Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick), Sapporo - Building
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Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick) Sapporo

4.2
·1k reviews·Sapporo, Japan

A historic 1888 red brick building showcasing Hokkaido's past, surrounded by a serene park. A must-see for history and architecture buffs.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick), Sapporo - Building

Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick) Sapporo

Best Time

Summer mornings

Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.2
(1k reviews)

"Beautiful architecture and clean premises, a great historical stop near Sapporo Station."

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Red Brick Architecture

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

Exhibition Rooms

Interior

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

Surrounding Park and Ponds

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

While the Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick) is open year-round, consider visiting during the summer festival for traditional performances.Reddit Be aware that parts of the museum may be closed for renovations, so check ahead if specific exhibits are a priority.Reddit

Accessibility & Amenities

The building offers elevators and ramps for accessibility.Reddit However, seating is limited, with only one designated area for resting during video presentations, aside from the cafe.Reddit Plan accordingly if you require frequent breaks.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
During Summer Festival
Why
Traditional performances
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Have you been to Sapporo??🇯🇵#japantravel #traveltips #traveltiktok #budgettravel #sapporotravel
@isaac.travels_
9.9K likes • 404.5K views

Check Renovation Status

Parts of the museum may be closed for rehab work; check ahead if specific exhibits are a priority.Reddit :informationdeskperson:

Limited Seating

Seating is scarce. The cafe is an option, but plan for limited resting spots.Reddit :chair:

5 places to visit in Hokkaido! Living in Japan isn’t all Tokyo centric. There are some amazing places outside of the capital. Check out our website to find out more about studying in Hokkaido. 😍🇯🇵 #gogonihon #studyinhokkaido #studyinsapporo #sapporo #learnjapanese #studyjapanese How to study in Japan. POV You live in Japan
@gogonihon
7.6K likes • 300.6K views
ศาลาว่าการเมืองฮอกไกโดหลังเก่า Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (Red Brick Office) #Sapporo #Hokkaido #Japan
cakevariety
7 likes • 184 views

Japanese Language Exhibits

Exhibitions are primarily in Japanese only. Consider a virtual guide on their website.Reddit :earth_asia:

Walkable from Station

Conveniently located less than a 10-minute walk from the train station.Reddit :train2:

Silent winter morning. 📍 The Former Hokkaido Government Office Sapporo, Hokkaido Another new week got started. People go to their offices through the snow walls at a brisk pace. But everything is so quiet… The architecture of the red brick building is classic and elegant ❤️ (built in 1888) 北海道庁の朝。 人々は足速に出勤していくけど、 雪があるおかげか、 静かな朝。 今年もこんな感じで北海道の冬が始まったのかしら。 #hokkaido #sapporo #winterinjapan #win...
ramune_in_tokyo
338 likes • 5.7K views

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.Reddit :informationdeskperson:

Limited Seating

Seating is scarce. The cafe is an option, but plan for limited resting spots.Reddit :chair:

Japanese Language Exhibits

Exhibitions are primarily in Japanese only. Consider a virtual guide on their website.Reddit :earth_asia:

Walkable from Station

Conveniently located less than a 10-minute walk from the train station.Reddit :train2:

Explore the Grounds

Even if the museum is closed, the surrounding park and ponds are delightful to stroll around.Reddit :park:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(1k reviews)

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

Historic red brick architecture
Convenient location
Pleasant park grounds

What People Dislike

Exhibits only in Japanese
Limited seating

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick) is conveniently located less than a 10-minute walk from Sapporo Station.Reddit 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.Reddit

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.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The museum entrance fee is 300 yen.Reddit This provides access to the various exhibitions detailing Hokkaido's history and formation.

The building is generally open in the morning.Reddit 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.Reddit

While specific discount programs aren't widely advertised, the admission fee is quite affordable at 300 yen.Reddit 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.Reddit However, seating is limited throughout the exhibition areas.Reddit

🎫 🏛️ 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.Reddit Some rooms may be redecorated for temporary exhibitions.Reddit

While the grounds are always accessible, certain interior exhibition rooms may be closed for renovations or special events.Reddit 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.Reddit Visitors seeking more information might find the virtual guide on their webpage helpful, though some find it less user-friendly.Reddit

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.Reddit

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.Reddit Otherwise, you'll be standing for most of the visit.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The iconic red brick exterior is a prime photo opportunity.Instagram The surrounding park and ponds also offer beautiful backdrops, especially during different seasons.Reddit

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,Instagram vibrant in spring and summer greenery,Reddit and beautiful with autumn foliage.

The classic, elegant architecture from 1888 is a highlight.Instagram Look for details in the brickwork, window frames, and the overall structure.

Early mornings can offer softer light and fewer crowds.Instagram 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

The Former Hokkaido Government Office (Red Brick) can be a brief but educational stop for families. The exterior architecture is visually appealing, and the surrounding park offers space for children to move around.Reddit While the interior exhibits are primarily in Japanese and may not hold the attention of very young children for long, the historical context can be a good introduction to Hokkaido's past. Be mindful of the limited seating, so plan for shorter visits if needed.

🚶 Budget Travelers

This attraction is a fantastic option for budget-conscious travelers. With an admission fee of only 300 yen,Reddit it offers significant historical and architectural value for a minimal cost. Its easy accessibility from Sapporo Station also saves on transportation expenses.Reddit The surrounding park is free to explore, providing a pleasant experience without additional spending.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The iconic red brick building itself is a photographer's dream, especially with its classic 1888 architecture.Instagram Capture stunning shots of the facade from various angles, and don't forget the surrounding park and ponds, which offer beautiful natural backdrops throughout the seasons.Reddit Early mornings or late afternoons can provide the best light for exterior photography.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Hokkaido's Past

The Former Hokkaido Government Office, affectionately known as the 'Red Brick Office,' stands as a testament to Hokkaido's development in the Meiji era. Built in 1888, its distinctive red brick architecture is a significant historical landmark in Sapporo.Instagram The building served as the administrative center for Hokkaido, playing a crucial role in its governance and modernization during a pivotal period of Japanese history.

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.Reddit 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.Reddit

Beyond its historical significance, the building is surrounded by a beautifully maintained park and serene ponds.Reddit 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.Reddit

Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips

Visiting the Former Hokkaido Government Office is generally straightforward, with its proximity to Sapporo Station making it easily accessible.Reddit The admission fee is a modest 300 yen, making it an affordable cultural stop.Reddit However, travelers should be aware that the exhibition content is exclusively in Japanese, which can be a barrier for non-Japanese speakers.Reddit While a virtual guide is available on their website, some visitors find it less intuitive than a dedicated app or audio guide.Reddit

Accessibility has been considered, with the inclusion of elevators and ramps.Reddit 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.Reddit 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.Reddit 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.Reddit

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