Type of destination: Open-Air Museum/Historic Site
Ideal visit duration: 2-3 hours
The Historic Village of Hokkaido (Kaitaku-no Mura) is an open-air museum in Sapporo, Japan, which showcases the historical development of Hokkaido through the restoration and exhibition of original and replica buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods. Covering 54 hectares, it is divided into four sections: a town, a fishing village, a farm village, and a mountain village that exhibit the diverse cultural and architectural heritage of Hokkaido. Visitors can explore approximately 60 structures, including a post office, a police box, farmhouses, and a school, offering an immersive experience into the past. The village also features horse-drawn carriage rides and seasonal events. It doesn't just preserve the architecture but also reflects the pioneering spirit of the early settlers and the interaction between the indigenous Ainu and the Wajin (mainland Japanese). The Historic Village provides a tangible history lesson about the unique challenges and developments in Hokkaido from the late 19th to the early 20th century, making it a valuable cultural attraction.