Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum - Hokkaido

Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum also called Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Hall (坂本九思い出記念館) is a museum dedicated to the late singer Kyu Sakamoto. It is located at 256-21 Oiwake in the town of Kuriyama, Yubari District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum

Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum Details

Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum offers a deep dive into the life and legacy of the iconic Japanese singer and actor, Kyu Sakamoto. 

Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum - Kuriyama town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Established in 1993, the museum is a tribute to his unforgettable contributions to music and culture. With its rich collection of memorabilia, this free-to-visit museum is a must-see destination for fans and travelers interested in the history of Japanese pop music.

Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum facade

坂本九思い出記念館

What to Expect at the Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum

The Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum spans 220 square meters and features a unique architectural design, with a rectangular hall and a circular pavilion at one end. The museum houses an impressive assortment of records, photographs, clothing, films, and other artifacts from the singer's career, offering a comprehensive look at his life both as an artist and a cultural figure. The exhibits offer insights into Sakamoto’s incredible rise to international fame and the enduring impact he made on the music industry.

Inside Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum*

Welcome to the Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum

*I posted only a handful of photos of the exhibits and I purposely didn't label them so that you would only get a glimpse of what Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum has to offer. Please visit it and enjoy it with your own eyes.

Who Was Kyu Sakamoto?

Kyu Sakamoto

Hisashi "Kyu" Sakamoto (December 10, 1941 – August 12, 1985) was a Japanese singer and actor who captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. He became internationally famous for his hit song "Ue o Muite Arukō", better known as "Sukiyaki" in English-speaking markets. This song, sung in Japanese, sold over 13 million copies and topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1963, making Sakamoto the first Asian artist to achieve such an incredible feat. His success didn’t stop there—he was also the first Japanese artist to reach number one on the Australian singles chart.

Sadly, Kyu Sakamoto’s life was cut short when he tragically passed away in the Japan Air Lines Flight 123 crash on August 12, 1985. This remains the deadliest single-aircraft accident in history, with only four survivors out of 520 people on board. Despite his untimely passing, Sakamoto’s music continues to resonate with fans across the globe.

Team Nicerio visits Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum

On May 13, 2023, my family and I visited the Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum for the first time during our “Wedding Anniversary” road trip. It was also my 558th day in Japan as an ALT with the JET Programme. As a huge fan of Kyu Sakamoto and his music, I made sure to include this stop on our itinerary. Though the museum is small, it’s filled with a great collection of memorabilia. Kyu Sakamoto’s songs play on a loop throughout the museum, making it a must-visit for any fan of his work.

Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum Admission Fee

I got a commemorative ticket during my visit to Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum

The Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum is fully supported by visitor contributions, and admission is FREE of charge, making it accessible to a wide range of guests. Whether you're a long-time fan of the late artist or discovering his music for the first time, the museum offers a heartfelt tribute to his life and work. The museum’s collection of memorabilia provides a glimpse into the artistry and passion that made Sakamoto an unforgettable figure in the world of music.

Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum Operating Hours

Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum is open from 10 AM to 4 PM.

 

Why visit the Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum?

The Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum serves as a great cultural stop for those exploring Japan’s music history. With its intimate setting and dedication to preserving the memory of Kyu Sakamoto, it’s a special place to connect with the legacy of one of Japan's most beloved artists. If you're in Japan and interested in the country’s rich musical heritage, the Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum is an essential destination. Learn about the life of Kyu Sakamoto and his enduring impact on both Japanese and international music, all while enjoying the museum's thoughtfully curated exhibits.

Getting to Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum

 

There are several ways to reach the Kyu Sakamoto Memorial Museum. These are the ones that I'm familiar with:

Using the Yutetsudo Bus

If you are starting from the Shin-Sapporo Station Terminal, board the Yutetsudo bus heading toward Yubari. The bus will pass through Oyachi Terminal before arriving at Tsugitate. Once you get off at Tsugitate, it’s a 15-minute walk to your destination.

Using the Chuo Bus

From Sapporo Station Bus Terminal, take the Express Yubari bus. This bus route passes through the Sapporo Terminal and the Ebetsu Interchange Entrance before reaching your stop. Get off at Tsutatsu, and from there, it’s a 15-minute walk to your destination.

Using JR (Train)

Start your journey at Sapporo Station and transfer at Iwamizawa Station. From Iwamizawa, take the train on the Muroran Main Line and get off at Kuriyama Station. From Kuriyama, you have two options: take either the Tatetsu Bus or the Chuo Bus to Tsutatsu, followed by a 15-minute walk to your destination. Alternatively, you can take a taxi directly from Kuriyama Station, which takes about 15 minutes. Keep in mind that bus schedules are limited, so be sure to check the timings in advance.

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