Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick) Sapporo
A historic 1888 red brick building showcasing Hokkaido's past, surrounded by a serene park. A must-see for history and architecture buffs.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick) Sapporo
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 1888 red brick building showcasing Hokkaido's past, surrounded by a serene park. A must-see for history and architecture buffs.
"Beautiful architecture and clean premises, a great historical stop near Sapporo Station."
Check Renovation Status
Parts of the museum may be closed for rehab work; check ahead if specific exhibits are a priority . :informationdeskperson:
Limited Seating
Seating is scarce. The cafe is an option, but plan for limited resting spots . :chair:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Red Brick Architecture
Exterior
Admire the classic, elegant red brick facade of this 1888 building, a beautiful piece of Sapporo's history.

Exhibition Rooms
Interior
Explore exhibits on Hokkaido's formation, Ainu history, and the lost northern territories.

Surrounding Park and Ponds
Grounds
Stroll through the well-maintained grounds, enjoying the shaded park and serene ponds.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Accessibility & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Renovation Status
Parts of the museum may be closed for rehab work; check ahead if specific exhibits are a priority.
:informationdeskperson:Limited Seating
Seating is scarce. The cafe is an option, but plan for limited resting spots.
:chair:Japanese Language Exhibits
Exhibitions are primarily in Japanese only. Consider a virtual guide on their website.
:earth_asia:Walkable from Station
Conveniently located less than a 10-minute walk from the train station.
:train2:Tips
from all over the internet
Check Renovation Status
Parts of the museum may be closed for rehab work; check ahead if specific exhibits are a priority.
:informationdeskperson:Limited Seating
Seating is scarce. The cafe is an option, but plan for limited resting spots.
:chair:Japanese Language Exhibits
Exhibitions are primarily in Japanese only. Consider a virtual guide on their website.
:earth_asia:Walkable from Station
Conveniently located less than a 10-minute walk from the train station.
:train2:Explore the Grounds
Even if the museum is closed, the surrounding park and ponds are delightful to stroll around.
:park:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the historic red brick architecture and the pleasant surrounding park, noting its convenient location near Sapporo Station. However, the exhibits are exclusively in Japanese, and seating within the museum is very limited, which can be a drawback for some.
"Ticket costs 300 yen. A few rooms were redecorated for exhibitions. There were also some paintings on the wall that explained on the past and formation of Hokkaido.
Overall, not very tourist friendly. They did try to make some virtual guide by tapping your phone on the board / cue -> but the elaboration was too little and it was abit less user friendly having to tap and scan every single one.
Would recommend for a full virtual guide on their web page or make an app or even consider the audio guide.
They also did try to make it more accessible for people with disabilities with elevators and small ramp. But there wasn’t any chair to sit / or for older people to rest. Only one seating area (for the video being shown in the national treasure section) otherwise you can go to the cafe area."
ky yong
"Located near the train station, it takes less than a 10-minute walk to get there. I visited in July 2025, when the weather was slightly warm but not too hot. It happened to be during the summer festival, with performances of traditional folk songs by performers dressed in Hokkaido indigenous attire.
The place was quite clean and not very large. You can walk around the building to enjoy the surrounding area, which is nicely shaded and pleasant."
Peerasit Treesuthacheep
"The museum was undergoing rehab work when we went but the grounds were still open. The surrounding park and ponds are well finished and a delight to stroll around. You'll probably only need 30 mins here if the museum is closed."
Jeff McD
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick) is conveniently located less than a 10-minute walk from Sapporo Station.
Simply head out of the station and follow the signs; it's a very straightforward and quick journey on foot.Yes, public transportation is highly recommended. Being so close to Sapporo Station makes it easily accessible via train. From the station, a short walk is all that's needed.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, given its central location near Sapporo Station, it's advisable to rely on public transport. Parking in such areas can be expensive and difficult to find.
Yes, taxis can drop you off very close to the entrance. Just inform your driver you're heading to the Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick) in Sapporo.
Approaching from the front showcases the iconic red brick facade. The surrounding park also offers lovely vantage points for capturing the building and its setting.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum entrance fee is 300 yen.
This provides access to the various exhibitions detailing Hokkaido's history and formation.The building is generally open in the morning.
Specific hours can vary, so it's always a good idea to check the official website or local listings before your visit, especially if planning an afternoon trip.Advance booking is typically not required for this attraction. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival at the entrance.
While specific discount programs aren't widely advertised, the admission fee is quite affordable at 300 yen.
Keep an eye out for any special event promotions during your visit.Yes, the building has made efforts towards accessibility with elevators and small ramps.
However, seating is limited throughout the exhibition areas.🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find exhibitions covering Hokkaido's history, the formation of the prefecture, the lost northern territories, and the culture of the Ainu people.
Some rooms may be redecorated for temporary exhibitions.While the grounds are always accessible, certain interior exhibition rooms may be closed for renovations or special events.
It's best to check the current status if you have specific exhibits in mind.Unfortunately, the entire exhibition and displays are only in Japanese.
Visitors seeking more information might find the virtual guide on their webpage helpful, though some find it less user-friendly.If the museum is open and you plan to explore the exhibits, allow about an hour. If only the grounds are accessible, 30 minutes should suffice to enjoy the park and architecture.
Seating is very limited. There's one designated seating area for a video presentation in the national treasure section, and the cafe area offers seating.
Otherwise, you'll be standing for most of the visit.📸 📸 Photography
The iconic red brick exterior is a prime photo opportunity.
The surrounding park and ponds also offer beautiful backdrops, especially during different seasons.Photography rules inside museums can vary. It's best to look for signage indicating where photos are permitted or prohibited. Generally, flash photography is often restricted.
Absolutely! The red brick building looks stunning against a snowy winter backdrop,
vibrant in spring and summer greenery, and beautiful with autumn foliage.The classic, elegant architecture from 1888 is a highlight.
Look for details in the brickwork, window frames, and the overall structure.Early mornings can offer softer light and fewer crowds.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can also provide beautiful lighting for the exterior.For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Hokkaido's Past
Inside, visitors can explore exhibitions that delve into the prefecture's past. These displays often cover topics such as the formation of Hokkaido, the history and culture of the indigenous Ainu people, and the territorial disputes concerning the lost northern territories. While the exhibits are primarily in Japanese, the visual elements and the historical context of the building itself offer a rich learning experience for all visitors.
Beyond its historical significance, the building is surrounded by a beautifully maintained park and serene ponds. This green space provides a peaceful respite and offers picturesque views of the architecture, making it a pleasant area to stroll and reflect. Even if parts of the interior are undergoing renovations, the grounds alone are worth exploring.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
Accessibility has been considered, with the inclusion of elevators and ramps. Nevertheless, seating is quite limited within the exhibition spaces, with only one dedicated rest area for a video presentation and the cafe being the primary spots to sit. This is an important consideration for visitors who may need frequent breaks or have mobility concerns.
It's also worth noting that renovations can sometimes affect access to certain areas or exhibits. Checking the official status before your visit is advisable if you have specific interests. Despite these minor challenges, the building's historical charm and the pleasant surrounding park make it a worthwhile stop on any Sapporo itinerary.
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