In the middle of Sapporo city stands the “Former Hokkaido Government Office Building” also known as the “Red Brick Office Building”. Built in the Meiji period in red brick, tourists as well as Sapporo locals visit it on a daily basis. It also is a point of beauty with its seasonal changes. Here we want to introduce the former Hokkaido Government Office building and its fantastic seasonal scenery. Regardless if you have been here before please join the locals taking a walk to take in all its seasonal magnificence.
The former Hokkaido Government Office’s colorful flowerbed in summer
In the picture above is the former Hokkaido Government Office building and its fantastic flower bed, made famous in guide books. This view can be seen between the beginning of summer to fall. The garden is immense and every season has different flowers. Here is a great chance to take it slow and stop to smell the flowers. In early summer you might even run into the family of ducks.
During these warmer months there are many events such as local product exhibitions where you can find tasty mementos. Walking the garden is best experienced in the sun is high.
The leaves changing in fall makes this a beautiful attraction
As fall descends the garden dons a gentle red and yellow hue. Amongst the many the ginko trees really stand out in exquisiteness. There are many of these trees crowding the pond found to the right of the entrance, and towards the end of October to the beginning of November the magnificence is simply breath taking. Also not to miss is the rows of ginko trees, planted in 1925, lining the path to the former Hokkaido Government Office building from Sapporo station. In 2014 this path was turned into a brick walkway using bricks from Ebetsu. Rebuilt as the “Sapporo-shi Kita 3 Jyou Hiroba (AKA Akapura)” it is a large plaza and a brand new vision for those who have visited before.
The former Hokkaido Government Office building’s attractive snowscape
The former Hokkaido Government Office building covered in snow is also a vision of splendor. With sunlight glinting off of the flowers of snow surrounding it, the former Hokkaido Government Office building stands wearing a pure white hat. Making the visit worth bearing the cold is the serene beauty that you witness.
Winter also marks one of Sapporo’s biggest events, “The Sapporo Snow Festival”. While open you can take in all the snow sculptures. Definitely a stop worth putting on the bucket list. Take a picture with one of the many whimsical snowmen while here!
Spring and its gorgeous cherry blossoms
One thing the former Hokkaido Government Office building is well known for is its cherry blossoms in spring. The grounds are dyed a wonderful pink from all the Yae-zakura cherry blossoms during early May. The building is complimented by the Ezo Yamazakura and Kasumizakura species as well making it phenomenally picturesque.
The interior of the former Hokkaido Government Office building is also spectacular
Built in 1888, the former Hokkaido Government Office building, served as the central government building for all of Hokkaido. The building is constructed in American neo-baroque style. It is listed as one of Japans important cultural buildings. Currently it is used to house and display historical documents depicting the opening and settlement of Hokkaido and can be entered publicly.
The exterior is eye catching but the interior of the former Hokkaido Government Office building is dazzling! The sight must be seen in person to really experience it in its full effect. The carved arches and pillars near the stairs in the entrance hall when you first walk are simply amazing! *The image is the entrance from the top of the stairs.
The illuminations at night are also spectacular!
In this article we only showed the many faces of the former Hokkaido Government Office building in the day but at night the building is lit up year round and has many more facets to it. How about walking off a savory Sapporo dinner with a walk at night here?
Be aware that visiting hours are between 8:45am and 6pm. Closed for new year’s eve and new year’s day.
History
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