Historical Village of Hokkaido

The Historical Village of Hokkaido, known locally as Kaitaku no Mura, gathers dozens of buildings from the island’s pioneering era onto one open air site on the edge of Sapporo. Walking its main street feels like stepping into a frontier town from the Meiji period, complete with a working horse drawn trolley in the warmer months.

Four villages in one

The site is arranged into town, farm, fishing and mountain village zones, each stocked with original structures relocated from around Hokkaido: a grand hotel, a newspaper office, herring fishery buildings, farmhouses and more. Most are open to walk through, furnished as they would have been when new arrivals were carving farms out of forest. It is a vivid reminder that Hokkaido’s modern history is quite different from the rest of Japan’s.

Getting there

From Sapporo Station, take a local JR train to Shinrin-Koen Station, about fifteen minutes, then a short bus or taxi ride to the village entrance. The excellent Hokkaido Museum is close by in the same forest park, and the two together make a satisfying half day.

Frequently asked questions

How long should I allow? Two to three hours covers the highlights at an easy pace; history lovers can happily fill half a day.

Is it worth visiting in winter? Yes. The buildings under deep snow are wonderfully atmospheric and a horse drawn sleigh replaces the trolley, though you should dress properly and check operating days before heading out.

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