Hokkaido Museum

It's a museum well worth visiting. While it's not a large establishment, with only two floors, you could easily spend a couple of hours exploring everything. You'll gain a lot of knowledge about Hokkaido's history and culture. They also have seasonal exhibitions, but you'll need to pay an additional fee to see them. I would recommend setting aside a good half-day for your visit here.

Bought this ticket together with the historical village at 1400 yen. This is about 10-15 mins walk away from the historical village. Accessible by bus no 22 from shin Sapporo station. A rather compact museum focus on origin and development of Hokkaido as well as the jomon and Ainu people. Time spent 2-3 hours.

We bought tickets for the museum and to visit the historic village, thinking that in three hours we could see both… But the museum trapped us. The first thing we saw was an impressive mammoth. The museum is ordered in a way that, as you advance, you are doing a travel across time. Starting with the Gomphotheres and early Paleolithic cultures, and then exhibiting elements of the Jomon culture. It was fantastic to see the progression of stone tools and implements over time. From the Jomon to Zoku-Jomon and Satsumon cultures. From the north, the Okhotsk culture. The Ainu culture. The pass of time leads to the advancing influence from Honshu, the Matsumae clan and the Tokugawa shogunate. “Civilization” and the suppression of their customs. Seeing photos of Ainu people wearing clothing that wasn't their own, imposed by the newcomer, provoked the same profound sadness in me as those photos of Chile's indigenous peoples subjected to the same thing. Now civilized. Now extinct. Just another fragment of a universal history that repeats itself. We had to hurry, as the closing hour was almost here, so the sections of modern times and nature (nooo!) were seen faster. I wish we had more time to enjoy everything here. It's an amazing museum!!

For those interested in Hokkaido’s history, culture, and development - this is the place. Good for a 1.5 hour stay. The two-floor museum has exhibits from the Mammoths’ age to present. Visitors can learn about how Hokkaido becomes what it is today and the complex cultural exchange happened between different groups of inhabitants over centuries.

Great museum on distinct history of Hokkaido - prehistory, pre-colonization Ainu, post-colonization, and a small natural history section. We didn't expect to be there so long, and didn't make it to the Historical Village further down the road. There are no substantial food options here: bring a lunch!

Great place to visit if you're traveling to Hokkaido. It’s so calm and quiet, not crowded at all, which made it really nice to walk around slowly and enjoy. There’s so much cool stuff to learn about ancient Hokkaido, and the history is super interesting. If you’re traveling to Hokkaido and want a peaceful spot to learn something new, you should totally go to this museum!

Cool place to see ancient stuff and learn about Hokkaido past. Buy the combined ticket with the historic village near by.

The Hokkaido Museum, nestled in the heart of Hokkaido’s lush surroundings, is a treasure trove of history that offers a captivating journey into the island’s past. From prehistoric times to modern-day developments, the museum masterfully intertwines natural history, archaeology, and cultural evolution, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. One of the standout exhibits is the display of mammoth bones, which immediately draws attention with its sheer scale and rarity. These ancient relics offer a glimpse into Hokkaido’s Ice Age environment, showcasing how the island was once home to incredible megafauna. The carefully reconstructed skeletons and fragments transport visitors back thousands of years, sparking awe and wonder. The museum also boasts an impressive array of replicas of artifacts unearthed throughout the island. These include tools, pottery, and ornaments used by the indigenous Ainu people and earlier settlers. The intricate craftsmanship of these items highlights the resourcefulness and cultural richness of Hokkaido’s earliest inhabitants. Particularly fascinating is the detailed recreation of ancient dwellings, which provide insight into the daily lives and survival strategies of those who lived in Hokkaido’s harsh climate. In addition to the prehistoric and archaeological displays, the museum delves into the natural evolution of the island, with immersive dioramas and interactive exhibits. This comprehensive approach ensures visitors leave with a deeper appreciation of Hokkaido’s unique history and environment. The Hokkaido Museum is not just an exhibition space but a vivid storytelling hub, bringing the island’s rich past to life. Whether you’re intrigued by mammoth bones or fascinated by ancient artifacts, this museum offers a window into a world long gone yet deeply resonant today.