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Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill

Boys, Be Ambitious

Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is a scenic spot on the outskirts of Sapporo, and the statue of Dr. William S. Clark, attracts visitors from all over the world. Not only can you enjoy the endless meadow and the view of downtown Sapporo, but you can also get up close to sheep and taste original delicacies.

Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill 羊ヶ丘展望台 was originally a cattle breeding station in Hokkaido, and then started raising sheep as an agricultural experimental farm, hence its name Hitsujigaoka, the Hill of Sheep. The Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill has Broad Meadow, with the eye-catching Sapporo Dome Stadium and the downtown area in sight.

In 1876, Dr. William S. Clark was invited to Sapporo to serve as the first president of Sapporo Agricultural College (now Hokkaido University). Although he served for less than a year, he had a profound impact on his students. Before he returned to the US, he left behind the famous motto “Boys, Be Ambitious! 少年よ大志を抱け” which is still considered the motto of Hokkaido University.

Cute Sheep

In 1976, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Hokkaido University, a Statue of Dr. William S. Clark was erected at Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, showing him with his right hand outstretched and pointing into the distance, which became a classic photo-op for tourists to emulate.

Manywhere Trivia:
The view of the uphill section of the drive to the Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is very close to the Windows XP desktop wallpaper.

In recent years, Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill has added Sapporo Snow Festival Museum, the Austrian House, Sapporo Blanc Birch Chapel, and the Hitsujigaoka Rest House. Visitors can not only learn about History of the Snow Festival and taste the original and delicious ice cream, but also experience the unique flavor of Hokkaido by trimming the wool and harvesting the lavender themselves.