The Former uottaia5 Government Building

N.3 w.6 Tel. 2314111
Its nickname is "Old Red Brick," and the central dome design was inspired by the old Massachu-setts State House.

You're free to roam inside and sit at the table where the course for Sapporo was established by the Colonization Commission.

The old wooden interior, with its thick red carpets,makes one speak in hushed, reverent tones.
A room on the second floor displays photos and paintings of other old state buildings from around
the world.

I've spent many a warm day in the beautiful park that surrounds the Old Hokkaido Government
Building. The migrating ducks that come to the pond within the park have attracted much attention here in Sapporo.

Many an artist sets an easel here to capture the towering gables of this Meiji work of art. When the Odori beer gardens open in Au-gust, a quieter beer garden opens here.

On the west side of the building is the current prefectural headquarters, a dour gray concrete structure. Its basement cafeteria is open to the public and serves discount lunches.
Open 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Dec. 29 to