Former Hokkaido Government Office

Looking west along Kita Sanjo Dori in Sapporo, the grand silhouette of the Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick Building) emerges at the end of the avenue. Constructed in 1888 (Meiji 21), this iconic American-style neo-baroque structure served as the island’s administrative center for nearly 80 years. Its historical features—including original uneven Meiji-era glass windowpanes—evoke a sense of stepping back in time. Inside, visitors can explore interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and newly added cultural spaces documenting Hokkaido’s rich heritage.