Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is holding its Summer Vacation Event 2026 from Saturday, July 25 through Sunday, August 16. Since July 31 is Dr. Clark's birthday, the first half of the event, from July 25 (Sat) to July 31 (Fri), is designated "Clark Week," featuring programs inspired by Dr. Clark. The second half, from August 1 (Sat) to August 16 (Sun), is "Summer Enjoyment Week," featuring a sheep walking race and a Bon Odori and fireworks experience. Craft workshops well-suited for summer study projects will also run throughout the period, making for a lineup designed to help visitors create summer memories. Everyone is invited to stop by.
July 31 (Fri): Free Admission Day
Date: July 31 (Fri)
July 31 marks both Dr. Clark's birthday and the day he first set foot in Sapporo. 2026 also marks the 200th anniversary of Dr. Clark's birth. To commemorate the occasion, admission will be free on July 31 (Fri).
Clark Week
Clark Challenge Rally
Date: July 25 (Sat) to July 31 (Fri)
Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Fee: Free
A set of Dr. Clark-themed challenges awaits, including loud-voice, dumbbell, and one-leg-standing tests. Visitors receive a record card and are invited to aim for a new personal best.
Clark Kamishibai (Paper Theater)
Date: July 26 (Sun), July 31 (Fri)
Time: 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM
Fee: Free
This kamishibai (paper theater) performance tells the story of Dr. Clark's journey from the United States to Sapporo, his time with students at Sapporo Agricultural College, and the meaning behind his famous words, "Boys, be ambitious."
3rd Loud Voice Clark Contest
Date: July 31 (Fri)
Time: 10:00 AM
Fee: Free
Contestants shout "Boys, be ambitious!" followed by their own personal ambition, competing for the loudest voice across two categories: a children's division for elementary schoolers and younger, and an adult division for junior high schoolers and up. Entry registration for this contest has already closed.
Summer Enjoyment Week
Stamp Rally
Date: August 1 (Sat) to August 16 (Sun)
Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Fee: Free
A stamp rally will take visitors to four locations around the facility. Those who complete the rally receive a prize.
Loud Voice Challenge
Date: August 1 (Sat), August 2 (Sun)
Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Fee: Free
A voice-level meter measures how loud visitors can shout. Everyone is invited to try for a new record.
A Visit from Jingisukan no Jin-kun
Date: August 2 (Sun)
Fee: Free
Jingisukan no Jin-kun, a character popular both in and outside Hokkaido who serves as Sapporo City's official "Sapporo Smile PR Ambassador" and the official ambassador for the Clark Statue's 50th anniversary, will pay a visit. Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill is Jin-kun's hometown, and the lovable character will help liven up the event.
*Appearance times will be announced on Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill's official website and social media.
Sheep Walking Race
Date: August 3 (Mon) to August 9 (Sun)
Time: 1:30 PM (check-in from 12:30 PM)
Fee: Free
Nineteen of the sheep raised at the observation hill will enter the walking race this time. Among them are five lambs born this year that joined Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill this summer, and this race marks their very first attempt. Don't miss these "rookie sheep" as they give it their all, even while a little unsure of themselves. Visitors who correctly guess the winning sheep receive a prize.
Bon Odori and Fireworks Experience
Date: August 10 (Mon) to August 16 (Sun)
Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
This seven-day-only Bon Odori and fireworks experience lets visitors enjoy traditional folk dancing. Those who take part in the Bon Odori receive a free set of hand-held sparklers and can set them off in front of the Clark Statue. During this period, opening hours are extended until 7:00 PM, so visitors can also take in a night view of Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill that's normally not seen.
Craft Experience Workshops
Tile Craft Workshop
Date: July 25 (Sat), July 26 (Sun)
Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Fee: From ¥800
Instructor: Chieko Yoshizawa of salon.plaisir
Arrange and glue tiles, then fill in the grout to finish — make your own coaster or trivet.
Wool Craft Experience
Date: July 27 (Mon), July 28 (Tue), August 10 (Mon) to August 12 (Wed)
Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Fee: From ¥800
Instructor: Daijobu Hosaka of Bricoleur
Use fluffy wool to create an original brooch or magnet.
Summer Design Soap Making
Date: July 29 (Wed) to July 31 (Fri)
Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Fee: ¥1,000 to ¥1,300
Instructor: Emi Funasaki of Handmade Soap Salon olive
Freely choose summer-themed soap parts to make a sweets-shaped soap or an amethyst-style soap.
Lavender Sheep Summer Craft
Date: August 1 (Sat) to August 5 (Wed)
Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Fee: Frame ¥1,500 / Figure ¥1,200
Instructor: Kimiko Katsumi of Wakuwaku Nendo Club
Make a fluffy clay lavender sheep for summer, choosing between a framed version or a standalone figure.
Candle and Soap Making with a Choice of Menu
Date: August 7 (Fri) to August 9 (Sun), August 14 (Fri) to August 16 (Sun)
Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Fee: ¥800 to ¥3,000
Instructor: Yukiko Yasuda of candle tomato
Choose your own colors and scents to make a one-of-a-kind original candle or soap.
Nature Craft with Natural Materials
Date: August 13 (Thu)
Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Fee: ¥800
Instructor: Nobumichi Morita of Shakotan Green
Use tree branches, acorns, and other natural materials to create an original craft.
Kitchen Cars On-Site
Date: July 25 (Sat) to August 16 (Sun)
Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
A variety of kitchen cars (food trucks) will be on hand throughout the event, with popular vendors gathering at Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill. Visitors can find a favorite dish to enjoy while taking in the sweeping scenery.
Hay Bale Photo Spot
Date: July 25 (Sat) to August 16 (Sun)
Hay bales will be set up in the plaza in front of the Clark Statue at Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill, creating a recommended photo spot for capturing a quintessentially Hokkaido scene.
Admission Passport Pricing
Since April 1, 2026, Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill's admission passport (free entry to the facility for the passport holder only) has been available at a reduced price, valid through March 31, 2027.
- Sapporo City resident rate: ¥800 (down from ¥1,000)
- Standard rate: ¥1,500 (down from ¥2,000)
The Sapporo City resident rate requires proof of residency in the city, such as a driver's license, and applies to the passport holder only.
