Kamikawa Shrine
上川神社
Hokkaido · Asahikawa
Independent Agriculture
Kanpei Taisha
Ichinomiya (Ezo (modern designation))
Hokkaido Shrine
北海道神宮
/ Hokkaido Jingu
Admission
Free
Goshuin
500 JPY
Access
15 min walk
Hours
Open daily, hours vary by season (approx. 6:00-17:00)
Overview
Hokkaido Shrine is the spiritual heart of Japan's northern frontier. Created in the early Meiji era to bless the ambitious colonization of Hokkaido, it enshrines three kami charged with protecting pioneers and developing new land, alongside the spirit of Emperor Meiji himself. The shrine sits within a 180,000-square-meter forested park in central Sapporo, offering a tranquil contrast to the surrounding city. The evergreen forest of Maruyama Park provides a distinctly northern atmosphere unlike most shrines on Honshu. As the de facto ichinomiya of Hokkaido, it serves as the island's most important Shinto institution and draws enormous crowds during New Year's hatsumode, ranking among the most visited shrines in Japan during the holiday period.
History
Founding
📄
Documented
1869 Source: Imperial edict of Emperor Meiji
1869📄Documented
Three pioneer kami enshrined by imperial order in Tokyo
1871📄Documented
Shrine relocated to present site in Maruyama
1964📄Documented
Spirit of Emperor Meiji enshrined; renamed from Sapporo Jinja to Hokkaido Jingu
Enshrined Deities
⛩
primary Deity
The great divine spirit of the land of Yamato; guardian of the Japanese nation; enshrined at Ōkunitama Jinja in Fuchu, Tokyo
⛩
primary Deity
God of nation-building, agriculture, medicine, and en-musubi (binding of fates/relationships)
⛩
primary Deity
God of medicine, hot springs, brewing, agriculture, and knowledge; the diminutive companion deity
⛩
primary Deity
The Meiji Emperor (1852–1912), deified guardian of modern Japan and patron of national renewal
Blessings
Shrine Network
Independent head
Did You Know?
💡
The shrine's torii gate faces northeast rather than the typical south, symbolizing the defense of the northern frontier against potential threats from Russia during the Meiji era.
Source: tradition
💡
The original three kami were transported from Tokyo to Hokkaido by ship, then carried overland to Sapporo by colonization officials.
Source: documented
💡
Hokkaido Shrine is one of the few major shrines built entirely in the modern era, with no ancient predecessor on the site.
Source: documented
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
43.0555, 141.3079
Physical Address
474 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
北海道札幌市中央区宮ヶ丘474
Historical Province
Ezo
Access
Maruyama-Koen Station (Tozai Line)
15 min walk
Hours
Open daily, hours vary by season (approx. 6:00-17:00)
Best Times to Visit
springwinter
Foreign Language Support
English signage
Accessibility
Partial - main approach is paved
Official Website
https://www.hokkaidojingu.or.jp/
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
Why This Shrine
As the paramount shrine of Japan's last frontier, Hokkaido Jingu tells the story of modern Japan's expansion northward. It is the essential starting point for understanding Hokkaido's spiritual landscape and the intersection of Shinto practice with nation-building.
Related Shrines
Obihiro Shrine
帯廣神社
Hokkaido · Obihiro
Independent Agriculture
Tarumaezan Shrine
樽前山神社
Hokkaido · Tomakomai
Independent Mountain Safety
Biei Shrine
美瑛神社
Hokkaido · Biei
Independent Relationship Bonds
Asahikawa Shrine
旭川神社
Hokkaido · Asahikawa
Independent Development
Takikawa Shrine
瀧川神社
Hokkaido · Takikawa
Independent Development
Related Myths
Learn More About Shinto Shrines
Background reading for visitors and pilgrims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Hokkaido Shrine?
Hokkaido Shrine is the spiritual heart of Japan's northern frontier. Created in the early Meiji era to bless the ambitious colonization of Hokkaido, it enshrines three kami charged with protecting pioneers and developing new land, alongside the spirit of Emperor Meiji himself. The shrine sits within a 180,000-square-meter forested park in central Sapporo, offering a tranquil contrast to the surrounding city. The evergreen forest of Maruyama Park provides a distinctly northern atmosphere unlike most shrines on Honshu. As the de facto ichinomiya of Hokkaido, it serves as the island's most important Shinto institution and draws enormous crowds during New Year's hatsumode, ranking among the most visited shrines in Japan during the holiday period.
Where is Hokkaido Shrine located?
Hokkaido Shrine is located in Sapporo, Hokkaido. The full address is: 474 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido.
What deities are enshrined at Hokkaido Shrine?
The enshrined deities are: Ōkunitama no Kami, Okuninushi no Mikoto, Sukunahikona no Kami, Emperor Meiji.
What blessings can you pray for at Hokkaido Shrine?
Hokkaido Shrine is known for: Development, Pioneering, Healing, National Prosperity.
How do I get to Hokkaido Shrine?
The nearest station is Maruyama-Koen Station (Tozai Line). It is about a 15-minute walk from the station.