I Can’t Believe More People Don’t Visit the Historical Village of Hokkaido

Recently one of our followers recommended us to visit The Historical Village of Hokkaido (also known as Kaitaku No Mura) and whilst we had heard of it before, we’d barely seen anything online or on social media about it. How good could it be?

Anyway, during the end of Golden Week we decided to pay it a visit, and our first thoughts were, OMG this is amazing, but why aren’t more people here though?!

The entire day felt like nothing else we’d experienced in Hokkaido so far, it’s like you’re stepping back in time as you explore what would have been Japan in previous eras with authentic buildings that have been restored, and relocated here to create the village. The result is an incredible, life like village with so much to explore, interactive elements and plenty of places for a bite to eat.

Because we couldn’t find much about it online, here’s our definitive guide to the Historical Village, along with what we definitely recommend you checking out on your next visit.

The Historical Village of Hokkaido (Kaitaku No Mura)

Location: Konopporo-50-1 Atsubetsucho, Atsubetsu Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 004-0006

Getting here by bus: Take JR Bus sin22 (№22) from JR Shin Sapporo Sta.(Shin-SapporoBus Terminal track No.10) (travel time:approx.18 min.)
or JR Bus sin22(№22) from JR Shinrin koen Sta.(travel time:approx.10 min.) and get off at the last stop “Kaitaku-no-mura.”

It’s good to note that ff you’re driving, the car park is completely free to use.

I thought that the entry prices were really reasonable as well, ¥1,000 for adults, or ¥800 for Hokkaido residents (proof of address is required). Admission is free for junior high school students and younger, and for those aged 65 and up. There’s a cute shop in the entryway where you purchase tickets with little Hokkaido village souvenirs and gifts – definitely recommend checking it out before leaving for the day.

As you step into the entrance square you’ll spot the incredible horse drawn streetcar (this operates between April and November and is the only horse drawn streetcar in Japan!), during December-March there is a horse drawn sleigh which is incredible!

The fare is ¥250 which takes you through the streets lined with the authentic buildings and right up into the farm village. If you have the time, it’s definitely worth a trip, and kids go free under three years old.

The Historical Buildings

This open air museum is an amalgamation of relocated and restored buildings that represent the history of Hokkaido from 1868 to the 1920s (Meiji period to the beginning of the Showa era).

There are 52 buildings in total to explore, with a mountain village, fishing village and farm village. Despite it being Golden Week when we visited it, and it being fairly busy with locals, because the village is so expansive, you don’t feel on top of each other and can explore quite freely.

It was honestly incredible to witness these buildings, and how they have had scenes recreated inside of all of them to pay homage to their respective eras. Illustrating lifestyles, cultures and industries of the people during the Meiji and Taisho periods. Knowing that the buildings are actually the real deal, it just makes the whole experience feel even more authentic.

There’s also a fab area for kids to play in, and it really did strike me as a great day out for kids, families and couples alike.

Martial Arts Gymnasium – Learning Japanese Fighting Disciplines

During Golden Week they held an event in the Martial Arts Gymnasium where you could get involved and give three Japanese fighting disciplines a go. A big thanks to Takeru from Bushido Hokkaido for inviting us down. Takeru actually hosts authentic kendo experiences for tourists, and something we hope to do in the future. Here, I got to learn the basics of the art of Kendo, Jodo and Laido.

Before getting involved, I was dressed up in the uniform – all the gear and no idea springs to mind lol, but it was honestly so much fun!

Laido is a discipline of using a katana (sword) with precision, and we practiced this with the art of trying to slice the paper in half. We were quick to learn it’s really not about strength, but the precision of the cut and the focus you use to do it.

I feel like this definitely won’t be my last time trying these disciplines. Whilst this isn’t on offer all of the time at the village, it’s definitely worth looking in advance at any events they have upcoming if you fancy yourself, or your kids at trying out these Japanese fighting disciplines.

Food & Drink

In the entrance square there are plenty of benches and little food stalls surrounding the square. It’s never a trip anywhere without a Hokkaido milk soft serve, something you learn pretty quick living in Hokkaido is that it’s acceptable, no matter the weather!

There were plenty of hot food options and sweet treats and drinks. I think if we were to go again, we’d probably pack ourselves a little picnic as there were plenty of benches throughout the entire village and a really peaceful spot up by the pond in the fishing village.

We were so surprised how little tourists were here, and honestly, it’s a total hidden gem here in Hokkaido, and an easy day trip from central Sapporo. If you’re looking for something of the beaten path which is inexpensive and offers something for the whole family, we really recommend the Historical Village of Hokkaido, a nostalgic, fun and peaceful experience!