【Sapporo・Kuwano】Immerse Yourself in Japanese Art at ‘Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art’ and Experience the World of Ukiyo-e
🗾 Introduction
Located in Chuo-ku, Sapporo・Kuwano, the “Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art” is a museum that opened in 1977, collecting and exhibiting works by artists related to Hokkaido and modern art from Japan and abroad. The collection of glass crafts is particularly rich, and in the modern architecture and calm atmosphere of the museum, you can encounter diverse works of art. Special exhibitions allow you to enjoy the splendor and vibrancy of ukiyo-e, and you can also experience immersive videos, making it a special spot to experience culture and art.
📍 Basic Information
- Name: Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art
- Address: Kita 1-jo Nishi 17-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
- Map: Open in Google Maps
- Closed: Mondays (the following day if it’s a holiday), year-end and New Year holidays
- Opening Hours: 9:30～17:00 (last admission 16:30)
- Estimated Stay Time: About 1 to 2 hours
- Recommended Visit Time: If there’s no special exhibition, right after opening and near closing time are relatively quiet, allowing you to enjoy at a leisurely pace
🚉 Access & Fees
Access
- Train:
- About 10～15 minutes walk from JR “Kuwano Station”
- About 5 minutes walk from Subway Tozai Line “Nishi 18-chome Station”
- Located in the Kuwano area, in a quiet residential neighborhood
Fee System
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General: 500 yen
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University Students: 250 yen
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High School Students and Below: Free
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Special Exhibitions: Additional fees may be required
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Payment Methods: Cash and credit cards accepted (please check at the museum for details)
🍤 Highlights and Experiences
Exterior and Architecture
The building features modern design, and its beautiful appearance harmonizing with the surrounding natural environment is impressive. It’s a cultural and artistic hub located in the quiet atmosphere of the Kuwano area.
Interior with Japanese Feel
From the ticket purchase and entrance area, you’ll find a calm interior with a Japanese feel. Although the design doesn’t incorporate natural light, the calm lighting creates an optimal space for viewing artworks.
Immersion in the World of Ukiyo-e
Special exhibitions allow you to enjoy the splendor and vibrancy of ukiyo-e by artists like Utagawa Kuniyoshi. Particularly, the impact and power of the whale painting is overwhelming, making you feel the excellence of Japanese traditional art.
Immersive Video Experience
Special exhibitions also feature immersive video screenings, allowing you to spend time truly immersed in the world of Japanese art. The experience of the ukiyo-e world coming to life makes you feel the fusion of tradition and modern technology.
Diverse Collection
The museum extensively collects and exhibits works by artists related to Hokkaido and modern art from Japan and abroad. The collection of glass crafts is particularly rich, offering new discoveries with each visit.
Permanent and Special Exhibitions
In addition to permanent exhibitions, special and themed exhibitions are regularly held, allowing you to encounter new works of art with each visit. Events such as lectures and workshops are also actively held.
🕒 Crowding and Reservations
Crowding
Weekends are more crowded, with the busiest time around noon. If there’s no special exhibition, right after opening and near closing time are relatively quiet, allowing you to view works at a leisurely pace. Weekdays are relatively quiet, allowing you to thoroughly enjoy the artworks.
Reservations
Reservations are generally not required, but may be necessary for special exhibitions or popular themed exhibitions. Please check the official website for details.
💡 Practical Information
Facilities & Services
- Wi-Fi: Unknown (4G/5G communication is comfortable)
- Language Support: Japanese (signage is in Japanese)
- Restrooms: Available in the museum
- Smoking: No smoking in the museum
- Parking: Available
- Barrier-free Access: Available
Museum Facilities
- Museum Shop: Limited edition goods for each special exhibition are very rich, perfect for souvenir shopping
- Cafe: A cafe is attached to the museum (please check at the museum for details)
Notes
- Photography in the museum may be restricted depending on the exhibition. Please check the museum’s guidance to see if photography is allowed for specific works
- It’s recommended to store large luggage in coin lockers
- Please view quietly in the museum
Recommended Ways to Enjoy
- Visit during the quieter times right after opening or near closing
- Thoroughly enjoy the immersive videos of special exhibitions
- Check out limited edition goods at the museum shop
- Also enjoy the nearby botanical garden and cafes
🧭 Surrounding Information
Surrounding Environment
The area around the museum has a calm atmosphere, with many botanical gardens and cafes. It’s a recommended area for those who want to feel the peaceful, leisurely atmosphere of Japan and the holiday feeling of ordinary citizens.
Recommended Spots
- Hokkaido University Botanical Garden: A spot to enjoy nature
- Nearby Cafes: Perfect for a moment after museum viewing
- Kuwano Area: Enjoy the atmosphere of a quiet residential neighborhood
📝 Summary
The “Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art” is a cultural and artistic hub where you can appreciate works by artists related to Hokkaido and modern art from Japan and abroad in a calm atmosphere. Special exhibitions allow you to enjoy the splendor and vibrancy of ukiyo-e, and you can also experience immersive videos, allowing you to spend special time truly immersed in the world of Japanese art. The surrounding area has a calm atmosphere with many botanical gardens and cafes, making it a hidden cultural spot in Sapporo where you can enjoy culture and art while feeling the peaceful, leisurely atmosphere of Japan.
Recommended Points
- Can thoroughly appreciate artworks in the calm atmosphere of the museum
- Can enjoy the splendor and vibrancy of ukiyo-e in special exhibitions
- Can enjoy immersive video experiences
- Can encounter impactful works like the whale painting
- Calm interior with a Japanese feel
- Museum shop with rich limited edition goods for special exhibitions
- Calm surrounding atmosphere with many botanical gardens and cafes
- Relatively quiet right after opening and near closing, allowing you to enjoy at a leisurely pace
Please visit this cultural and artistic hub in Sapporo to spend special time immersed in the world of Japanese art.
This article contains information as of May 2025. Opening hours, fees, and exhibition contents may change, so please check in advance.
