Hokkaido Jingu (Hokkaido Shrine)

Hokkaido Jingu (Hokkaido Shrine) Review

Wash your hands and rinse your mouth at the stone basin first, then step up the gray stone steps. This 1871 Shinto shrine houses three gods deemed helpful in Hokkaido's development: the gods of land and nature, of land development, and of healing. Sapporo families bring babies, children, anxious students, young engaged couples, and even cars to Shinto ceremonies. In May this is Sapporo's main hanami (cherry-blossom) venue. It's a 15-minute walk from Maruyama subway station and shares the park with the zoo.