[Hokkaido Shrine Travel Guide] Enjoy One of Hokkaido’s Top Power Spots!

Hokkaido, once known as Ezochi, was officially recognized as Japanese territory in 1869 and named “Hokkaido.”
As Japan moved forward with settlement and development, Emperor Meiji ordered that the three pioneer gods be enshrined as a spiritual anchor for the settlers.
The “three pioneer gods” are Okunitama-no-Kami, Onamuchi-no-Kami, and Sukunabikona-no-Kami—guardian deities of settlement and development.
The yorishiro (objects such as mirrors and swords in which the deities reside) of these three gods were moved from Tokyo to Hakodate, and then from Hakodate to Sapporo, where Sapporo Shrine was built.
In 1964, Emperor Meiji—who laid the foundation of modern Japan—was added to the three pioneer gods, and the name changed from Sapporo Shrine to Hokkaido Shrine.
It burned down in 1974, but was restored over four years.
Hokkaido Shrine is truly a shrine that stands alongside Hokkaido’s history.

It was built in 1938 to enshrine those who made major contributions to the settlement of Hokkaido.
The worship hall has no walls, and you can feel a sacred atmosphere created by the open space.
It’s said to bring better “career luck” and “competitive luck,” and many business owners come here to pray.

Sapporo Koryo Shrine enshrines those who died while working in mining, dedicating their lives to the settlement of Hokkaido.
It stands quietly among greenery and can be easy to miss, so keep an eye out.
This shrine is said to bring blessings for safety.

Next to Sapporo Koryo Shrine, Hotaki Shrine features bronze komainu guardian dogs that welcome visitors.
Stone komainu are more common, so don’t miss these rare bronze ones.
It also enshrines contributors to the Hokkaido Takushoku Bank, which supported Hokkaido’s economy, and is said to bring better financial luck.

Kaitaku Shrine is one of the most popular power spots within Hokkaido Shrine.
Because it enshrines workers who devoted their lives to settling Hokkaido, it’s said to bring better “career luck” and “competitive luck.”
Kaitaku Shrine has a unique layout, with an open worship hall at the front and the main sanctuary behind it.
Kaitaku Shrine is located a short walk past the “Park Entrance Torii.”
Since the Park Entrance Torii connects Maruyama Park and Hokkaido Shrine, we recommend exploring Maruyama Park before heading to Hokkaido Shrine.
This is a great spot for business owners, anyone aiming for a promotion, or those facing a big challenge.

Hokkaido Shrine has five torii gates of various sizes, including beautifully designed gates as well as ones said to grant blessings when you pass through.
Take a stroll around the grounds and try to find all five.

Nature-rich Hokkaido Shrine changes its look with each season, but you’ll find beautiful scenery no matter when you visit.
Being soothed by nature’s energy is also one of the shrine’s charms.

There are two cafes on the grounds, where you can relax on the terrace with popular sweets and soothe yourself after your walk.

A shrine’s torii acts like a boundary separating the everyday world from the sacred grounds.
Bow before passing through, as if you’re visiting the “home of the gods.”
When you finish your visit and leave the grounds, turn back toward the shrine buildings and bow once more.

The center of the approach is considered the path for the gods.
When walking along the approach, avoid the center and walk along the side.

Purify your body and mind with water at the temizuya before proceeding to the front of the shrine.
The steps are as follows.

The worship etiquette at Hokkaido Shrine is as follows.

Located on the north side of the Maruyama primeval forest, Maruyama Park has long been loved as a cherry blossom spot. About 120 cherry trees, including Ezo-yamazakura and Somei Yoshino, are planted in the park, and it gets lively with hanami visitors in spring.
The park also features cedar groves and large katsura trees, making it ideal for nature watching with squirrels, wild plants, and birds. Also, around mid-October each year, fall foliage such as katsura and Japanese maple reaches its best viewing period.

In 1950, a traveling zoo from Tokyo’s Ueno Zoo was held in Sapporo. After its success, this “Maruyama Zoo” opened the following year as Hokkaido’s first zoo.
At first it was positioned as a children’s park, but it gradually expanded its animals and facilities, and today it’s a zoo loved by both tourists and locals.
One of its highlights is the Polar Bear House, where you can watch polar bears swim from an underwater tunnel. The pool is divided between polar bears and seals, and if your timing is right, you may see a polar bear stalking a seal.

Located near the summit of Mt. Okura, Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium was a venue for the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympics.
Built along the ridgeline as a 90m-class (now Large Hill) ski jump, it attracts visitors looking back on those memories.
The view from the observatory is also a major draw.
This one-of-a-kind viewpoint lets you take in a sweeping view of Sapporo beyond the ski jump, with vistas of the city and the Ishikari Plain from an elevation of 307 meters, looking out past the inrun.

MORIHICO. is hugely popular not only in Sapporo but across Hokkaido.
Its origin and main store, Morihico, began in 1996 as a small wooden house tucked away in a back alley.
You can enjoy coffee amid scenery that changes with the seasons: crocuses in spring, lush ivy in summer, wild grapes in autumn, and snowy blossoms in winter.

Hokkaido is a “treasure trove of gourmet food,” bringing together seafood from the northern seas and farm produce nurtured by vast land—and Sapporo is its hottest battleground for great dining.
In Sapporo, one ultra-famous restaurant said to be known by every foodie is the two-Michelin-star Sushi Sai Wakichi.
It’s a luxury sushi restaurant style where you face the chef across a whitewood counter, and the chef serves each dish one by one, timed to your pace.

A set-meal izakaya near Nishi 18-chome Station on the Sapporo Subway Tozai Line.
Locals love it for its great value: generous portions at low prices, with favorites like zangi (Hokkaido-style fried chicken) and gyoza.
The signature zangi comes in three flavors: original, salt, and sauce.
They also offer a “zangi taste-comparison set meal,” making it a great pick for anyone who wants to try them all.

A hidden-city hotel with outstanding convenience, located a 2-minute walk from Odori Station on the subway and within walking distance of major central Sapporo attractions like the TV Tower, Odori Park, and Susukino.
In addition to comfortable rooms, it offers attentive services and is a popular base for sightseeing in Sapporo.

Vessel Hotel Campana Susukino is in a great location, a 4-minute walk from Susukino Station on the Namboku Subway Line.
It also has parking, making it useful as a base for both sightseeing and business.
At the breakfast buffet, you can enjoy original dishes using plenty of local ingredients, including seafood like salmon roe and crab, plus fresh milk and bread made with Hokkaido wheat.

A conveniently located hotel for staying in Chuo Ward, Sapporo, with easy access just Approx. 1 minute on foot from Nakajima Koen Station on the subway.
Nearby is Nakajima Park, recognized as one of Japan’s “Top 100 Urban Parks,” and loved as a relaxing spot rich in water and greenery.
It’s also Approx. an 8-minute walk to Susukino, making it easy to head out for work or fun.