The restoration of the former Hokkaido Government Office Building, commonly known as the “Red Brick,” was completed and reopened to the public on July 25, 2025.
The extensive renovation, which took place from December 2019 to March 2025, included seismic retrofitting and the replacement of deteriorated interior and exterior elements such as metal sealings and stone tiles. As a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan, great care was taken to preserve the building’s historical integrity.
A highlight of the renovation is the reopening of the iconic Octagonal Tower. Visitors can now climb to the top and step out onto a balcony to enjoy panoramic views of Sapporo’s cityscape. (Note: Advance reservations are required for access to the Octagonal Tower.)
The renewed Red Brick Building also features engaging and interactive exhibits:
• The Ainu Culture and History Room (2F), a floor map of Hokkaido allows visitors to explore place names and cultural insights. Scanning QR codes reveals information on a screen, including contributions from Matsuura Takeshiro—who named Hokkaido—with the cooperation of the Ainu people. Visitors can even explore locations based on Ainu pronunciations and discover personal connections to places they’ve visited.
• In the Hokkaido Heritage Room (2F) and Regional Attractions Promotion Room (1F), simply hold your smartphone up to the displays to receive rich, multimedia content.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the beautifully restored Red Brick Building on your next trip to Sapporo!
M. Amino
