times

When
Summer afternoons
Why
Escape the heat in a cool space
Crowd
Low
When
During events
Why
Experience its function as a venue
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Hokkaido Recap❄️ สวยแบบแตกแตน อยากกลับไปอีกสิบรอบบ #ญี่ปุ่น #hokkaido #sapporo
@toeymono
146.7K likes • 2.4M views

☕ Enjoy a Coffee Break

The cafe inside offers a peaceful spot to relax with a drink after exploring the historic building. Instagram

🏛️ Appreciate the Architecture

While interiors can be sparse, focus on the building's European-style design and historical significance. Instagram

Have you been to Sapporo??🇯🇵#japantravel #traveltips #traveltiktok #budgettravel #sapporotravel
@isaac.travels_
9.9K likes • 404.5K views
Coffee time!☕️ Salah satu hidden gem di Sapporo yang nggak banyak turis tahu 💚❤️. Suasananya tenang, ketemu bunch of nerd yang menyukai bangunan arsitektur peninggalan jaman dulu. Yup! Kafe ini lokasinya agak unik, ada di dalam Hoheikan yang berada di Nakajima Park. Hoheikan adalah bangunan bersejarah yang dibuka tahun 1881. Pernah digunakan sebagai hotel, guest house, balai acara dan bahkan ke...
gadisransel
4 likes • 98 views

🚶‍♀️ Combine with Park Visit

Hoheikan is located in Nakajima Park, perfect for a stroll before or after your visit. Instagram

💰 Affordable Entry

Tickets are reasonably priced, making it an accessible historical experience. Reddit

Projection Mapping on Hoheikan, one of the 5 large snow sculptures at the 73rd Sapporo Snow Festival. This year, Sapporo is celebrating its 100th anniversary of cityhood. Watch the full video on my Facebook Page: Basil in Japan winter #snow #winterwonderland #sapporo #hokkaido #snowfestival #japan #japantrip #japantravel #japanlife #wheninjapan #JPN #explorejapan #OFW #北海道 #北海道観光 #北海道旅行 #写真 #北海道...
travel_with_basil
44 likes • 31.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

☕ Enjoy a Coffee Break

The cafe inside offers a peaceful spot to relax with a drink after exploring the historic building. Instagram

🏛️ Appreciate the Architecture

While interiors can be sparse, focus on the building's European-style design and historical significance. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Combine with Park Visit

Hoheikan is located in Nakajima Park, perfect for a stroll before or after your visit. Instagram

💰 Affordable Entry

Tickets are reasonably priced, making it an accessible historical experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Hoheikan is appreciated for its historical significance and European-style architecture, offering a glimpse into Sapporo's past. While some find the interiors a bit sparse, the affordable entry and peaceful cafe make it a worthwhile stop, especially when combined with the adjacent Nakajima Park.

"There isn‘t that much to see but it‘s still an interesting place to visit! The tickets are very cheap (for university students just 150¥!) and english information is available. It‘s fun to imagine being a guest in the hotel a hundret years ago!

I just think that the building is too sparely decorated. There are very few furniture inside, some rooms are just empty. On walls you can see hooks where it seemed there was a painting hanhing, but now they are just blank. I think it would be nice the interior was more than the original since it looks a little bit lost in it‘s empty state.

Nevertheless, a good spot to experience some history in the heart of Sapporo!"

Patority

"An important historical piece of architecture thats well preserved and conserved. This is now a museum and events place. We weren't able to go in as it's closed but we got to enjoy the beautiful exterior."

Jeff McD

"surprisingly interesting and pretty gem of a building used as a hotel for three emperors of Japan . Very modest interiors but due to royal fans bestowed to it , everything is meticulously maintained. They even built an annex to the back of the structure to allow disabled access and presumably stabilize the old building ."

Wing Au

What People Like

Historical architecture
Affordable entry
Peaceful cafe

What People Dislike

Sparse interiors

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hoheikan is located within Nakajima Park. You can reach it via the Sapporo Subway Namboku Line to Nakajima-Koen Station. From there, it's a short walk to the building. TikTok

Yes, Hoheikan is well-served by public transport. The nearest subway station is Nakajima-Koen, making it convenient to reach from various parts of Sapporo. Reddit

While it's a bit of a walk, you can reach Hoheikan from Sapporo Station by walking through Odori Park and then heading towards Nakajima Park. Alternatively, take the subway. Reddit

Information on specific parking near Hoheikan is limited, but Nakajima Park has parking areas. It's generally recommended to use public transport for easier access. Reddit

An annex was built to allow for disabled access, suggesting some accessibility features. It's advisable to check directly for the most up-to-date information regarding strollers. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Hoheikan's opening hours can vary as it also functions as an event space. It's best to check their official website or local listings for current operating times before your visit. Reddit

Entry tickets to Hoheikan are generally inexpensive, with student discounts often available. Prices are considered very reasonable for the historical experience offered. Reddit

Advance booking is typically not required for general visits to Hoheikan, but it's always a good idea to check if you plan to attend a specific event. Reddit

While not always explicitly advertised, staff may be available to provide information. Some visitors have mentioned friendly staff who can share details about the establishment. Reddit

Hoheikan has been featured during the Sapporo Snow Festival with projection mapping. Check the festival schedule for specific events and displays. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Inside Hoheikan, you can explore its historical architecture, learn about its past as a hotel for emperors, and visit a cafe. Some visitors note the interiors can be sparsely decorated. Reddit

Many visitors find Hoheikan worthwhile for its historical significance, European-style architecture, and the peaceful atmosphere, especially when combined with Nakajima Park. Reddit

Hoheikan is a significant historical building from 1881, known for its European architectural style and its past role as a hotel for three Japanese emperors. Instagram

While not always extensive, there are often videos and displays detailing the establishment's history. Visitors can spend time watching these and exploring the building. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted inside Hoheikan for personal use, allowing you to capture its unique architecture and historical ambiance. Instagram

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe located within Hoheikan, offering a pleasant spot to enjoy coffee and relax amidst the historic surroundings. InstagramReddit

The cafe offers coffee and other beverages. Some visitors mention the option of a ticket that includes a drink. Reddit

Hoheikan is located in Nakajima Park, and the surrounding Sapporo city center offers numerous dining options, from ramen to seafood. TikTok+1

Hoheikan primarily functions as a museum and event space with an attached cafe. It is not a full-service restaurant, but the cafe provides refreshments. Reddit

The cafe is described as having a beautiful, calm, and quiet atmosphere, making it a perfect place to unwind. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior of Hoheikan, with its European-style architecture set against the backdrop of Nakajima Park, is very photogenic. The interior also offers unique architectural details. Instagram+1

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Hoheikan for personal use, allowing you to capture its historical charm. Instagram

Hoheikan is beautiful year-round. In spring, cherry blossoms surround it; in summer, it's lush green; and in winter, it can be picturesque with snow. Instagram

Hoheikan is ideal for architectural photography, historical site photography, and capturing serene moments, especially with its park setting. Instagram

While personal photography is usually permitted, it's always wise to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage regarding photography in certain areas. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hoheikan offers a gentle introduction to history for families. While the interiors might not be as interactive as a dedicated children's museum, the unique architecture can spark curiosity. The adjacent Nakajima Park provides ample space for kids to run around and play, making it a good combination for a family outing. TikTok

Consider visiting on a day with good weather to enjoy the park. The cafe inside Hoheikan can be a nice spot for a break, and the affordable ticket prices make it an accessible option for families. Focus on the story of the emperors visiting to make the history more engaging for younger visitors. Reddit

🏛️ History & Architecture Buffs

For those fascinated by historical buildings and architectural styles, Hoheikan is a must-visit. Its Meiji-era European design is a rare find and offers a glimpse into Japan's modernization period. Appreciate the meticulous preservation efforts and imagine the building in its heyday as a luxury hotel. Instagram

While the interiors might be minimalist, the focus remains on the building's structural integrity and historical context. The fact that it hosted three Japanese emperors adds a layer of royal significance. Combine your visit with exploring other historical sites in Sapporo to get a broader understanding of the city's past. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Sapporo's Past

Hoheikan stands as a testament to Sapporo's early development, opened in 1881 as a hotel. Its European-style architecture was a significant departure from traditional Japanese designs of the era, reflecting the Meiji government's push for modernization. It famously hosted three Japanese emperors, cementing its status as a landmark. Today, it serves as a museum and event space, allowing visitors to step back in time and imagine the grandeur of its past. Instagram

While the building's exterior is striking, many visitors note that the interior can feel somewhat sparsely decorated. However, this simplicity allows for a focus on the architectural details and the historical narrative. The presence of an annex for disabled access also highlights its ongoing preservation and adaptation. Reddit

Visiting Hoheikan offers a unique opportunity to connect with Sapporo's history beyond the more modern attractions. It’s a place to appreciate architectural heritage and the stories embedded within its walls, making it a valuable stop for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike. Instagram

Experiencing Hoheikan and Nakajima Park

Hoheikan is beautifully situated within Nakajima Park, a large urban oasis in Sapporo. This proximity offers a dual experience: first, exploring the historical architecture of Hoheikan, and second, enjoying the natural beauty and recreational activities of the park. The park itself features a pond, walking paths, and other cultural facilities, making it a perfect complement to a visit to Hoheikan. TikTok

Visitors can easily combine their trip to Hoheikan with a leisurely stroll through Nakajima Park. In spring, the park is known for its cherry blossoms, while summer offers lush greenery. The park provides a serene environment to reflect on the historical significance of Hoheikan and enjoy the outdoors. Instagram

This combination makes Hoheikan and Nakajima Park an ideal destination for a relaxed half-day outing. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or simply enjoying a peaceful park setting, this area offers a well-rounded experience in Sapporo. Instagram

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