Hokkaido Shrine

(Image: www.welcome.city.sapporo.jp)

The Hokkaido Shrine was built in 1869 after the Meiji Emperor decreed that the “three pioneering gods” be enshrined to inspire the spirit of the pioneers. At that time, Judge Yoshitake Shima, who had undertaken the design of downtown Sapporo at the time, selected Maruyama surrounded by mountains on three sides and open to a plain on one side as the site of the new shrine. Later 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 blessed the development of Hokkaido and the happiness of its people, continue to play a crucial role in Hokkaido people’ 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, attracts many visitors in the spring when cherry and plum blossoms bloom simultaneously.

Address: Miyagaoka 474, Chuo-ku, Sapporo

Tel: 0081-011-6110261

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

Fee: Free