Best Museums & Art Galleries in Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan

Sapporo, Japan, Sapporo, Culture & Entertainment, Best Museums & Art Galleries

Best Museums & Art Galleries in Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan

1. Sapporo Art Park Museum

A contemporary art museum with a focus on installation art and site-specific works, located in a beautiful park.
  • Outdoor Gallery: Features an outdoor gallery space for large-scale installations.
  • Unique Architecture: Designed by the renowned Japanese architect, Kenzo Tange.
  • Frequent Exhibitions: Hosts new exhibitions about four times a year.

2. Sapporo City Art Museum

A museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art, known for its impressive collection of Western paintings.
  • Western Art Collection: Houses one of the largest collections of European and American art in Japan.
  • Architectural Design: Built with a unique, dome-shaped structure that resembles a melting snowflake.
  • Temporary Exhibitions: Regularly features temporary exhibitions showcasing Japanese and international artists.

3. Otaru Art Museum

A museum located in the historic town of Otaru, showcasing a collection of Western art and local artworks.
  • Historic Setting: Set within a restored glass warehouse from the late 19th century.
  • Western Art Collection: Houses an extensive collection of Western art, including works by Monet and Renoir.
  • Local Art Exhibitions: Features temporary exhibitions showcasing local Hokkaido artists.

4. Hokkaido Modern Art Museum

A museum dedicated to contemporary and modern art from Japan and around the world.
  • Innovative Exhibitions: Presents innovative exhibitions that challenge conventional perceptions of art.
  • Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for both children and adults to deepen their understanding of modern art.
  • Community Engagement: Engages with the local community through various events and workshops.

5. Sapporo Beer Museum

A museum dedicated to the history of beer brewing in Sapporo, featuring a beer garden and tastings.
  • Interactive Experience: Offers interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about the beer-making process.
  • Beer Tasting: Provides tastings of various types of Sapporo beer, including limited edition brews.
  • Historic Brewery: Located within the historic Sapporo Beer Factory building.

6. Sapporo Sharing House

A unique art space that encourages collaboration and interaction between artists and visitors.
  • Interactive Art: Features interactive installations that invite visitors to actively participate in the artistic process.
  • Community Projects: Runs community projects and workshops to engage local artists and residents.
  • Temporary Exhibitions: Regularly hosts temporary exhibitions by both established and emerging artists.

7. Sapporo International Center for Collaborative Arts

A collaborative art space dedicated to fostering artistic exchange between Japan and the rest of the world.
  • International Exchange: Promotes international artistic collaboration and dialogue.
  • Residency Program: Offers a residency program for artists from around the world.
  • Workshops and Exhibitions: Hosts workshops, performances, and exhibitions by visiting artists.

8. Sapporo Fishing Port Culture Park

A museum dedicated to the history and culture of Sapporo's fishing industry, featuring a large aquarium.
  • Large Aquarium: Features a large aquarium showcasing various marine life from Hokkaido.
  • Historic Exhibits: Showcases the history and development of Sapporo's fishing industry.
  • Cultural Events: Hosts cultural events related to seafood, such as cooking demonstrations and tastings.

9. Hokkaido Museum of Northern Peoples

A museum dedicated to the indigenous peoples of Hokkaido and the surrounding regions.
  • Indigenous Cultures: Focuses on the history, culture, and art of the Ainu people and other northern indigenous groups.
  • Permanent Exhibits: Features permanent exhibitions that explore various aspects of indigenous life.
  • Temporary Exhibitions: Hosts temporary exhibitions related to the history, culture, and art of the Ainu people.

10. Sapporo Railway Station Museum

A museum dedicated to the history of railways in Sapporo, featuring a collection of vintage trains.
  • Vintage Trains: Houses an impressive collection of vintage steam locomotives and rolling stock.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience life on the railway.
  • Historic Gallery: Features a gallery showcasing the history of railways in Sapporo and Hokkaido.

11. Sapporo Factory

A shopping complex that was originally a beer factory, featuring stores, restaurants, and art exhibitions.
  • Historic Architecture: Preserves the original architecture of the Sapporo Beer Factory building.
  • Art Exhibitions: Regularly hosts art exhibitions by both local and international artists.
  • Shopping and Dining: Offers a variety of stores, restaurants, and cafes for visitors to explore.

12. Hokkaido University Museum

A museum located on the campus of Hokkaido University, featuring a collection of natural history and archaeology exhibits.
  • Natural History Exhibits: Showcases various specimens from Hokkaido's unique flora and fauna.
  • Archaeology Exhibits: Features exhibits on the history and archaeology of Hokkaido.
  • Research Center: Serves as a research center for students and scholars in natural history and archaeology.

13. Sapporo Maritime Museum

A museum dedicated to the history of maritime exploration and navigation in Hokkaido.
  • Maritime History Exhibits: Features exhibits on the history of maritime exploration and navigation in Hokkaido.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience life aboard a ship.
  • Maritime Simulators: Features maritime simulators where visitors can practice navigating a ship.

14. Hokkaido University Museum of Art

A museum located on the campus of Hokkaido University, showcasing a collection of Western and Japanese art.
  • Western Art Collection: Houses an impressive collection of European and American art.
  • Japanese Art Collection: Features a significant collection of Japanese art, including works by renowned artists.
  • Temporary Exhibitions: Regularly hosts temporary exhibitions featuring both Western and Japanese art.

15. Sapporo Television Tower

A tower that doubles as a broadcasting facility and an observation deck, offering panoramic views of Sapporo.
  • Observation Deck: Features an observation deck that offers breathtaking views of the city.
  • Restaurant and Cafe: Includes a restaurant and cafe at the top for visitors to enjoy.
  • TV Broadcasting Facility: Serves as a broadcasting facility for TV programs in Sapporo.