Hokkaido University Poplar Avenue 北海道大学ポプラ並木

Small-scale planting began in 1903 (Meiji 36), and the avenue took its present form in 1912 when forestry students planted the trees in their current arrangement. Towering trees reaching 30 meters line a roughly 250-meter stretch with quiet dignity, and the avenue has long been cherished as a defining symbol of Hokkaido University. In summer, lush green canopies shade the path; in winter, snow-laden branches create a serene white landscape.

In September 2004, Typhoon 18 struck Hokkaido with devastating force, toppling 20 of the original 51 poplars at the root. The avenue has been painstakingly restored through surviving trees and newly planted saplings, gradually reclaiming its former grandeur. The avenue's history speaks to both the harsh reality of Hokkaido's natural environment and the value of landscapes shaped over generations by the care of people and nature.

The campus is also home to the renowned Ginkgo Avenue, famous for its brilliant autumn gold. Together, the two avenues draw visitors throughout the year. The Poplar Avenue is about a 15-minute walk north from JR Sapporo Station.