Sapporo’s beautiful blue house, Hōhei Kan is one of the most popular things to do in Sapporo, located in Nakajima Park.
Built in the 1890s, Hōhei Kan in Sapporo has had many different uses over the years, from a military camp to a luxury hotel and is now a historical museum.
From admission prices to its rich history, here is our guide to Hōhei Kan in Sapporo.
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How to get to Hōhei Kan
Located on the west side of Nakajima Park, the nearest transport stop to Hōhei Kan is Nakajimakoen Metro Station – take exit 3 and it is a 5 minute walk from the Metro to Hōhei Kan.
To get to Hōhei Kan from Sapporo Station, it is a 15 minute direct subway ride on the green Namboku Line to Nakajimakoen Metro Station, or a 35 minute walk from Sapporo JR Station.
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Hōhei Kan opening times
Hōhei Kan is open daily from 9am to 5pm – public holiday opening hours may vary.
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Hōhei Kan admission prices
Ticket prices for the Hōhei Kan museum and interiors are 300 Yen per adult (around £1.50 or $2 USD) – prices correct as of summer 2024.
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You can visit the grounds and outside for free (Nakajima Park is free entry).
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Hōhei Kan History and Summary
Built in November 1880 by the Hokkaido Development Commission, Hohei Kan is the oldest wooden hotel remaining on Hokkaido island.
The style is quite unusual for Japan, and is part midwest American, part European. It is quite similar in style to Sapporo Clock Tower, Japan’s oldest clock tower, which was built around the same time in 1878 and features a clock-face imported from Boston, USA.
The wooden building is famous for its beautiful blue color, which comes from lapis lazuli, the famous gemstone.
Hōhei Kan has had many different uses over the years, from a military camp and events center to a luxury hotel (once one of Sapporo’s best hotels).
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Hōhei Kan today
These days, Hōhei Kan is open as a museum and occasionally used as a wedding venue (it has an exquisite garden out front) and appears on many of Sapporo’s souvenir postcards.
Inside, there are opulent interiors and a small museum including details of the Imperial families visit – admission costs just 300 Yen.
It is perhaps Sapporo’s most popular photo spot, a beautiful blue house and former hotel that makes the perfect backdrop for selfies and group shots.
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‘Hanami’ and Hōhei Kan
It is especially popular in spring, when the cherry blossom / sakura trees are in full blossom and many families and couples sit beneath the cherry blossom trees in front of Hōhei Kan.
We were lucky enough to visit Nakajima Park in the spring and saw lots of ‘hanami’ whereby big groups enjoyed family time under the blooming trees – it was magical!
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Nakajima Park and Garden
Nakajima Park is where Hōhei Kan can be found and it is Sapporo’s best green park and open space near the downtown district.
Nakajima Park is fine to visit any time of year and it is popular with locals for picnics plus lots of sporting activities – families and young couples like to hire pedalos and boats on Nakajima’s boating lake.
The traditional Japanese gardens behind the building are a lovely spot, and one of the best cherry blossom spots in Sapporo.
Other activities and attractions nearby include the Hokkaido Museum of Literature, Sapporo City Observatory and Sapporo Concert Hall ‘Kitara’.
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Address
Hōhei Kan, Japan, 〒064 – 0931 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Nakajimakoen, 1−20 1F
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