Emperor Meiji and three nature gods are honored in a monumental Shinto building that is the centerpiece of Sapporo’s religious life.
Hokkaido Shrine, located just outside Sapporo’s downtown, is by far the most visited shrine on the whole island. Built in 1869 during the Meiji Restoration, when the emperor declared the colonization initiative on Hokkaido, it was designed to offer succor and support to the men who came here to claim land from the Ainu people. Its three gods represent the divine spirits of the land, colonization and administration and were in charge of spurring the colonists on. The shrine was a place to meet and relax. Emperor Meiji was enshrined here in the 1960s.
Walk side by side with other worshippers and tourists down the wide, tree-lined avenue toward the huge main tori gate. Notice the elaborate braided hay that hangs from the front of the shrine, which both marks the shrine as a sacred space and keeps evil spirits at bay. Before entering, perform a brief cleansing ritual with holy water.
Wander through the different shrine buildings, set in a peaceful atmosphere. Spot the wild squirrels scurrying up and down the tree trunks, drawn by the presence of tourists. Have your fortune told with omikuji, small paper fortunes said to bring luck. Visitors make requests at the site for luck, particularly in business matters, which is the gods’ specialty.
In spring, see the trees in a display of color, with simultaneous blooms of plum and cherry blossoms. Join locals and tourists enjoying barbecues on the shrine’s lawns and celebrating the arrival of springtime beauty.
Hokkaido Shrine is located on the southwestern edge of Sapporo, not far from other attractions including the Sapporo Zoo and the Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art. Take the subway from Sapporo Station in about 10 minutes and walk to the shrine in about 15 minutes. Drive or take a taxi in about 15 minutes. Parking can be extremely limited in the area, especially during tourist season.
The temple itself is always freely accessible. The site has no admission fee, but extra services such as omikuji have a small fee.
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