Hokkaido University is one of the most popular must-visit attractions on a trip to Sapporo. In autumn, its dreamy Ginkgo Avenue becomes one of Hokkaido's most iconic fall foliage spots. The campus is within walking distance of JR Sapporo Station, making it easy to reach and ideal for a half-day stroll. This guide covers transportation to Hokkaido University, the best time to see the ginkgo trees, must-see campus attractions, dining halls, and seasonal scenery—everything you need to plan your visit.
Founded in 1876, Hokkaido University is one of Hokkaido's most prestigious institutions of higher education. Its campus covers approximately 177 hectares, with expansive green spaces, historic buildings dating from the Meiji period, and long tree-lined avenues. Even without a tightly planned itinerary, it is an ideal place to take a leisurely walk and enjoy Sapporo's relaxed atmosphere. In autumn, the famous Ginkgo Avenue turns brilliant gold, making it one of Hokkaido's most popular places to see ginkgo foliage. The campus is free to enter, and each season offers a completely different scenic experience.
Visitor Reminder: Hokkaido University is still an active university campus. Please keep your voice down and avoid making excessive noise during your visit. Do not enter teaching buildings, laboratories, or restricted areas without permission, and help preserve the campus environment and students' learning spaces.
Hokkaido University Transportation Guide
Hokkaido University is located right next to central Sapporo, so it is very easy to reach and fits conveniently into a Sapporo sightseeing itinerary. The most recommended option is to take the train to JR Sapporo Station, exit from the West North Exit, and walk about 7 minutes to the main gate of Hokkaido University. If you are visiting in autumn and want to go directly to the popular Ginkgo Avenue, take the Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line to Kita-Juni-Jo Station and walk about 4 minutes from Exit 2.
Stations and Train Lines Near Hokkaido University: JR Sapporo Station and Subway
| JR Sapporo Station | JR Hakodate Main Line, JR Chitose Line, JR Sassho Line (Gakuen-Toshi Line) |
|---|---|
| Kita-Juni-Jo Station | Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line |
Best Time to Visit Hokkaido University's Ginkgo Avenue
Located along Kita 13-jo Street on the Hokkaido University campus, Ginkgo Avenue stretches for approximately 380 meters and is lined with about 70 ginkgo trees. Every autumn, the trees create a spectacular golden tunnel, making this one of Hokkaido University's most iconic landscapes. The best viewing period is usually from late October to early November, when the entire avenue glows in brilliant gold and attracts large numbers of local residents and visitors.
Hokkaido University Golden Leaves Festival
Held every year from late October to early November, the Hokkaido University Golden Leaves Festival is one of the university's best-known annual events. In addition to food and merchandise stalls, the Ginkgo Avenue is illuminated at night, creating a completely different romantic atmosphere from the daytime. In recent years, illumination hours have generally been around 18:30–21:00, but the event program and schedule may change each year, so it is recommended to check the official Golden Leaves Festival website before your visit.
If you are planning an independent trip to Japan in autumn, Hokkaido University's Ginkgo Avenue is also highly recommended. From Tokyo and Kyoto to Hokkaido, Japan has many famous ginkgo-viewing spots with different styles. If you would like a complete roundup of popular ginkgo destinations across Japan, see the article below.
Must-See Attractions at Hokkaido University
Hokkaido University Main Gate
When walking from JR Sapporo Station to Hokkaido University, the first landmark you will see is the historic-looking Hokkaido University Main Gate. After entering the campus, you will find Elm Forest on the right, where you can pick up free campus maps and visitor information. It is an ideal starting point for a campus walk. Follow the main avenue from the gate to reach the spacious Central Lawn, where the surrounding trees display different scenery with the changing seasons. The area is worth visiting not only in autumn but throughout the year.
Address: Kita 8-jo Nishi 5-chome, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Visiting Hours: Exterior accessible 24 hours; Elm Forest 8:45–17:00
Admission: Free
Closed: No regular closing days
Bust of Dr. Clark
Located beside Furukawa Hall, the bust of Dr. Clark is one of Hokkaido University's most iconic photo spots. Dr. William S. Clark is famous for the phrase “Boys, be ambitious,” and played an important role in the development of education during Hokkaido's pioneering era. Surrounded by greenery with historic architecture in the background, it is a great place to stop for a commemorative photo.
Address: Kita 8-jo Nishi 8-chome, on the Hokkaido University campus, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Visiting Hours: Exterior accessible 24 hours
Furukawa Hall
Built in 1909, Furukawa Hall is one of the most representative historic buildings on the Hokkaido University campus. Designed in a French Renaissance style, its white exterior and elegant roofline stand out beautifully against the surrounding green spaces. In autumn, when the ginkgo trees turn yellow, it becomes especially popular with photographers. Although the interior is not open to the public, the exterior alone is well worth seeing.
Address: Kita 9-jo Nishi 7-chome, on the Hokkaido University campus, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Admission: Exterior viewing is free
Visiting Hours: Exterior accessible 24 hours
Closed: No regular closing days
Hokkaido University Museum
If you enjoy natural science and historical exhibitions, the Hokkaido University Museum is highly recommended. The museum houses more than three million academic specimens. Popular highlights include a large mammoth model and an impressive full-body skeletal specimen of Desmostylus. In addition to permanent exhibitions, special exhibitions are held from time to time. There is also a café and a souvenir shop inside, making it easy to spend about an hour exploring at a relaxed pace.
Address: Kita 10-jo Nishi 8-chome, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: 10:00–17:00 (Fridays from June to October extended to 21:00)
Closed: Mondays (open on national holidays and closed on the following weekday instead), December 28–January 4
Hokkaido University Botanic Garden
Located near central Sapporo, the Hokkaido University Botanic Garden contains approximately 4,000 plant species and is one of Hokkaido's oldest botanical gardens. In spring, visitors can see Asian skunk cabbage and lilacs; summer brings lush greenery; and autumn offers colorful foliage. Each season has its own appeal. Because Hokkaido receives heavy snowfall in winter, be sure to check the seasonal winter closure dates before visiting.
Address: Kita 3-jo Nishi 8-chome, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Admission: ¥420
Opening Hours: 9:00–16:30 (April 29–September 30), 9:00–16:00 (October 1–November 3)
Closed: Mondays; closed for winter from November 4 to April 28
Recommended Dining at Hokkaido University
In addition to Ginkgo Avenue and historic buildings, Hokkaido University also has several popular places to eat. Because the campus is so large, many visitors take a break at one of the campus dining halls or cafés. The main facilities open to general visitors are the Hokkaido University Central Cafeteria and the North Cafeteria. Most dining halls operated by individual faculties are not open to general visitors, so it is best to confirm access before going.
Dining Hall Reminder: On weekdays from 11:30 to 13:00, the Hokkaido University Central Cafeteria and North Cafeteria give priority to students, faculty, and staff. Visitors are advised to avoid this period so as not to disrupt regular campus dining.
Hokkaido University Central Cafeteria
Located in the central part of the campus, the Hokkaido University Central Cafeteria is popular with both students and visitors. It offers a wide range of choices, including ramen, rice bowls, curry, fried dishes, and a salad bar, allowing diners to mix and match their preferred items. With affordable prices and the chance to experience Japanese university cafeteria culture, it has become a popular stop when visiting Hokkaido University.
Address: Kita 8-jo Nishi 5-chome, on the Hokkaido University campus, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Opening Hours: Weekdays 11:00–19:00; closed Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays
Note: General visitors are charged an additional 20% on the displayed prices
North Cafeteria
The North Cafeteria is the largest dining hall at Hokkaido University and is known for its wide selection of dishes. Its most popular signature item is the Beef Toro Rice Bowl, made by spreading finely minced, semi-frozen beef over steaming hot rice. The beef slowly melts from the heat, creating a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture along with a rich, savory sweetness. The dish is loved by local students and also draws many visitors who come specifically to try it.
Address: Kita 17-jo Nishi 8-chome, on the Hokkaido University campus, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Opening Hours: Weekdays 11:00–19:00; closed Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays
Note: General visitors are charged an additional 20% on the displayed prices
Hokudai Marche Café & Labo
Located on the Hokkaido University campus, Hokudai Marche Café & Labo combines a selection of Hokkaido ingredients and products with desserts and a café space, making it one of the campus's most popular cafés in recent years. In addition to Hokkaido dairy and agricultural products, the café serves distinctive meals and sweets developed using ingredients connected with Hokkaido University research. General visitors are welcome, making it a convenient place to rest during a campus walk.
Address: 1st Floor, Hokkaido University Centennial Hall, Kita 9-jo Nishi 5-chome, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Opening Hours: 10:00–17:00 (may vary by season)
Note: General visitors are welcome and no additional 20% charge applies
Cafe de Gohan
Cafe de Gohan, located inside Elm Forest beside Hokkaido University's Main Gate, is a popular café that many visitors stop at as soon as they enter the campus. Its best-known item is soft-serve ice cream made with milk from Hokkaido University's farm. Rich and milky without being overly sweet, it is perfect to enjoy while strolling around campus. Its location near the Main Gate also makes it an ideal starting point for a Hokkaido University walking tour.
Address: Inside Elm Forest, Kita 8-jo Nishi 5-chome, Kita Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Opening Hours: Weekdays 7:45–20:00; Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays 8:30–20:00
Because Hokkaido University is very close to JR Sapporo Station, many visitors continue their food itinerary around Sapporo Station, Odori, or Susukino after finishing their campus walk. Whether you are looking for seafood bowls, jingisukan grilled mutton, Sapporo ramen, desserts, or cafés, the choices are far more extensive than those available on campus.
Hokkaido University Through the Four Seasons
One of Hokkaido University's greatest attractions is that the campus scenery changes completely with every season. Spring brings cherry blossoms and fresh greenery, while summer fills the tree-lined avenues with lush foliage and relatively cool weather even in midsummer, making the campus ideal for walking. Autumn brings the famous golden tunnel of Ginkgo Avenue, and after winter snowfall the campus takes on the appearance of a European university in a snowy landscape. No matter when you visit, you can experience Hokkaido's distinctive natural atmosphere.
Spring: Cherry Blossoms and Best Viewing Spots
Cherry blossoms at Hokkaido University usually bloom from late April to early May, later than in much of Honshu. This means that even after cherry blossom season has ended elsewhere in Japan, there is still a chance to enjoy soft pink spring scenery in Hokkaido. Popular viewing spots include the area around the Central Lawn, near the Faculty of Engineering, and around the Botanic Garden. Because the campus is so spacious, it is generally less crowded than major tourist attractions and is ideal for a leisurely spring walk.
Autumn: Fall Foliage and Best Viewing Spots
When people think of autumn at Hokkaido University, the famous Ginkgo Avenue is usually the first place that comes to mind. However, there are also many popular spots for red and orange autumn leaves around the Botanic Garden, the Central Lawn, and Furukawa Hall. From October to November, these areas gradually change color. The combination of autumn foliage and historic architecture around the Botanic Garden creates an especially strong Hokkaido autumn atmosphere. If you want to see the classic golden tunnel, be sure to check the best viewing period for Ginkgo Avenue described above.
Winter: Snow Scenery and the Campus in Winter
Hokkaido University usually begins to receive its first snow from mid to late November. Once stable snow cover arrives in December, the expansive campus turns into a silver-white world. The straight Ginkgo Avenue is blanketed in snow, while the trees on both sides create a quiet winter atmosphere. Century-old buildings such as Furukawa Hall look even more elegant against the snowy landscape, giving the campus a distinctly European feel. Compared with the crowds during the autumn foliage and ginkgo season, winter is especially peaceful. Walking along the snow-covered paths lets you experience Hokkaido's pure winter scenery as well as unusually open snow views within central Sapporo.
Hokkaido University Walking Map: Recommended Visit Length and Walking Route
The Hokkaido University campus is quite large. If you plan to include Ginkgo Avenue, historic buildings, campus dining, and cafés, it is best to allow at least about three and a half hours for a relaxed walk. Some dining halls prioritize students on weekdays from 11:00 to 13:00, so visitors are advised to eat outside the peak period to avoid interfering with normal use by students, faculty, and staff.
Recommended Hokkaido University Walking Route
11:00–11:10 Walk from JR Sapporo Station to Hokkaido University Main Gate
↓
11:10–11:40 Enjoy Hokkaido University-exclusive milk soft-serve ice cream at Cafe de Gohan
↓
11:40–12:00 Visit the Bust of Dr. Clark and stroll around Furukawa Hall
↓
12:00–13:30 Explore Ginkgo Avenue and stroll around the campus
↓
13:30–14:30 Have lunch at the Central Cafeteria or North Cafeteria
↓
14:30–14:40 Return to JR Sapporo Station
Recommended Access: About a 7-minute walk from the North Exit of JR Sapporo Station to Hokkaido University Main Gate
Walking Distance and Time: Approximately 4–5 km, about 2 hours of walking
Recommended Total Time: 3.5–4 hours
Highlights: Hokkaido University-exclusive milk soft-serve ice cream, Bust of Dr. Clark, Furukawa Hall, Ginkgo Avenue, and the campus cafeteria experience
Return Route: Walk from Hokkaido University Main Gate back to JR Sapporo Station, then continue sightseeing in central Sapporo
If this is your first independent trip to Sapporo, it is also highly recommended to combine Hokkaido University with central attractions such as Odori Park, Sapporo TV Tower, and Tanukikoji Shopping Street. Thanks to the convenient transportation, it works very well as a half-day walking itinerary even without a rental car.
Whether you visit for the golden Ginkgo Avenue in autumn, snowy winter scenery, or the lush green campus in spring and summer, Hokkaido University is one of the must-see attractions on a trip to Sapporo. It is within walking distance of JR Sapporo Station, offering not only seasonal scenery but also the chance to experience student cafeterias and campus-exclusive foods. When planning your Sapporo sightseeing or Hokkaido itinerary, be sure to include Hokkaido University and experience the unique charm of this historic institution for yourself.
Hokkaido University Travel FAQ
1. Are There Any Restrictions on Hokkaido University's Opening Hours?
In principle, the Hokkaido University campus is open year-round and visitors may enter freely. However, some areas of the campus have limited lighting at night, so daytime visits are recommended for safety. Opening hours vary for individual exhibition facilities, museums, and service centers, so it is best to check the relevant information before visiting.
2. The Campus Is Very Large. How Much Time Should I Allow, and Is a Map Available?
The Hokkaido University campus covers approximately 177 hectares. If your main activities are walking, taking photos, and visiting the major sights, allowing 1.5 to 2 hours is recommended. If you would like to explore museums or historic buildings in greater depth, plan for at least half a day. Free campus maps are available at the Elm Forest information center beside the Main Gate.
3. Can Visitors Drive Into the Hokkaido University Campus?
General sightseeing visitors are not permitted to drive onto the campus, and there is no visitor parking provided on campus. Public transportation is recommended. You can take the Sapporo Municipal Subway to Kita-Juni-Jo Station or Kita-Juhachi-Jo Station, or walk from JR Sapporo Station.
4. What Rules Should I Follow When Taking Photos on Ginkgo Avenue?
Hokkaido University's Ginkgo Avenue is one of the campus's most iconic landscapes and photography is normally permitted. During autumn, when the ginkgo leaves turn yellow, large numbers of visitors come to the area and the university generally introduces traffic restrictions and crowd-management measures. Please follow on-site instructions and do not enter roadways or restricted areas to take photos, helping to maintain a safe and pleasant environment for everyone.