[2024 Sapporo Attraction] Travel Guide for The Hokkaido University Museum (Updated Oct)

Exploring Hokkaido University Museum

Located in the heart of Sapporo, Hokkaido University offers a unique experience with its distinctive buildings, museum, and even a wine tasting area. This beautiful campus combines the joy of sightseeing and culinary delights. It's conveniently close to Sapporo Station, making it easily accessible on foot. The university's cafes and the museum's cafe serve delicious ice cream, coffee, and cookies. If you visit Sapporo, I highly recommend adding a stroll around Hokkaido University to your city tour itinerary!

As I entered the Museum at Hokkaido University Botanic Garden, I was immediately struck by an impactful scene. Right before me stood a towering stuffed bear, its eyes seemingly alive as they glared down at me, creating a moment of awe and wonder. The museum was a treasure trove of local wildlife, featuring meticulously preserved specimens. Among the exhibits were stuffed Japanese wolves, now sadly extinct, their presence a poignant reminder of the island's rich yet fragile biodiversity. Seals, various mammals, an array of birds, aquatic life, reptiles, and amphibians filled the space, each specimen offering a glimpse into the diverse fauna of Hokkaido. The collection of skulls was equally fascinating, showcasing local and foreign animals. Bear skulls, wolf skulls, and those of various other mammals told silent stories of the creatures that once roamed these lands. Adding a unique cultural dimension, there was a dedicated corner displaying Ainu culture and their relationship with the local fauna. This exhibit illustrated the deep respect and intricate bond the Ainu people shared with the animals around them, highlighting traditional uses, spiritual beliefs, and the sustainable practices they followed. The museum, with its captivating displays, provided an immersive and educational journey through the region's natural history and cultural heritage, leaving me with a deep appreciation for the incredible biodiversity and the importance of preserving it, as well as a profound respect for the indigenous Ainu culture and their harmonious coexistence with nature.