Sapporo museums are a great way to learn about the history, culture, and art of Japan‘s northernmost major city. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or just looking for something to do on a rainy day, Sapporo has a museum for you. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular museums in Sapporo, including the types of art and artifacts on display, special exhibitions, history and background, and availability of guided tours.
Hokkaido Museum
The Hokkaido Museum is one of the most popular museums in Sapporo. It is dedicated to the history, culture, and natural environment of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. The museum is divided into several sections, including the Natural History section, the Human History section, and the Ainu section.
The Natural History section features exhibits on the flora and fauna of Hokkaido, as well as the island’s geology and climate. The Human History section covers the history of human settlement on Hokkaido, from the Ainu people to the modern day. The Ainu section is dedicated to the culture of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido.
The museum also has several special exhibitions throughout the year, highlighting different aspects of Hokkaido’s history and culture. Guided tours are available in Japanese and English, and the museum also has audio guides in several languages.
Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art
The Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art, also known as MoMA Hokkaido, is another popular museum in Sapporo. It is dedicated to contemporary art from Japan and around the world. The museum features a permanent collection of Japanese and international art, as well as rotating special exhibitions.
The permanent collection includes works by Japanese artists such as Yayoi Kusama and Tetsumi Kudo, as well as international artists such as Salvador Dalà and Jackson Pollock. The museum also has a collection of sculptures, including works by Isamu Noguchi and Henry Moore.
Guided tours are available in Japanese and English, and the museum also has audio guides in several languages.
Sapporo Beer Museum
The Sapporo Beer Museum is a unique museum in Sapporo, dedicated to the history of beer in Japan. The museum is located in a restored brewery that was built in 1890, and it features exhibits on the history of beer in Japan, as well as the history of the Sapporo brewery.
The museum has several exhibits on the history of beer in Japan, including the introduction of beer to Japan by European traders in the 19th century, the rise of the Japanese beer industry in the 20th century, and the current state of the Japanese beer industry.
The museum also has a replica of the original brewery, and visitors can see the brewing process and learn about the ingredients used to make beer. Guided tours are available in Japanese and English, and visitors can also sample Sapporo beer at the museum’s beer garden.
Hokkaido University Museum
The Hokkaido University Museum is a natural history museum that is part of Hokkaido University. The museum is dedicated to the natural history of Hokkaido, and it features exhibits on the flora and fauna of the island, as well as the island’s geology and climate.
The museum has several galleries, including the Natural History Gallery, the Earth Science Gallery, and the Botanical Garden. The Natural History Gallery features exhibits on the animals and plants of Hokkaido, including a replica of a Hokkaido brown bear and a display of the island’s many bird species. The Earth Science Gallery covers the island’s geology, including volcanic activity and earthquakes. The Botanical Garden is an outdoor exhibit featuring a variety of plants native to Hokkaido.
The museum also has a collection of fossils and minerals, including a display of dinosaur fossils from Hokkaido. Additionally, the museum offers several special exhibitions throughout the year, highlighting different aspects of Hokkaido’s natural history. Guided tours are available in Japanese and English, and the museum also has audio guides in several languages.
Historical Village of Hokkaido
The Historical Village of Hokkaido, also known as the Open-Air Museum of Hokkaido, is an open-air museum that features a collection of over 50 historical buildings from all over Hokkaido. The museum is divided into several sections, including the Ainu section, the Pioneer section, and the Modern section.
The Ainu section features traditional Ainu houses and other buildings, showcasing the traditional way of life of the Ainu people. The Pioneer section covers the history of the early settlers of Hokkaido, including the settlers from the Meiji period and the pioneers from the early 20th century. The Modern section features buildings from the post-World War II period, including a replica of a post-war department store.
Guided tours are available in Japanese and English, and the museum also has audio guides in several languages. Visitors can also experience traditional Ainu activities such as weaving and woodcarving, and there is also a restaurant serving traditional Ainu cuisine.
Overall, Sapporo offers a wide range of museums that cover various aspects of the city’s history, culture, and art. From natural history to contemporary art, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Guided tours and audio guides are available in multiple languages, making it easy for visitors to fully experience and appreciate each museum.
