Shinkawa Koutai Jinja Shrine

Founded in 1904 as the guardian shrine of Sapporo’s Shinkawa district, this shrine enshrines Amaterasu Omikami and Toyouke Omikami, just like Ise Jingu. It is also known as the only shrine in Hokkaido permitted to bear the name “Koutai Jinja,” a title that signifies a deep connection to Ise Jingu. In addition, Okuninushi no Mikoto, the main deity of Izumo Taisha, is also enshrined here.

One of the deities worshipped here, Batō Daijin, is a guardian deity of animals. Originally, the shrine prayed for the health of and held memorial services for horses and cattle used in Hokkaido’s early development, but today it is widely known as a guardian shrine for pets. Visitors may worship with their pets, and many pet lovers come to the pet health and safety prayer festival held twice a year. Unique items available here, such as matching lucky charms for pets and their owners and goshuin with original designs, are also very popular.

The shrine also hosts a variety of annual events, led by the grand autumn festival, which draws large crowds with mikoshi carrying, Hokyo Taiko drum performances, mochi throwing, and more.