Hokkaido University Campus

Overview

Hokkaido University's main campus covers 177 hectares in northern central Sapporo, making it one of Japan's largest urban campuses. Visitors walk tree-lined avenues of Siberian elms, a famous row of ginkgo trees that turn golden in autumn, and a poplar-lined path that has appeared in countless Japanese films and photographs.

Highlights

• Ginkgo Avenue: A 380-meter boulevard of 70 ginkgo trees ablaze in gold each late October.
• Poplar Row: A photogenic 250-meter row of poplar trees, a symbol of Hokkaido's frontier character.
• Clark Statue: A bust of William S. Clark, the college's first vice president, who coined 'Boys, Be Ambitious!'

History

Founded in 1876 as Sapporo Agricultural College with American educator William S. Clark as its first vice president, the campus retains many of its original tree plantings and farm fields. Clark's farewell phrase 'Boys, Be Ambitious!' became one of Japan's most famous motivational slogans.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Visit in late October for peak ginkgo color — the golden canopy lasts only about two weeks.
• Tip 2: The campus is open to the public and flat for walking; rent a bicycle from the station area to cover more ground.
• Duration: 45–75 minutes.