[Photo from welcome.city.sapporo.jp]

Hokkaido Shrine is a shrine for the guardian deities, who have overseen the development of Hokkaido and the happiness of its people since the start of the Meiji Period.

The Hokkaido Shrine was built in 1869 after the Meiji Emperor decreed that the “three pioneering gods” be enshrined to uplift the spirits of the pioneers. Judge Yoshitake Shima, who had undertaken the design of downtown Sapporo at the time, selected Maruyama, which was surrounded by mountains on three sides and open to a plain on one side, as the site of the new shrine.

In 1964, the Showa Emperor approved the additional enshrinement of the Meiji Emperor, thus Hokkaido Shrine now enshrines four gods. The protective deities, who have overseen the development of Hokkaido and the happiness of its people, continue to play an important part in Hokkaido citizens’ lives — particularly on New Year’s Day, the day before the start of spring, and during exorcisms and weddings. The nature-rich shrine, where visitors are likely to see wild squirrels, draws many visitors in the spring when cherry and plum blossoms bloom simultaneously.

Address: Miyagaoka 474, Chuo-ku, Sapporo

Fee: Free

Parking: Free

Telephone: 011-611-0261

Website: http://www.hokkaidojingu.or.jp/