Built in 1869, this nature-rich Shinto shrine honors 4 deities, including the Emperor Meiji.

Shiroi Koibito Park

Provided by Google

Sapporo Clock Tower

Sapporo TV Tower

蘇云逸

風之水

다브론

Maxi

nei ryu

Sapporo Beer Museum

Otaru Music Box Museum

Hokkaido Jingu

Hokkaido Jingu, Sapporo's premier Shinto shrine, distinguishes itself through its relatively recent establishment in 1869, a direct response to the Meiji Emperor's decree to enshrine spirits in Hokkaido. Uniquely, it enshrines not only the standard deities of nation-building, but also Emperor Meiji himself, a testament to his pivotal role in Hokkaido's development. The shrine's location, Maruyama Park, was carefully chosen for its spiritual significance and natural beauty, offering a stark contrast to Sapporo's urban landscape. A lesser-known aspect is the presence of a small, dedicated area for the worship of the pioneers who contributed to Hokkaido's agricultural and industrial growth, often overlooked by casual visitors. The cherry blossom season here is particularly special, with a tradition of hanami, or flower viewing, that blends Shinto reverence with secular enjoyment. The shrine's architecture, while adhering to traditional Shinto design principles, incorporates elements adapted to Hokkaido's colder climate, such as sturdier construction and enclosed spaces for certain ceremonies.

Introduction

Hokkaido Jingu was established in 1869 by order of the emperor to provide spiritual support to Hokkaido’s early colonists. The deities enshrined within, including Okunitama, Onamuchi, and Sukunahikona, are directly related to the nature and land of Hokkaido, offering solace and guidance to those settling the region. Emperor Meiji, recognizing the need to cultivate and settle the rugged terrain of the northern land, decreed the establishment of the shrine to serve as the spiritual heart of this newly chartered land.

Shima Yoshitake, a key figure in Hokkaido’s colonization and Sapporo’s urban planning, proposed enshrining Kunitama, Ōkuninushi, and Sukunahikona, symbolizing the resilience and aspirations of the settlers facing Hokkaido’s harsh conditions. Kunitama, a guardian of Japan and protector of colonial shrines, Ōkuninushi, the deity of nation-building, agriculture, and medicine, and Sukunahikona, the god of hot springs and healing, were meant to inspire and protect the pioneers.

A sacred mirror containing the spirits of these deities was consecrated in Tokyo before being transported north. A temporary shrine was erected along the Sōsei River in 1870, marking the region’s spiritual foundation. Despite hardships such as rough roads and scarce funds, the shrine was eventually built in Maruyama, embodying the unwavering faith and determination of the settlers. Hokkaido Jingu became a place of worship for those seeking blessings for health, prosperity, and safety in their new lives.

Spiritual Support for Colonists

Hokkaido Jingu enshrines four principal kami, reflecting its historical role in the development of Hokkaido. Initially, by order of Emperor Meiji in 1869, the shrine was dedicated to three pioneer deities: Ōkunitama, Ōkuninushi, and Sukunahikona. These three kami were selected to watch over the reclamation of Hokkaido, symbolizing nation-building, agriculture, medicine, and the resilience of settlers in the region. The spirits of these deities were first consecrated in Tokyo before being moved north, marking the spiritual foundation of Hokkaido.

Ōkunitama is revered as a guardian of Japan and protector of colonial shrines, while Ōkuninushi is the deity of nation-building, agriculture, medicine, and protective magic. Sukunahikona is known as the god of hot springs, healing, agriculture, and sake brewing.

In 1964, the soul of Emperor Meiji himself was enshrined, solidifying the shrine's connection to the imperial family and its significance as a government-supported institution. This addition led to the renaming of the shrine from Sapporo Jinja to Hokkaido Jingu. The enshrinement of Emperor Meiji elevated the shrine's status, recognizing his role in Hokkaido's transformation.

Additionally, the Kaitakushi Shrine, located on the grounds, enshrines 37 of Hokkaido’s predecessors who devoted themselves to the development of Hokkaido.

Enshrined Deities

Hokkaido Jingu's integration with Maruyama Park creates a unique destination where nature and spirituality intertwine. Located within Maruyama Park, Hokkaido Jingu offers a sanctuary amid the park's natural beauty, drawing visitors to experience both stunning vistas and Japanese spirituality. The park's transformation throughout the year, from the pale pink cherry blossoms in spring to the vibrant foliage in autumn, enhances the shrine's tranquil setting.

Maruyama Park, with its pocket mountain reaching 226 meters, provides a backdrop for the shrine's expansive 180,000 m2 grounds, which include nearly 1,500 cherry trees. Sapporo residents and visitors alike gather at the temple during cherry blossom season to admire the sakura blossoms. In 1875, 150 trees were transplanted from the surrounding mountain forest to decorate the approach to Hokkaido Shrine, adding to the 1,600 cherry trees now on the shrine grounds.

Maruyama Park is a popular hanami spot for Sapporo residents, creating an authentic atmosphere during peak bloom. The park's trails and natural ambiance encourage visitors to slow down and appreciate the surroundings. The integration of the shrine within the park offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural significance, making it a destination for reflection and appreciation of Japanese traditions.

Maruyama Park Integration

At Hokkaido Jingu, purification rituals are an integral part of the shrine visit, preparing individuals to enter the sacred grounds. Before approaching the main shrine, visitors are expected to cleanse themselves at a designated water fountain, a simplified version of the ancient misogi ritual where people purified their bodies in rivers or the sea. This involves a specific hand-washing ritual, demonstrated by shrine staff, to purify oneself before offering prayers.

A unique aspect of purification at Hokkaido Jingu involves passing through a large, green cleansing wreath, guided by a specific sequence of movements. Visitors enter the wreath, turn left, circle back to the front, pass through again turning right, circle back, and then pass through a third time turning left. This ritual, outlined on a nearby poster in Japanese with self-explanatory pictures, ensures a thorough cleansing before entering the shrine grounds. This purification process allows visitors to be considered purified before entering the shrine grounds.

Purification Rituals

The Hokkaido Jingu, central to the Sapporo Festival also known as the Sapporo Festival, hosts traditional dedication ceremonies and numerous festival stalls during the event held annually from June 14th to 16th. A highlight of the festival is the grand parade on June 16th, where over a thousand people don colorful Heian period costumes and journey from Hokkaido Jingu into central Sapporo. This procession includes four mikoshi portable shrines and eight floats, drawing spectators to major avenues.

Originating from Hokkaido Shrine in the Maruyama area, the portable shrines and floats make their way to central Sapporo, often unveiled near the Mitsukoshi and PARCO department stores close to Odori Park. Within the grounds of Hokkaido Jingu, festival-goers can explore food stalls and enjoy street performances, such as monkey shows, alongside traditional Japanese classical music events.

The festival route from Hokkaido Jingu offers an opportunity to visit nearby attractions like Maruyama Zoo and Maruyama Park, known for its spring cherry blossoms. To reach the shrine from Sapporo Station, one can take the Namboku Line to Odori Subway Station, then transfer to the Tozai Line and disembark at Maruyama Koen Subway Station, followed by a 15-minute walk. Alternatively, a 15-minute taxi ride from Sapporo Station is available. On the final day of the festival, the procession, complete with drums and traditional instruments, departs from Hokkaido Shrine around 8 am, returning from central Sapporo in the early afternoon.

Hokkaido Jingu

Highlights from Reviews