Former Hokkaido Government Office Building (Red Brick Office)

The Former Hokkaido Government Office is Hokkaido’s best-known symbol and the red star on its exterior wall is the symbol of the Hokkaido Development Commission.

Heading west on Kita Sanjo Dori, you’ll see the grand Former Hokkaido Government Office, known by the nickname “red brick office,” standing as the street comes to a dead end. The Former Hokkaido Government Office was used for approximately 80 years until the new government office currently in use was built. Constructed in 1888, the building is an example of American neo-baroque architecture. Architectural details such as the warped glass created in the Meiji Period and the heat-retaining double doors stored in an ornamental frame exude functional beauty. The building and its exhibits on Hokkaido history are open to the public. We recommend asking the volunteer staff for explanations about the building to appreciate its depth.