In 1872, Colonization started. Honcho (main office) was built at Sapporo and shicho (branch offices) at Urakawa, Soya, Hakodate, Nemuro, and Karafuto. Soya- and Urakawa-shicho were soon abolished. Karafuto was later conceded to Russia.
In 1882, Colonization Envoy was abolished and three special prefectures (agencies of the national government) are placed after remaining three shicho. District offices functioned for administration mechanism.
In 1886, Three non-municipal prefectures are abolished and Hokkaido Agency (agency of the national government) is established. District offices functioned for administration mechanism.
In 1897, District offices were abolished in Hokkaido and whole nation. Nineteen shicho were placed under Hokkaido Agency: Sapporo, Hakodate, Kameda, Matsumae, Hiyama, Suttsu, Iwanai, Otaru, Sorachi, Kamikawa, Mashike, Souya, Abashiri, Muroran, Urakawa, Kushiro, Kasai, Nemuro, and Shana.
In 1899, Sapporo-ku, Hakodate-ku, and Otaru-ku were established as municipalities independent of shicho. Sapporo-shicho and Otaru-shicho were continued with remaining area, but Hakodate-shicho was vanished. Previous Kameda-shicho was renamed as Hokodate-shicho.
In 1903, Matsumae-shicho was merged with Hakodate-shicho. Shana-shicho was merged with Nemuro-shicho.
In 1910, Suttsu-shicho, Iwanai-shicho, and Otaru-shicho were merged to form Shiribeshi-shicho.
In 1914, Asahikawa-ku was established as municipalities independent of Kamikawa-shicho. Mashike-shicho was renamed as Rumoi-shicho.
In 1918, Muroran-ku was established as municipalities independent of Muroran-shicho.
In 1920, Kushiro-ku was established as municipalities independent of Kushiro-shicho.
In 1922, six ku is restated as shi (cities). Sapporo-shicho was renamed as Ishikari-shicho. Hakodate-shicho was renamed as Oshima-shicho. Muroran-shicho was renamed as Iburi-shicho.
In 1932, Urakawa-shicho was renamed as Hidaka-shicho. Kasai-shicho was renamed as Tokachi-shicho.
In 1947, Hokkaido Agency was abolished and Hokkaido Prefecture was established. Hokkaido Prefecture took over shicho.
