Historic Village of Hokkaido

Depending on season, there are horse rides ( Spring, Summer, Autumn ), horse sleigh ( winter). When I went, it was too cold to have rides and too thin snow layer to have sleigh!! With such a large area to cover, they provide free pram!

As it was not crowded, the kids had snow war as we walked and played along the way.  The old houses  have different exhibts in each individual estate. The one that I found it interesting was the old fire station with a super old fire engine in it!

Look out for the culture house as kids get to play traditional toys and participate in making tradition crafts. During summer, you get to see wild birds just outside of this classroom.

Comparing Gifu Meiji Village, this is maintain in an authentic without too much commercialised marketing. the feel of that era still lingers in the air. Gifu Meiji Village has became more of a very commercialised themed park.

The only food court is near the entrance, therefore, remember to pack snacks and beverages on the go.

The website :
http://www.kaitaku.or.jp/info/info.htm

Direction :
From Shin Sapporo ( JR or Subway Tozai line) , take bus from North Wing ( Exit 8), lane 10, into the shopping mall on the left after escalator and walk straight down till you see escalator.  The boarding lane is just 2 queue in front.  Bus number 22 to Kaitakunomura ( 北海道開拓の村）till the final stop.

Please note that there is a package for Historic Village & Hokkaido Museum. It is a good promotion! Kids below high school are free, while kids below age 6 are free for Hokkaido museum.  Hokkaido Museum is one stop before Historic Village, you can choose to visit both on the same day or different days.

We took 2 full days to visit both.

Bird watching just outside the culture house during summer

Bird rest area