20 Museums in Hokkaidō worth your time

A free museum on a historic landmark site showcasing the pioneer history and agricultural roots of early Sapporo village.

What it is

• A local history museum opened by residents in April 1977.
• The former residence site of pioneer Otomo Kametaro and a designated city landmark.
• A facility dedicated to preserving documents and tools from the area's early development.
• Admission to the museum is free of charge for all visitors.

What to see

• Historical documents and records related to the pioneer Otomo Kametaro.
• Traditional farming tools specifically used for local onion cultivation.
• A commemorative statue of Otomo Kametaro located on the museum grounds.
• The Sapporo Onion Monument which was erected at the site in 1978.
• A memorial for William Brooks established on the grounds in October 2022.

When to go

• The museum is closed to the public on Mondays and public holidays.

Getting there

• The nearest station is Kanjo-dori-higashi on the Toho Subway Line.

Official site

www.ncf.or.jp

Read more about Sapporo Village Memorial Museum

A historic 1936 museum designed by Yoshiya Tanoue showcasing the local industry, culture, and folk history of Abashiri.

What it is

• A local history museum founded by Kioe Yonemura with support from the Sumitomo Zaibatsu.
• The main building was completed in 1936 and designed by architect Yoshiya Tanoue.
• The collection focuses on materials related to regional industry and culture.
• The Moyoro Shell Mound Museum serves as a branch facility of this institution.

What to see

• The original 1936 main building featuring unique architectural design by Yoshiya Tanoue.
• Exhibits detailing the development of local industry and traditional culture in Hokkaido.
• Historical artifacts and folk materials collected from the surrounding Kitami region.

When to go

• Visit between May and October when the facility is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
• Winter hours from November to April end earlier at 4 PM.
• Plan around closures on Mondays, national holidays, and the New Year period.

Official site

www.city.abashiri.hokkaido.jp

Read more about Abashiri City Folk Museum

A prefectural art museum in Tokiwa Park specializing in wood crafts, modern sculptures, and works by renowned Japanese artists.

What it is

• A prefectural art museum established by the Hokkaido government in 1982.
• The building was designed by architect Yoshiya Tanoue and sits within Tokiwa Park.
• The facility focuses on wood crafts and modern wood sculptures.
• The collection includes works by Tatsuo Nambata and Living National Treasure Tatsuaki Kuroda.

What to see

• A diverse collection of modern wood sculptures and traditional wood crafts.
• Artworks created by the prominent artist Tatsuo Nambata.
• Pieces crafted by the Living National Treasure Tatsuaki Kuroda.
• The architectural design of the building created by Yoshiya Tanoue.

When to go

• The museum is open daily from 9:30 to 17:00.
• The facility is closed every Monday and during the New Year holidays.

Getting there

• The museum is a twenty-minute walk from Asahikawa Station.

Official site

artmuseum.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp

Read more about Hokkaido Asahikawa Museum of Art

Hokkaido's first municipal art museum featuring local Okhotsk region artists and sculptures by Churyo Sato in a quiet garden setting.

What it is

• The first municipal art museum established in Hokkaido, opened in 1972.
• A facility dedicated to artists associated with the Abashiri and Okhotsk regions.
• Home to a collection including thirty-eight donated works by Kaichi Igushi.
• The building contains four exhibition rooms and a dedicated reference room.

What to see

• Bronze sculptures by Churyo Sato displayed in the front garden.
• Artworks by local creators and those inspired by the surrounding Okhotsk landscape.
• The museum building situated directly adjacent to the Abashiri Civic Hall.

When to go

• Open for visitors from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM.
• Closed every Monday and on all national holidays.

Getting there

• A five-minute walk from the Abashiri Bus Terminal.
• A ten-minute walk from Katsuradai Station.

Official site

www.city.abashiri.hokkaido.jp

Read more about Abashiri City Museum of Art

Hokkaido's only rock-focused museum, offering a unique look at geology and mountaineering history.

What it is

• Hokkaido's only facility focusing on rocks.
• Opened June 26, 1999, as Hidaka Mountains Center.
• Became a registered museum on October 19, 2004.
• Changed to its current name on April 1, 2012.

What to see

• Four floors with different exhibition themes.
• Exhibits on geology and petrology.
• Exhibits on mountaineering history.
• Exhibits on natural history.
• Rock cutters available for public use.
• Microscopes available for public use.

When to go

• Open 10 AM to 5 PM.
• Shorter hours during winter.
• Admission is 200 yen for adults.

Getting there

• Located along National Route 274.

Official site

www.town.hidaka.hokkaido.jp

Read more about Hidaka Mountains Museum

Explore Hokkaido's literary heritage through diverse exhibits and film screenings.

What it is

• Museum dedicated to Hokkaido writers and their literary works.
• Opened on September 22, 1995.
• Collects and exhibits literary materials related to the region.

What to see

• Permanent exhibition with about 1,800 valuable items.
• Special exhibitions, approximately four held annually.
• Family-oriented exhibition once a year.
• Works by printmaker Yasushi Omoto.
• Collections like the Takahashi Tomeji Bunko.
• Screenings of Japanese films focused on literary works.

When to go

• Monthly readings of works related to Hokkaido.

Getting there

• Located in Nakajima Park, Sapporo.

Address

〒064-0931　北海道札幌市中央区中島公園1-4 Map

Official site

www.h-bungaku.or.jp

Read more about Hokkaido Museum of Literature

Explore Hokkaido's penal history and heritage architecture at this unique museum.

What it is

• A museum in Tsukigata, Hokkaido.
• Opened in 1996, formerly Hokkaido Gyokei Shiryokan.
• Dedicated to the history of the Kabato Shujikan prison.
• Includes a Hokkaido Heritage and Japan Heritage site.

What to see

• The former Kabato Shujikan main building, completed 1886.
• This building served as Tsukigata Town Hall until 1972.
• An agricultural training hall is also on site.

When to go

• Open 9:30 to 17:00 daily.
• Closed in winter, from December to mid-March.

Getting there

• Parking available at the Tsukigata Town Hall site.

Address

北海道樺戸郡月形町1219番地 Map

Official site

www.town.tsukigata.hokkaido.jp

Read more about Tsukigata Kabato Museum

Explore Hokkaido's first railway history and ride a steam locomotive at this unique museum.

What it is

• A railway museum in Mikasa City, Hokkaido.
• Established by Mikasa City to commemorate the Horonai Line.
• Opened on September 6, 1987.
• Preserves Hokkaido's first railway history.

What to see

• Many preserved railway vehicles, some from JR Hokkaido.
• A small steam locomotive operating on a 300m course.
• Crawford Park, a railway park facility.
• Old Mikasa Station's overhead bridge and platform in Crawford Park.
• Mikasa Trolley Railway with various courses.

When to go

• Closed every Monday.
• Closed during winter, from October 16 to April 15.

Read more about Mikasa Railway Memorial Museum

This museum tells Kushiro's story from prehistory to today, covering archaeology, geology, nature, and human history.

What it is

• Museum telling the story of Kushiro from prehistory to present.
• Covers archaeology, geology, nature, and human history.
• Built in 1983, designed to resemble a crane with outspread wings.
• Symbolizes Kushiro’s rare population of Japanese cranes.

What to see

• Dynamic displays and artifacts.
• Exhibits on ice age animal migration and Kushiro Wetlands formation.
• Information on Ainu culture and early settlers.
• Videos of Ainu stories told in their language.
• Stone arrowheads and pottery from Jomon period.
• Iron ware and metal tools from Satsumon period.

Address

北海道釧路市春湖台1-7 Map

Official site

www.city.kushiro.lg.jp

Read more about Kushiro City Museum

Local history museum in Ebetsu, Hokkaido, showcasing artifacts from 8500 years ago to today.

What it is

• A local history museum in Ebetsu City, Hokkaido.
• Opened on April 10, 1991.
• Exhibits artifacts from 8500 years ago to the present.

What to see

• 500 butterflies from around the world.
• About 400 pieces of prehistoric pottery.
• Nationally important cultural properties.
• Materials from the city's key industries.
• A two-story reinforced concrete building.

When to go

• Open from 9:30 to 17:00.

Getting there

• 2-minute walk from Chuo Bus 'Seinen Center' stop.
• 15-minute walk from JR Hokkaido 'Ebetsu Station'.

Official site

www.city.ebetsu.hokkaido.jp

Read more about Ebetsu City Museum

Explore ancient pit dwellings at Hokkaido University, a unique archaeological site preserving history.

What it is

• Archaeological heritage park on Hokkaido University's Sapporo Campus.
• Preserves ruins of an ancient settlement, K39 archaeological site.
• Settlement dates from late Nara to Heian periods.
• No. 054 of Sapporo Furusato Culture 100 Selections.

What to see

• About 30 visible pit dwelling ruins.
• No reconstructed remains, preserving original state.
• Sakushukotoni River flows nearby.

Getting there

• Located on Sapporo Campus of Hokkaido University.
• Behind the baseball field on campus.
• Between the hockey field and the Elm Tunnel.

Read more about Hokkaido University Archaeological Heritage Park

Explore Obihiro's history and Ainu culture at this comprehensive museum complex.

What it is

• Comprehensive museum in Obihiro City, Hokkaido.
• Opened in 1982 in Midorigaoka Park.
• First 'Rural City Core Facility' nationwide.
• Includes a creative activity center.

What to see

• Branch 'Buried Cultural Properties Center' opened in 2005.
• Ainu Culture Information Center 'Riuka' opened in 2006.
• Buried cultural properties center stores and exhibits excavated artifacts.

When to go

• Creative activity center open from 9:00 to 22:00.
• Closed Mondays and the day after holidays.
• Closed during year-end and New Year holidays.

Address

北海道帯広市緑ヶ丘2番地 Map

Official site

www.octv.ne.jp

Read more about Obihiro Centennial City Museum

Nakasatsunai Art Village is a unique collection of museums and gardens, showcasing Hokkaido's artistic and architectural heritage.

What it is

• An art village in Nakasatsunai Village, Hokkaido.
• Operated by Rokkatei, a confectionery company.
• Opened in 1992 with the Kita no Daichi Museum.
• Received the Architectural Institute of Japan Award.

What to see

• Aihara Kyuichiro Museum, formerly a public bath.
• Koizumi Junsaku Museum, opened in 2002.
• Mano Masami Works Museum, opened in 2017.
• Ogawa Yu Works Museum, opened in 2016.
• Restaurants and gardens are on site.
• Restaurant Poroshiri serves local cuisine.

Getting there

• Nearest interchange is Nakasatsunai IC.

Official site

www.rokkatei.co.jp

Read more about Nakasatsunai Art Village

See Venetian glass art and culture in a grand palazzo replica in Otaru.

What it is

• Museum dedicated to Venetian culture and glass works.
• Established in 1988 by Kitaichi Glass.
• Located in Otaru, Hokkaido.

What to see

• Over 3000 pieces of Venetian glass are exhibited.
• A gondola ridden by Princess Diana is on display.
• Building reproduces the Palazzo Grassi in Venice.
• Interior is in 18th-century Venetian style.
• The museum is a motif for an anime film.

Getting there

• 20-minute walk from JR Otaru Station.
• 10-minute walk from JR Minami-Otaru Station.
• 1-minute walk from Kitaichi Glass-mae bus stop.

Official site

venezia-museum.or.jp

Read more about Kitaichi Venetian Art Museum

Explore Japan's oldest prison facilities and experience history at this unique open-air museum.

What it is

• An open-air museum in Abashiri, Hokkaido.
• Preserves old buildings of Abashiri Prison.
• Opened in 1983.
• Certified as a registered museum in 1996.

What to see

• Japan's oldest prison facility, the Five-Winged Radial Prison House.
• The world's oldest wooden prison building.
• Several buildings designated Important Cultural Properties.
• Located on the hillside of Mount Tento.
• Within the Abashiri Quasi-National Park area.

When to go

• Free and paid guided tours are offered.
• Offers 'prison food experience' meals.

Address

北海道網走市呼人1-1 Map

Official site

www.kangoku.jp

Read more about Abashiri Prison Museum

Explore Noboribetsu's history and Ainu culture in a unique castle-model museum.

What it is

• A three-story local museum in Hokkaido, Japan.
• Building model is Shiroishi Castle.

What to see

• Daily necessities from Meiji to Showa eras on the first floor.
• Japan National Railways items on the first floor.
• Tools from primary industries on the first floor.
• History of the Katakura family on the second floor.
• History of Shiroishi domain vassals on the second floor.
• Materials on Mashiho Chiri and Ainu culture on the third floor.

When to go

• Experiential learning on the second and fourth Saturdays.

Official site

www.city.noboribetsu.lg.jp

Read more about Noboribetsu City Historical Museum

A multi-faceted museum in Kitami, offering science, history, art, and a unique planetarium.

What it is

• A complex facility in Kitami City, Hokkaido.
• Functions as a science museum, museum, art museum, and planetarium.
• Opened on November 1, 1984.

What to see

• Desmostylus molar found in the Mukagawa River.
• Excavated artifacts from local ruins are cultural properties.
• Restored Tondenhei houses and a Peabody-Martini rifle.
• Planetarium with a 15-meter dome and 150 seats.
• Astronomical observation room.
• Free exhibition corner in the lounge space.

When to go

• Closed on Mondays and the day after holidays.

Official site

business4.plala.or.jp

Read more about Kitami Region Museum of Science, History and Art

Local history museum commemorating a town merger, with free admission and monuments.

What it is

• A local history museum in Sapporo, Hokkaido.
• Opened in 1969.
• Commemorates the 1967 merger of Teine Town and Sapporo City.
• Houses approximately 1,130 historical items.

What to see

• Two monuments stand in the front garden.
• The Kami-Teine Village Monument, built in 1910.
• The Teine Founding Centennial Monument, built in 1971.

When to go

• Open Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
• Open from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from Miyanosawa Station.

Read more about Sapporo City Teine Memorial Museum

Otaru Museum showcases Hokkaido's history and transportation, featuring historic railway vehicles and buildings.

What it is

• A museum exhibiting Hokkaido's history, nature, and transportation.
• Opened July 14, 2007, integrating two city museums.
• Utilizes facilities of the former Otaru Transportation Memorial Hall.
• A registered museum under Japan's Museum Law.

What to see

• Three indoor facilities and an outdoor exhibition area.
• Valuable railway vehicles and automobiles.
• Former Temiya Engine Shed, an important cultural property.
• Canal Museum in a designated historic building.
• Exhibits on Otaru's history and natural environment.

Address

北海道小樽市手宮1-3-6 Map

Official site

www.city.otaru.lg.jp

Read more about Otaru Museum

See local art in a historic police station, a unique blend of culture and history.

What it is

• An art museum in Iwamizawa City, Hokkaido.
• Opened in 1989 with donated works.
• Dedicated to Masayuki Matsushima and local artists.
• Housed in a renovated 1932 police station.

What to see

• Over 400 works by Masayuki Matsushima.
• Art by artists connected to Iwamizawa City.
• The historic former Iwamizawa Police Station building.
• Building was Hokkaido's third police station.

When to go

• Open daily from 10:00 to 18:00.
• Closed on Wednesdays.
• Closed from December 31st to January 5th.

Official site

www.city.iwamizawa.hokkaido.jp

Read more about Iwamizawa City Painting Hall / Masayuki Matsushima Memorial Museum