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The Former Hokkaido Government Office Building

Once the political center of Hokkaido

The Former Hokkaido Government Office Building is located in Kita Sanjo-dori, Sapporo, which was once the political center of Hokkaido. Built in 1888 in the neo-baroque style with an iconic octagonal tower on the roof, the Former Hokkaido Government Office was also known as the Red Brick Hall because of its red facade.

In 1886 Hokkaido became a first-class administrative region of Japan and the Hokkaido Government was officially established. Two years later (1888), the red-brick Hokkaido Government Office Building was completed in Sapporo and remained the political center of Hokkaido for almost a century.

Located on Kita-Sanjo-dori Street, north of Sapporo Odori Park, the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building was built in the American Neo-baroque Style, and the green octagonal tower at the top is one symbolic feature of the building. It was given another name, the Red Brick Hall, because of its striking red facade.

Red Five-pointed Star on the Roof

Manywhere Trivia:
The red five-pointed star on the roof is a symbol of Hokkaido Development Commission, and there are several other historical buildings in Sapporo that have the same five-pointed star symbol on them, for example: Sapporo Clock Tower and Hoheikan.

Every autumn, the Ginkgo Avenue across from the Red Brick Hall is covered in golden leaves and is a unique sight here.

In 1968, to commemorate Hokkaido’s 100th anniversary, the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building was restored and preserved as an important cultural property and opened to visitors. The old main office building remains in its Original State from 100 Years Ago, and the Governor and Director's Office, which is located on the second floor of the building, also has photos of Hokkaido’s past governors and directors.

Place Names from All over Hokkaido Are Carved on the Ground

The staff associated with the Hokkaido Government were all moved to the Current Hokkaido Government Office Building next to the Red Brick Hall, where the 12-story building houses various departments such as economy, construction, agriculture, and environment.