Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observatory Announces 'Summer Vacation Event 2026' to Commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Dr. Clark Statue (July 25 – August 16, 2026)

Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observatory will host the 'Summer Vacation Event 2026' from Saturday, July 25 to Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Since July 31 marks Dr. Clark's birthday, the first half of the event—from Saturday, July 25 to Friday, July 31—will be celebrated as 'Dr. Clark Week,' featuring various Dr. Clark-themed activities. The second half, from Saturday, August 1 to Sunday, August 16, will be 'Summer Enjoyment Week,' featuring the Sheep Walking Race, Bon Odori dancing, and fireworks experiences. Additionally, craft workshops perfect for school summer projects will be available throughout the event period. These programs are designed to create lasting summer memories, so visitors are warmly encouraged to attend.

July 31 (Fri) is Free Admission Day!

Date: July 31 (Fri)

Details:

July 31 marks both Dr. Clark's birthday and the day he first arrived in Sapporo. Additionally, 2026 marks the 200th anniversary of Dr. Clark's birth. To commemorate this milestone, Friday, July 31 will be designated as a 'Free Admission Day.'

Dr. Clark Week

### Dr. Clark Challenge Rally

Dates: July 25 (Sat) – July 31 (Fri)

Time: 10:00 – 15:00

Fee: Free

Details:

We have prepared various Dr. Clark-themed challenges. Participants will receive record cards for shouting loudly, lifting dumbbells, and standing on one foot—aim for a new personal best!

### Dr. Clark Kamishibai (Paper Theater)

Dates: July 26 (Sun), July 31 (Fri)

Time: 11:30, 12:30, 13:30

Fee: Free

Details:

This paper theater performance will vividly present Dr. Clark's journey from faraway America to Sapporo, his life with students at Sapporo Agricultural School, and the meaning behind his famous words, 'Boys, be ambitious.'

### 3rd Loud Voice Dr. Clark Contest

Date: July 31 (Fri)

Time: 10:00 –

Fee: Free

Details:

Participants will compete in two categories—children (elementary school and younger) and adults (junior high school and older)—by shouting 'Boys, be ambitious!' followed by their personal ambition. The loudest voice wins. Registration has now closed.

Summer Enjoyment Week

### Stamp Rally

Dates: August 1 (Sat) – August 16 (Sun)

Time: 10:00 – 15:00

Fee: Free

Details:

A stamp rally will be held at four locations within the facility. Visitors who complete the rally will receive a commemorative gift.

### Loud Voice Challenge

Dates: August 1 (Sat), August 2 (Sun)

Time: 10:00 – 15:00

Fee: Free

Details:

Use the sound meter to measure how loud you can shout. Aim for a new record!

### Jin-kun from 'Jingisukan' is Coming to Visit!

Date: August 2 (Sun)

Fee: Free

Details:

Jin-kun, the beloved mascot character known as the official Sapporo Smile PR Ambassador and the official ambassador for the 50th Anniversary of the Dr. Clark Statue, will make a special appearance. As Jin-kun's hometown, Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observatory will be filled with his cheerful presence.

※ Appearance times will be announced on the official Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observatory website and social media channels.

### Sheep Walking Race

Dates: August 3 (Mon) – August 9 (Sun)

Time: 13:30 (Registration from 12:30)

Fee: Free

Details:

Nineteen sheep from our observatory will participate in the walking race. Among them, five new lambs born this summer will join for the very first time. Watch these adorable 'rookie sheep' as they bravely take their first steps. Guests who correctly predict the winning sheep will receive a prize.

### Bon Odori Dancing & Fireworks Experience

Dates: August 10 (Mon) – August 16 (Sun)

Time: 18:00 – 19:00

Fee: Free

Details:

A seven-day limited Bon Odori dancing and fireworks experience event will be held. Participants in the Bon Odori dance will receive a free handheld fireworks set and can enjoy lighting them in front of the Dr. Clark statue. Additionally, operating hours will be extended to 7:00 PM during this period. Enjoy the night view from Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observatory, a sight not usually visible.

Craft Workshops

### Tile Craft Workshop

Dates: July 25 (Sat), July 26 (Sun)

Time: 10:00 – 15:00

Fee: From 800 yen

Instructor: Ms. Chieko Yoshizawa, salon.plaisir

Details:

Create coasters or trivets by arranging and gluing tiles, then filling the gaps with grout.

### Wool Craft Experience

Dates: July 27 (Mon), 28 (Tue), August 10 (Mon) – August 12 (Wed)

Time: 10:00 – 15:00

Fee: From 800 yen

Instructor: Mr. Daisuke Hoshizaki, Bricolure

Details:

Use fluffy wool to create original brooches or magnets.

### Fun Summer Design Soap Making

Dates: July 29 (Wed) – July 31 (Fri)

Time: 10:00 – 15:00

Fee: 1,000 – 1,300 yen

Instructor: Ms. Emi Funasaki, Handmade Soap Salon Olive

Details:

Choose from various summer-themed soap parts to create sweet-shaped soaps or amethyst-style soaps.

### Lavender Sheep Summer Vacation Craft

Dates: August 1 (Sat) – August 5 (Wed)

Time: 10:00 – 15:00

Fee: Frame type: 1,500 yen, Ornament type: 1,200 yen

Instructor: Ms. Kimiko Katsumi, Wakuwaku Nendo Club

Details:

Create a fluffy lavender sheep using soft clay. Choose between a picture frame or a stand-alone ornament.

### Choose-Your-Own Candle & Soap Making

Dates: August 7 (Fri) – August 9 (Sun), August 14 (Fri) – August 16 (Sun)

Time: 10:00 – 15:00

Fee: 800 – 3,000 yen

Instructor: Ms. Yukiyo Yasuda, candle tomato

Details:

Select colors and scents to create your own one-of-a-kind original candle and soap.

### Easy & Fun Nature Craft with Natural Materials

Date: August 13 (Thu)

Time: 10:00 – 15:00

Fee: 800 yen

Instructor: Mr. Nobumichi Morita, Shakotan Green

Details:

Create original crafts using natural materials such as tree branches and acorns.

### Food Trucks Are Coming!

Dates: July 25 (Sat) – August 16 (Sun)

Time: 10:00 – 15:00

Details:

A variety of popular food trucks will gather at Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observatory during the event. Enjoy your favorite gourmet treats against the backdrop of the scenic landscape.

### Hay Bale Photo Spot

Dates: July 25 (Sat) – August 16 (Sun)

Details:

Hay bales will be placed in the plaza in front of the Dr. Clark statue at Sapporo Hitsujigaoka Observatory. This photogenic spot offers a scenic Hokkaido-style landscape perfect for memorable photos.

<Admission Passport Offers Better Value Starting April 1 (Wed)>

Starting Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the admission passport (free facility entry for the holder) will offer greater value.