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Hokkaido Government Office: A Symbol of Hokkaido's Development

Discover Hokkaido's history and architectural beauty at the iconic Red Brick Office, a symbol of Sapporo's pioneering past.

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The Hokkaido Government Office, also known as the "Red Brick Office," is a historic building in Sapporo that served as the government's headquarters for about 80 years. Built in 1888 in the American neo-baroque style, it's now a museum showcasing Hokkaido's history and is a popular tourist attraction.

A brief summary to Hokkaidō Government Office

Local tips

  • Visit the office in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the best lighting for photographs.
  • Explore the gardens surrounding the building, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season.
  • Check for any special events or exhibitions happening during your visit.
  • Pick up informational brochures in multiple languages to enhance your understanding of the exhibits.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From JR Sapporo Station, take the South Exit and walk west for about 8 minutes. The Former Hokkaido Government Office will be on your left, surrounded by gardens. From Sapporo Station on the Namboku Subway Line, take Exit 10 and walk for about 4 minutes. From Odori Station on the Namboku, Tozai, and Toho subway lines, take Exit 2 and walk for about 9 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The closest subway stations are Sapporo Station (Namboku and Toho lines) and Odori Station (Namboku, Tozai, and Toho lines). From either station, follow the walking directions to the Former Hokkaido Government Office. A single subway ride costs ¥200 for adults. A one-day subway pass is available for ¥830, or a Donichika Ticket (weekends and holidays) for ¥520.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Sapporo. A short taxi ride from Sapporo Station to the Former Hokkaido Government Office will cost approximately ¥670 for the first 1,463 meters, plus ¥80 for every 276 meters after that. Note that fares may vary slightly depending on the taxi company. A 20% surcharge applies between 10 PM and 5 AM.

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Discover more about Hokkaidō Government Office

The Former Hokkaido Government Office, affectionately called "Red Brick Office" (Akarenga) by locals, stands as a powerful symbol of Hokkaido's pioneering spirit and rapid development. Completed in 1888, the building served as the headquarters of the Hokkaido Government until a new office was built. Its American neo-baroque design, featuring over 2.5 million red bricks, makes it an architectural landmark. Modeled after the Massachusetts State House, the Red Brick Office was one of Japan's tallest and largest buildings at the time of its construction. Japanese engineers incorporated European elements like the Mansard roof and comb-shaped arches into the design. The building's double doors and specially heated bricks were designed to withstand Hokkaido's harsh winters. Today, the Former Hokkaido Government Office is open to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore historical exhibits, a tourist information center, and a museum shop. The building also houses a library and the Gallery of Hokkaido History. The former governor's office is open for viewing, displaying restored facilities and portraits of past governors. The surrounding gardens offer a peaceful retreat, with seasonal flowers and a pond. While under renovation until 2025, the building remains a must-see attraction, offering a glimpse into Hokkaido's rich history and unique architectural heritage.

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