The Shiryokan, also known as the Old Court of Appeals Building, is a historical building in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. The structure was originally constructed in 1926 as the Sapporo Court of Appeals building. It was designed in the neoclassical architectural style, which was common in government buildings of the time. The building served as a judicial center for Hokkaido and remained in operation as a court until the late 1980s.

In 1992, the building was repurposed and reopened as the Shiryokan Museum, dedicated to preserving the region’s history and culture. The museum features exhibits related to Hokkaido’s history, as well as the development of the judicial system in the area, offering insights into the legal, political, and social changes that have shaped the region. The museum has a recreated mock courtroom, allowing visitors to experience what court proceedings looked like in the early 1900s. The exhibitions often highlight how the legal system adapted to the unique challenges of Hokkaido’s development, including land disputes and societal changes during the Meiji and Taisho eras. The Shiryokan’s historical significance and architectural beauty make it an important landmark and a popular tourist attraction in Sapporo.

Want to visit The Shiryokan / Old Court of Appeals Building for yourself?

SNOW MONKEY RESORTS offers a 1-Day Walking Tour of Central Sapporo that includes The Shiryokan. Hokkaido Tours are led by a locally based English speaking tour guide who will escort you to this museum and other nearby attractions in the area. Snow Monkey Hokkaido tours are fun, interactive, and family-friendly. For more information or to book a tour, click on the banner or button below.

1 Day Tour

1-Day Walking Tour in Sapporo: Historical Sights of Sapporo
Period	All Year Round
Time	09:00-17:00
Meeting Place	JR Sapporo Station
Adult Rate	¥17,800
Child Rate	¥11,000

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