Hokkaido University Museum Sapporo
Free-admission campus museum with diverse science, history, and natural history exhibits.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space
Hokkaido University Museum Sapporo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Free-admission campus museum with diverse science, history, and natural history exhibits.
"A pretty good museum that admits anyone free of charge.
"🎯 Free Entry, Big Value
Enjoy a wealth of knowledge without spending a yen! Perfect for curious minds of all ages.
🗣️ English Info Available
Most exhibits offer English explanations, making it accessible for international visitors.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dinosaur Discoveries
Paleontology Exhibit
See fossils of newly identified dinosaurs, like Paralitherizinosaurus japonicus, unearthed in Hokkaido.

Ancient Plant Garden
Botanical Garden (adjacent)
Explore 'living fossils' like Ginkgo trees and cycads that have survived for millions of years.

Diverse Scientific Collections
Various Floors
From preserved insects to anatomical models and minerals, discover a wide range of scientific wonders.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Big Discoveries
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry, Big Value
Enjoy a wealth of knowledge without spending a yen! Perfect for curious minds of all ages.
🗣️ English Info Available
Most exhibits offer English explanations, making it accessible for international visitors.
🚶♂️ Easy Campus Walk
Just a 10-minute stroll from Sapporo JR Station, easily accessible on foot.
🍦 Don't Miss the Ice Cream!
The cafe at the end offers surprisingly good ice cream – a sweet treat after exploring!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry, Big Value
Enjoy a wealth of knowledge without spending a yen! Perfect for curious minds of all ages.
🗣️ English Info Available
Most exhibits offer English explanations, making it accessible for international visitors.
🚶♂️ Easy Campus Walk
Just a 10-minute stroll from Sapporo JR Station, easily accessible on foot.
🍦 Don't Miss the Ice Cream!
The cafe at the end offers surprisingly good ice cream – a sweet treat after exploring!
🐛 Edible Insect Snacks
For the adventurous, the gift shop sells edible insects – a unique souvenir!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Hokkaido University Museum for its free admission and surprisingly diverse range of exhibits, covering everything from dinosaurs to medicine. While some note a mildew smell, the availability of English information and the unique offerings like edible insects make it a worthwhile and engaging experience for all ages.
"When we came here, they had a special exhibit combining beautifully preserved insects with their print counterparts in illustrated scientific publications. Super nice! Entrance is free and lots of information available. Although most are in Japanese, it's still a nice museum in the middle of the city."
Jeff McD
"Free admission in the middle of campus. 3 floors with a nice variety of stuff to see. You got the uni's history, biology, space, science, medicines (pharmaceutical and diseases), archeology, anatomy, insects, minerals/rocks, and more.
There is a mildew smell when entering the building, so you might need to get used to that. Small gift shop and cafe at the end. Included edible insects for sale."
Tommy On
"A pretty good museum that admits anyone free of charge. Besides history of the university, the museum is a collection of various categories of items likely from efforts of the many different departments of the university. You could easily spend 1 hour in there if you take your time to look through most rooms, spread over 3 floors. Pretty accessible from Sapporo JR station ~ 10 minutes walk."
kyczzz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
It's a pleasant 10-minute walk from Sapporo JR Station. Head towards the university campus and follow signs for the museum.
While the museum itself is free, parking on the university campus may incur fees. It's generally recommended to use public transport or walk from Sapporo Station.
Yes, several bus routes stop near Hokkaido University. The closest train station is Sapporo JR Station, which is a short walk away.
The museum is spread across three floors. While efforts are made for accessibility, it's advisable to check with the museum directly for specific facilities like elevators.
Opening hours can vary, but it's typically open during regular business hours on weekdays. It's best to check the official Hokkaido University Museum website for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Hokkaido University Museum is completely free! This makes it an excellent value for visitors.
No, advance booking is not required as admission is free. You can simply walk in during opening hours.
The museum often hosts special exhibitions, such as the one featuring insects and their scientific illustrations. Keep an eye on their website for announcements.
There is no specific dress code, but it's a university museum, so casual and comfortable attire is appropriate.
Generally, re-entry policies can vary. It's best to inquire at the information desk upon your first entry if you plan to leave and return.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect a diverse range covering university history, biology, space, science, medicine, archaeology, anatomy, insects, minerals, and more.
Yes, the museum offers interactive exhibits and a wide variety of displays that can engage children, making it a family-friendly destination.
You can easily spend an hour or more exploring the three floors of exhibits. If you're particularly interested, you could spend longer.
Yes, the museum features some interactive elements that enhance the learning experience for visitors.
Some visitors have noted a mildew smell upon entering. This is a common characteristic of older buildings and may be something to be aware of.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located at the end of the museum where you can purchase refreshments.
The cafe offers ice cream, which is highly recommended by visitors, and potentially other light snacks or beverages.
Hokkaido University campus has various eateries and cafes, offering more dining choices if the museum cafe doesn't suit your needs.
It's generally not recommended to consume outside food and drinks inside museum exhibits. Please check with the museum staff for their specific policy.
For the adventurous, the small gift shop at the end of the museum sells edible insects.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in most areas of the museum, but it's always a good idea to look for 'No Photography' signs, especially for specific exhibits.
Flash photography is often discouraged or prohibited in museums to protect delicate exhibits. Please be mindful of this.
The dinosaur fossils, the ancient plant displays, and the detailed insect collections offer great photographic opportunities.
Tripods and selfie sticks can sometimes obstruct pathways or other visitors. It's best to use them discreetly or avoid them if the museum is crowded.
The museum itself has many interesting displays. The surrounding Hokkaido University campus also offers beautiful architecture and green spaces for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🔬 Science Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Natural History Collections
Beyond the more dramatic displays, the museum delves into the world of botany with its adjacent Ancient Plant Garden. Here, you can encounter 'living fossils' such as Ginkgo trees and cycads, plants that have persisted through geological ages. These exhibits provide a tangible connection to Earth's ancient past and the resilience of life. The sheer variety, from microscopic minerals to ancient flora, makes for a comprehensive natural history experience.
A Glimpse into University Life and Science
For those interested in the cosmos, there are exhibits on space and science, offering a look at astronomical discoveries and scientific principles. The museum aims to be comprehensive, with each department contributing its own exhibition. This multi-faceted approach ensures that visitors, whether they are science enthusiasts or casual tourists, can find something to pique their interest. The inclusion of interactive elements further enhances engagement, making complex scientific concepts more accessible.
Navigating the Museum Experience
Most of the exhibitions provide English information, which is a significant plus for international visitors, making the museum accessible and informative. The museum also features a small gift shop and cafe at the end, where you can find unique items like edible insects and highly recommended ice cream. Allow at least an hour to fully appreciate the diverse collections, and consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds.
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