Hokkaido Jingu

Welcome to Hokkaido Jingu, the most significant Shinto shrine on the island of Hokkaido. As we stand here at the entrance, we are embarking on a journey into the spiritual heart of Sapporo. …

We stand before the massive Torii gate, the iconic entrance that marks the boundary between the mundane world and the sacred grounds of the shrine. This particular gate is grand in scale, constructed from massive timbers that…

Before we can approach the deities directly, we must perform a ritual purification at the Temizuya. This beautifully crafted stone basin, sheltered by a traditional wooden roof, provides fresh spring water for visitors to wash…

We now stand before the Honden, the main hall where the deities are enshrined. The architecture is a stunning example of the 'Shinmei-zukuri' style, characterized by its simplicity, straight lines, and the use of unpainted…

To the side of the main hall, we find the vibrant area where visitors engage with their personal fortunes and petitions. This is the place to obtain an 'Omikuji,' a fortune-telling paper. …

After the spiritual rigors of the shrine visit, it is traditional to nourish the body. On the shrine grounds, we find a small, charming tea house operated by Rokkatei, one of Hokkaido’s most famous confectionery companies. …

For those seeking a more active engagement with the spirit of this land, we now head toward the trailhead for Mount Maruyama, which begins near the shrine’s edge. This 225-meter hill is a designated natural monument, home to a…

We have reached the summit of Mount Maruyama, and the reward is one of the most spectacular views in all of Hokkaido. From this vantage point, the entire city of Sapporo unfolds before you like a vast, geometric map. …

After the intense spiritual engagement of the main sanctuary and the biting cold of the open courtyard, our final stop offers a profoundly comforting shift in atmosphere. Tucked away within the forested precincts, just slightly…

As we descend from the mountain and pass back through the gates of Hokkaido Jingu, our spiritual and physical journey comes to a close. We have transitioned from the grand Torii, through the ritual purification of the Temizuya,…