The Former Hokkaido Government Office, located near Sapporo Station, is affectionately known as ‘Akarenga’, meaning red brick.
This historic site is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The Hokkaido Development Commission, known as ‘Kaitakushi’, was established in 1871 to develop the untapped lands of Hokkaido, with its main office set up in Sapporo. Under the guidance of American advisor Horace Capron, the Kaitakushi office building was designed with an octagonal dome and completed in 1873. It was one of Japan’s largest buildings of its time.
Tragically, the building burned down in 1879. Subsequently, the Hokkaido Government was established in 1886 following the dissolution of Kaitakushi. The building was reconstructed and reopened in 1888, featuring its iconic red brick exterior and octagonal dome.
Another fire destroyed the building again in 1909, but it was promptly rebuilt by 1910. In 1968, during the centennial celebrations of the Hokkaido Prefecture Government, original air vents and the octagonal dome were meticulously restored to the building.
Today, Akarenga houses valuable archives and a library, including the Archives of Hokkaido and the Karafuto-Sakhalin Related Resource Library. It also serves as the Hokkaido history museum, preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Akarenga boasts a picturesque garden with two ponds that offer year-round enjoyment, featuring cherry blossoms in spring, water lilies in summer, vibrant red and yellow leaves in autumn, and charming snow scenes in winter.
Opened in September 2014, Akarenga Terrace is located just in front of the main building, becoming another popular commercial destination in the Sapporo Station area. Access is convenient via the underground walking street known as “Chikaho (チカホ).”
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Game Marathon Race Course
This is the site of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Marathon and Walk Race Course. Runners will follow a route from the north to the east of Akarenga Square (赤レンガ広場). It’s expected to be one of the most popular viewing spots, drawing large crowds.
Where to look at Marathon and Race Walk in Sapporo of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Game
Link
Former Hokkaido Government Office(赤レンガ・旧北海道庁)
Access
From Sapporo Station, 5 min.
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