The Former Hokkaido Government Office is a historical Western-style brick building in central Sapporo that was previously the central office for Hokkaido Prefectural Government. The building is commonly called “Akarenga Chosha” which means “Red Brick Government Office” or just “Akarenga” which simply means “Red Bricks”. Akarenga was nationally designated as an Important Cultural Property in 1969 and is a popular sightseeing location in Sapporo.
Akarenga, the Former Hokkaido Government Office, before the 2019-2025 restoration
Akarenga reopened on July 25, 2025, after a major restoration. Visitors can explore its historic interiors and exhibitions, with an admission charge for the exhibition areas.
A conference room in Akarenga before the 2019-2025 restoration
The building is hung with 20 paintings depicting scenes from Hokkaido’s pioneering history and there are a number of exhibition rooms displaying materials related to Hokkaido’s history, culture, and natural heritage.
The 1st floor hallway before the 2019-2025 restoration
There are also separate displays about the islands known in Japan as the Northern Territories and about Karafuto, the southern part of Sakhalin that was under Japanese administration before the end of World War 2.
The Archives of Hokkaido exhibition space before the archive moved to Ebetsu in 2020
In this article we will introduce the history of the Akarenga building and what visitors can see inside.
The History of Akarenga – The Former Hokkaido Government Office
Until the mid-19th century the island of Hokkaido was known as Ezochi and was mainly inhabited by the indigenous Ainu people. It was only in 1869 that the government of Japan renamed the island as Hokkaido and began a major program of colonization and development. Sapporo was chosen as the new administrative center in the same year and the main office of the Hokkaido Development Commission was built in Sapporo in 1873. Sadly, this rather grand green and white building with its tall central dome was completely destroyed by fire in 1879, but a reconstruction stands in the Historical Village of Hokkaido on the eastern edge of Sapporo. The reconstructed building serves as the village’s visitor center; during its 2026 repairs, scaffolding obscures the exterior.
The reconstructed Hokkaido Development Commission Main Office before the 2026 repairs
The Hokkaido Development Commission was abolished in 1882 and replaced by three prefectures. These were replaced in 1886 by the Hokkaido Government and a new central administrative building was required. The new American-style neo-baroque building was built in 1888 with 2.5 million bricks made in the local villages of Shiroishi and Toyohira (now part of Sapporo city). Like the previous commission building, the new Hokkaido Government Office featured a large central dome on an octagonal tower. This tower was removed around 1895, before a fire destroyed the building’s interior in 1909. The brick outer walls survived and restoration was completed in 1911. Soot-blackened brickwork found on the 2nd floor during the later restoration is thought to be a trace of this fire. In 1968 the octagonal tower was reconstructed as part of work marking the centenary of Hokkaido’s development.
The decorated triple arches and central staircase in Akarenga’s main hall before the 2019-2025 restoration
Akarenga is considered an iconic building in Hokkaido. After decades of deterioration, it closed in October 2019 for a major restoration that included repairs to the exterior and interior, earthquake strengthening, and improved accessibility. The restored building reopened in July 2025.
The 2nd floor hallway before the 2019-2025 restoration
Inside Akarenga
The renovated Akarenga building has different themes for each level, with exhibitions, places to eat, and rooms for events.
The basement’s theme is “learning and passing on knowledge”. Here there are separate exhibition rooms about the Northern Territories and Karafuto, together with multipurpose rooms for seminars, workshops and temporary exhibitions.
The 1st floor is devoted to regional information and activity. Displays and videos introduce places across Hokkaido, including an interactive map-based darts exhibit. There is also HOUSE.H, a restaurant serving dishes made with Hokkaido ingredients, Shiroi Koibito Akarenga sweets labo for sweets, and the Akarenga Shop for souvenirs.
The 2nd floor’s theme is “history and culture”. Here visitors can see the restored chief administrator’s office and exhibitions about Akarenga’s architecture, Sapporo’s development, Ainu culture and history, and Hokkaido’s heritage. There are also rooms for events. Visitors can enjoy the view over Akarenga’s gardens from the 2nd floor windows.
The octagonal tower’s observation balcony can be visited on a reserved guided tour. The 30-minute tour costs an additional 1,200 yen per person and requires a separate admission ticket. Tours are offered at 11.00, 12.00, 14.00 and 15.00, with seven places per tour and reservations opening 30 days ahead. Visitors must be of elementary-school age or older, and elementary-school children need an accompanying adult. The route involves 68 stairs and helmets must be worn.
The colorful gardens of Akarenga are also a popular location
Opening Hours and Admission
Opening Hours: 8.45 – 21.00, with last admission at 20.30.
Closed: December 29th to January 3rd and on equipment inspection days. The announced inspection closure for 2026 is November 15th.
Admission: 300 yen for adults; 200 yen for high school and university students; free for junior high school students and younger children. Tickets can be bought at the entrance. Visitors using only the restaurant, cafe or shop do not need an admission ticket.
Visitors who need step-free access can use the ramp at the south basement entrance and press the intercom for assistance. An elevator connects the basement with the 1st and 2nd floors.
Location
Akarenga is about an 8-minute walk from the south exit of JR Sapporo Station’s west concourse, or about four minutes from Exit 10 of Sapporo Subway Station on the Namboku and Toho lines. It is very convenient for the Botanical Garden of Hokkaido University (which is just behind Akarenga) and also for the Akarenga Terrace shopping mall which is located directly across the road from Akarenga’s gardens.
Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved. Last updated 11-Sep-2026.
