What is the significance of bricks for Ebetsu and Hokkaido?
What comes to mind when you think of bricks? One of them might be the story of “The Three Little Pigs,” which you read as a child about a house made of bricks with which the pigs fight off the wolf. This is a perfect example of one of the characteristics of bricks.
For Ebetsu citizens, bricks are part of daily life. Public facilities, commercial facilities, transportation facilities, private residences, etc., you will find bricks all around. There are as many as 400 brick structures in the city. Bricks produced in Ebetsu have contributed to the development of not only the city itself but also of Hokkaido in the past, and Ebetsu, where bricks are still used today, is known as the Town of Bricks.
If you travel around Hokkaido on a Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Inc. customized tour, you will naturally encounter some brick architecture. Bricks are an important part of the history of Ebetsu and Hokkaido.
Why not contact our dedicated travel consultants at Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Inc, to make new discoveries? You will be with a driver and a guide from the airport pick-up to drop-off, so don’t hesitate. Let’s start a trip tailored just for you!
Table of Contents：
・ Introduction to Ebetsu
・ Brick Story: How Ebetsu has become the Town of Bricks
・ Brick Photo Tour
・ Ebetsu bricks in other areas
Introduction to Ebetsu
Where is it?
Ebetsu is located in the center of the vast Ishikari Plain in western Hokkaido, only 20 minutes by train or 40 minutes by car from the center of Sapporo, a city of 2 million people adjacent to its west. Ebetsu is a commuter town for Sapporo, and while enjoying the convenience of urban life, it is also an agricultural city rich in nature and surrounded by farmland and ranches.
The Ishikari River, the mother river of Hokkaido, flows through the vast plain with its views of the horizon and mountain ranges in the far distance.
Nopporo Forest Park
Nature in Ebetsu is represented by Nopporo Forest Park, a prefectural park in the southern part of the city. It is a primeval forest located in the Nopporo Hills, which straddle Sapporo City and another neighboring city, Kitahiroshima. Even in Japan, a country with large forested areas, this forest, which has an area of approximately 2,000 hectares, is a rare example of a flatland forest of this scale located in a suburban area. It is home to 140 species of wild birds, including the protected black woodpecker, as well as Ezo red foxes, Ezo squirrels, mountain hares, and other wild mammals. Not many cities can offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy a morning stroll in a primeval forest of this kind, and then go shopping in the city in the afternoon.
Specialty food
Forty percent of Ebetsu is agricultural land. A variety of agricultural products are cultivated, most notably wheat. In particular, the branded wheat Haruyutaka is of high quality and is mostly produced in Ebetsu. It is difficult to cultivate and the yield is low, which is why it is called a “phantom wheat.” Haruyutaka wheat is high in protein and rich in flavor, and is deliciously chewy (もちもち)whether made into noodles or bread. One of the most popular foods to add to your Hokkaido tour itinerary is ramen noodles, and we recommend tasting ramen made from Haruyutaka when in Ebetsu.
History and culture
Immigration began in earnest during the Meiji period (1868-1912), when the island, once called Ezo, changed its name to Hokkaido. Under the encouragement of the Hokkaido Development Commission, immigrants from other areas of Japan arrived, first in Sapporo, and also in Ebetsu in the early stages of the island’s development, thus starting the history of Ebetsu.
These immigrants also brought local culture to Ebetsu, one of which was the Nopporo Daidai Kagura.
Kagura is a form of song and dance dedicated to Shinto deities, and Nopporo Daidai Kagura was introduced by an immigrant group of private citizens from the northern part of the main island of Japan. It is now designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of the city.
The brick industry
The brick industry has played an important role in the development of Ebetsu. During the Meiji period, bricks were a symbol of Western architecture and were one of the most sought-after materials essential for modernization. However, with the advent of concrete, and rumors that bricks were vulnerable to earthquakes, demand for bricks gradually declined.
Despite this history of decline, the brick industry in Ebetsu has survived. Today, only a few prefectures in Japan engage in brick production. Ebetsu City is the largest producer of bricks in Japan, and its bricks have been designated as a Hokkaido Heritage.
Want to know the secret? Let’s find out together!
Brick Story: How Ebetsu has become the Town of Bricks
What are bricks actually?
Bricks are one of the oldest building materials in the world, dating back thousands of years to the Mesopotamian civilization. Some bricks are simply sun-dried, but the red bricks you see on your travels in Hokkaido are fired bricks. Bricks are fired to make them more durable, but they are not necessarily red. The red color is due to the oxidation of the iron content in the clay and the firing temperature, and by changing the firing conditions, a variety of colors can be produced to suit different purposes, such as ivory or a color close to the black of the iron itself.
Characteristics of bricks
Bricks are an ideal building material that do not burn, rot or rust, and they last a long time.
In addition to such functionality, what attracts people to brick is the sense of warmth it brings, probably due to its color, and the fact that it adds a new charm even after it has aged. Some people even ask for bricks to be processed to look old.
In addition, bricks are environmentally friendly because they are recyclable and the raw material is soil.
How did Japan come to use bricks?
Foreign pressure put an end to Japan’s isolation, which had lasted for over 200 years, and in 1868 the era of the samurai came to an end as a new government ushered in the Meiji Restoration. During the Meiji period, when Japan pushed forward with modernization in an attempt to catch up with and surpass the West, bricks were used as a non-flammable material for railway and road bridges and tunnels, and the number of brick buildings gradually increased.
Importance of Hokkaido and bricks
The development of Hokkaido, which was necessary to protect Japan at the northern limit of the country from the threat of the West, began at the same time as the Meiji Restoration. That is why there are still many old brick buildings in Hokkaido, just like those found in the heart of Japan.
In the 1850s, the first brick factory in Hokkaido was established in Hakodate, located on the southern tip of Hokkaido. Bricks came in handy due to the many large fires that raged in the area. However, since Sapporo became the capital of Hokkaido in 1869, the center of production shifted to Sapporo, and many brick factories were established in the late 19th century. However, as the land for mining raw materials became limited due to the expansion of residential areas in Sapporo, the center of production gradually became concentrated in the Nopporo area of Ebetsu.
Why Ebetsu?
Brick manufacturing in Ebetsu began in the 1890s. Its history has continued uninterrupted for 130 years. Why Ebetsu? In fact, Ebetsu had the perfect conditions for brick production.
First of all, Ebetsu, located in the Nopporo Hills, had an abundance of high-quality clay and sand, the raw materials. Even today, the city’s clay reserves are said to be equivalent to more than 570 million bricks.
Another major factor was that materials could be easily transported thanks to ship transport on the Ishikari River, and coal for fuel was easily available thanks to the early construction of a railway line.
In addition, at that time, bricks were dried in the sun first, and Ebetsu, which has no mountains, had a large flat area available for this purpose. The proximity to major consumption centers such as Sapporo and Otaru also contributed to the success of the industry.
▼ An old kiln and bricks being sun-dried (Provided by the Ebetsu municipal government)
How has the brick industry in Ebetsu survived?
In the 1910s, brick construction began to decline as demand for concrete increased. The collapse of many brick buildings in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 in the Tokyo area also contributed to the decline in the use of bricks.
Nevertheless, the use of bricks continued in Hokkaido. Demand was maintained for some time, first for the construction of silos and cowsheds, during WW2 for barracks, and after the war for schools and also for coal miners’ housing due to increased coal production. At its peak in the 1950s, Ebetsu had 15 brick factories, and the sight of their chimneys lined up was an eye-catching view.
▼ Brick factory chimneys around 1969 (Provided by the Ebetsu municipal government)
After that, however, the brick industry went into a slump. Fortunately, the ceramic branch of the Hokkaido Industrial Research Institute was located in Ebetsu. The branch office and brick factories worked together to promote technological innovations and new product development, and their efforts eventually began to bear fruit. One example is the introduction of a new kiln and its use of residual heat for drying, which eliminated the need for sun-drying and made it possible to operate in winter.
Of particular note is the creation of bricks designed for snowy regions. As companies competed with each other, they achieved the perfect water absorption rate by adjusting the raw material mix ratio and firing temperature to ensure that the bricks could withstand not only the high temperatures of summer, but also the snowfall of winter.
Now, new products such as brick tiles and perforated tiles that rebars can pass through are also available, and bricks come in a variety of sizes and shapes.
▼ Brick tiles
▼ Bricks for rebars to pass through
Although the number of brick factories in Ebetsu has decreased to two, thanks to these efforts and taking advantage of the original favorable conditions, Ebetsu still produces bricks, accounting for about 20% of Japan’s brick production.
The future of bricks
As time goes by, the quality of bricks that create a warm atmosphere has been reevaluated. Even though demand for bricks as a structural material has long passed its peak, bricks still have high potential. There is now a wide range of applications, including exterior walls, interior walls, pavement materials, sidewalks, parks, repair work, and monuments. Let’s look forward to seeing what new ideas the future holds for bricks.
Brick Photo Tour
No matter how many attractive words are used to describe them, it’s hard to convey the beauty of bricks, right? Let’s start a photo tour of brick architecture, both past and present.
Ebetsu City Ceramic Art Center
Located next to Nopporo Forest Park, this stately building is made of more than 170,000 bricks produced in Ebetsu. There is a brick material exhibition room where visitors can learn about Ebetsu’s bricks, as well as an exhibition room for ceramic art works and a space where visitors can experience pottery making. The unique brick monument standing on the hill behind the center was designed by a local sculptor using bricks dismantled from a brick factory. It is the ultimate in recycling, isn’t it?
Many of Ebetsu’s public facilities, just like this center, incorporate bricks in their design.
EBRI: Former Brick Factory
The commercial facility EBRI, named after a combination of EBETSU and BRICK, is a repurposed former brick factory. It operates as a base for cultivating connections between people and products that represent Ebetsu. It makes the most of the design of the old factory, and the magnificent chimney remains outside, evoking a nostalgic feeling. If you’re looking for a souvenir from Ebetsu, be sure to stop by EBRI first.
Ebetsu City Glass Craft Museum
A house built around 1945 by an employee of a brick company in Ebetsu was preserved and renovated as a symbol of the brick industry in the city, and opened to the public in 1994. You can see the glass artists’ production process and their works in the glass studio inside. The museum stands amidst lush greenery, retaining the atmosphere of an old Western-style house. (* Closed in winter.)
Rakuno Gakuen University, Former Seino Dormitory
Rakuno Gakuen University was founded to establish and develop agriculture in order to secure food by making the land of Hokkaido fertile through dairy farming. Bricks are used in many places on the campus. This building, built in 1944, was a dormitory for teachers and students.
Rakuno Gakuen University, Brick Silo
This silo is located right next to the former dormitory. The relic is a reminder of the history of the university founded to contribute to dairy farming education. Brick silos can be seen in other places throughout Ebetsu.
Ebetsu Ekimae Park Fureai no Taki Waterfall
This brick fountain is located in the park in front of Ebetsu Station. Can you see the water coming out of it? There are also two brick buildings outside the park. It’s a scene that truly symbolizes the brick town.
Ebetsu bricks used in new landmarks:
JR Nopporo Station: An object with the motif of an old kiln
Bricks produced in Ebetsu are used for the exterior walls of the new Nopporo Station built in 2015, and the design has a modern appearance that goes well with the calm color of the steel plates. In the square in front of it, there is also an object inspired by a kiln used in the early days of brick production.
Ebetsu Tsutaya Bookstore
It opened in 2018. To create an atmosphere unique to the local area, the exterior of the building complex is made of bricks from Ebetsu. In addition to the bookstore, there are also a variety of shops, a food court, and a cafe. It’s a great place to take a break during your trip.
And more:
One of the reason why the city is full of bricks is that the municipal government encourages the use of bricks for urban development. Where else are bricks used? You might make some surprising discoveries on the tour.
Brick bus stop
This is one of many bus stops that use bricks in the city. Its design is inspired by a silo.
Motomachi Renga-to (元町恋歌塔)
This unique combination of a clock, a weathercock, and a bench is the symbol of the Motomachi shopping street. The weathercock is actually a squirrel. Don’t you feel like taking a break sitting next to the sleeping cat sculpture?
Ebetsu bricks in other areas
Of course, Ebetsu bricks are not only used in the city of Ebetsu. Let’s tour some places outside of Ebetsu.
<Sapporo>
Hokkaido Museum
Built in 1970, the museum is nicknamed “Morino Charenga” (Forest Brown Brick). Located in Nopporo Forest Park on the outskirts of Sapporo, the building’s simple square design gives it a stately appearance. 750,000 bricks from Ebetsu are used for the exterior and interior. Various artworks and decorations inside are integrated with the building. This is a comprehensive museum of Hokkaido history, starting from the era of mammoths and Naumann’s elephants.
Kita 3-jo Square (Akapla)
This is a square between the Former Hokkaido Government Office (to be introduced later) and the street extending from Sapporo Station. The color of the 200,000 bricks from Ebetsu that cover the square is adjusted to harmonize with the red color of the old brick building. In autumn, the contrast with the autumn leaves of the ginkgo trees on both sides is exquisitely beautiful. It is a place that you will definitely want to come across when strolling around central Sapporo.
Nagayama Memorial Park
A park centered around the mansion that Nagayama Takeshiro, the second Governor of Hokkaido, built in the late 19th century. The park was developed in 1986-87. The bricks that cover the ground are from Ebetsu. It is adjacent to the commercial facility Sapporo Factory, which will be introduced later.
JR Naebo Station
Naebo Station was built in conjunction with the plan to extend the Shinkansen (Bullet train) Line to Sapporo. This new station also uses many bricks from Ebetsu.
<Kitahiroshima>
ESCON FIELD HOKKAIDO: The Brick Project
This ballpark is home to Hokkaido’s professional baseball team, the Nippon Ham Fighters. The square in front of one of the entrances, “FIGHTERS LEGENDS SQUARE,” is covered with bricks engraved with the names of many former players and famous people with ties to Hokkaido or the Fighters, as part of a project called “The Brick.” These are also bricks made in Ebetsu. If you’re a baseball fan, why not add this ballpark to your itinerary? The brick with the name of Shohei Otani, a former Fighters player who plays for the MLB Los Angeles Dodgers, is a must-see.
More brick buildings in Hokkaido:
There are many other buildings made with bricks, not just those from Ebetsu.
<Sapporo>
Former Hokkaido Prefectural Government Office
Nicknamed “Akarenga” (Red Brick), this building is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. This American neo-baroque style building was constructed in 1888, right after the Hokkaido Prefectural Government was established. In 1909, the roof and interior were destroyed in a major fire, but the bricks on the exterior walls were mostly intact, and the office was reopened in 1911 after major repair work. As many as 2.5 million bricks from Hokkaido were used. The contrast between the red of the bricks and the white of the snow is unique to northern regions. And why don’t you look at the stark difference from the current main office building which is at the back on the right?
Beer and bricks:
Are you a beer lover? If so, you may want to add the following two locations to your itinerary.
Sapporo Factory
This is the birthplace of Sapporo Beer. The Kaitakushi Beer Brewery, a state-run company and a forerunner of today’s Sapporo Breweries Ltd, was the first large-scale beer factory established only by Japanese. At the time of opening in 1876, the factory was made of wood, but was later replaced by the brick structure we see today. After the beer factory was relocated elsewhere, this brick building complex became a commercial facility under the name “Sapporo Factory” in 1993. Parts of the brick walls are covered with ivy, showing different guises depending on the season. One brick building in the complex is still used as a small brewery, recreating the taste of beer from the brewery’s early days.
Sapporo Beer Museum (Hokkaido Heritage)
This former sugar factory building, completed in 1890, was later purchased by the Sapporo Beer Company. From 1905, it was used as a malt factory for 60 years to malt barley, the raw material for beer. This museum, along with the Sapporo Beer Garden on the same premises, is one of the most popular destinations on Hokkaido tours. After learning about the history of beer brewing in Sapporo in this historic brick building, enjoy Hokkaido soul food Genghis Khan (lamb and mutton barbeque) with Sapporo Beer Classic, a beer only available in Hokkaido!
<Hakodate>
Hakodate was one of the ports that the shogunate opened to trade with the West after the end of national isolation in 1854, which is why brick production began early here.
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse
This group of warehouses, built by a businessman who contributed to the development of Hakodate, was burned down in a fire in 1907, but was rebuilt in 1909. The warehouse complex ceased to function as warehouses and became a commercial facility of the same name in 1988, and is always bustling as a popular shopping spot.
Hakodate City Museum of Literature
It was established to pass on to future generations the achievements of many literary figures and their literary works that Hakodate nurtured. The building was built as a bank in 1921. Later, it was used by a private company for a while, until the company donated it to the city of Hakodate in 1989, hoping that it would be used to promote culture.
Former Storehouse for Books of the Hakodate Branch Office of the Hokkaido Development Commission
This red brick archive building is located next to the old branch office building in Motomachi Park. It was built in 1880. It survived the great fire of 1907, when 12,000 buildings were destroyed. It is a valuable relic from the Meiji period, using bricks from the Moheji Brick Factory, which was directly managed by the Hokkaido Development Commission. Some of the bricks in the walls are stamped with the year of manufacture. It is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
<Otaru>
Locomotive Shed No. 3 (National Important Cultural Property)
As mentioned earlier, bricks were widely used in railway-related facilities during the pioneering period. Hokkaido’s first railway was built to connect the port of Otaru with Sapporo and the coal-producing areas. The building in this photo is one of the exhibits at the Otaru Museum, and is the oldest surviving locomotive shed in Japan, completed in 1885. It is a valuable brick structure designed by a railway engineer who also worked on the former Hokkaido Prefectural Government Office building. The main museum building is also made of brick.
Otaru is one of the oldest cities in Hokkaido and has some other venerable brick structures, such as former warehouses.
Did we get you interested? Please contact us!
How was it? Have you found a spot or two you like? We have introduced various facets of bricks, such as bricks used in historical architecture, bricks that are incorporated into modern buildings, and bricks that are integrated into our daily lives. In fact, there are more spots in Hokkaido that feature bricks. Now that you are familiar with the background to bricks in Ebetsu and Hokkaido, why don’t you enjoy spontaneous discoveries of brick architecture, etc., or incorporate some of the destinations in your itinerary?
If you find some spots that interest you, whether in Ebetsu or elsewhere, please feel free to contact us, Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Inc. Our dedicated consultants will customize your trip to suit your needs. During the tour, you will be accompanied by a dedicated driver and a guide, so you can enjoy a stress-free trip.
