Hokkaido (北海道, Hokkaidō, literally "Northern Sea Circuit") (Japanese: [hokkaꜜidoː] ( listen)), formerly known as Ezo, Yezo, Yeso, or Yesso, is the second largest island of Japan, and the largest and northernmost prefecture. The Tsugaru Strait separates Hokkaido from Honshu. The two islands are connected by the undersea railway Seikan Tunnel. The largest city on Hokkaido is its capital, Sapporo, which is also its only ordinance-designated city. About 43 km north of Hokkaido lies Sakhalin Island, Russia, whereas to its east and north-east are the disputed Kuril Islands.
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Whereas in other seasons the building may be framed by a sea of different hues, visiting in January, the colourful building stands out against a monochromatic background of a grey sky and a blanket of fresh snow. The Former Hokkaido Government Office Building is nicknamed "Akarenga", which literally means "Red Brick", for obvious reasons. Although there is currently no entry to the building itself, whilst it undergoes a long-term restoration, you are free to wander the grounds at will. Look out for the informative signboard near the entrance to the grounds which summarises the history of the Old Red Brick building over the following time periods:- 1869 : Launch of the Hokkaido Development Commission, 1888 : Completion of Red Brick Government Building, 1909 : A Domeless Red Brick Government Building, and 1968 : The Red Brick Building in the Modern Era. The same informative signboard contains a couple of factoids in addition regarding the Red Star ("Goryosei" - five pointed star) on the roof, and the 2.5 million red bricks used in its' construction. I was quite fascinated by the level of protection given to trees and shrubs to prevent them from being damaged by the weight of snow. Worthwhile and fascinating visit in this winter landscape!
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