Complete Guide to Sapporo Shrines and Temples 2025: 9 Sacred Hot Spots
Sapporo is a city with various attractions including magnificent nature, gourmet food, and tourist destinations with unique history. It boasts the largest population in Hokkaido and serves as the center of economy and culture.
Sapporo has many shrines and temples built during Hokkaido's pioneering era that began in the 19th century. Hokkaido Jingu, which is one of Hokkaido's representative shrines, is particularly popular as a classic tourist spot among travelers. At the vast Hokkaido Jingu, you can enjoy beautiful natural scenery, and it is said that visiting brings benefits of improved fortune.
This time, we will introduce attractive Sapporo Shrines and Temples in Sapporo and surrounding areas where you can feel the traditions of Japan and Hokkaido. We have also compiled information about their respective histories, highlights, and access information. If you want to visit Spiritual Hot Spots or tour beautiful Hokkaido shrines, please use this as a reference.
Table of Contents
-3 Selected Representative Traditional Sapporo Shrines and Temples
-3 Selected Sapporo Shrines and Temples with Beautiful Scenic Views
-Author's Recommendations! 3 Shrines and Temples Worth Visiting Even If It Takes Time
Sapporo Area Has Many Shrines and Temples Famous as Spiritual Hot Spots
In Sapporo's city center and surrounding areas, there are many traditional shrines and temples. In Hokkaido, many immigrants from mainland Japan moved and began pioneering in the late 19th century. Many of these were built at that time and have served as spiritual support for people living through harsh pioneering life.
Also, in recent years, many shrines and temples have been attracting attention as Spiritual Hot Spots where wishes come true and fortune improves when visited. Their reputation has spread through the internet, and many people from outside Hokkaido come to offer prayers.
Many of these shrines have unique traditions that allow you to feel Hokkaido's history, and they are places where you can also enjoy beautiful natural scenery. Those touring Sapporo City should visit shrines within the city, and those going to surrounding areas such as Lake Toya direction or Hakodate should visit shrines in their respective areas.
3 Selected Representative Traditional Sapporo Shrines and Temples
Hokkaido Jingu
Hokkaido Jingu is a shrine located in the center of Sapporo City, founded in 1869. It is beloved by people as Hokkaido's representative shrine that has watched over Hokkaido's pioneering and development. Located in the nature-rich Mt. Maruyama area, you can enjoy beautiful seasonal scenery within its vast grounds.
Hokkaido Jingu is believed to be a shrine that raises various types of fortune. Particularly famous is one of the shrines within the grounds called "Kaitaku Shrine." Kaitaku means development in Japanese, and it is said that offering prayers at this shrine will help you succeed in work and win competitions.
My friend living in Sapporo told me that before important work, they always come here to pray earnestly and encourage themselves. There are several other shrines within the grounds, and visiting is said to bring success in romance, family health and peace, and economic fortune.
When you visit Sapporo, first check out Hokkaido Jingu, the Spiritual Hot Spots representative of the city.
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Address: 474 Miyagaoka, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido
Business hours: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Regular holidays: Irregular holidays
Phone number: 011-611-0261
Official website: http://www.hokkaidojingu.or.jp/
Hokkaido Shrine Tongu
Hokkaido Shrine Tongu is a shrine created in downtown Sapporo in 1878 as part of the previously introduced Hokkaido Jingu. In the 19th century, Mt. Maruyama where Hokkaido Jingu is located had very heavy snowfall in winter making worship difficult, so it was built at its current location so people could offer prayers in the city.
Hokkaido Shrine Tongu has the oldest Komainu statues in Hokkaido. Komainu are sacred beasts believed to have the power to protect shrines. Komainu statues exist at shrines throughout Japan, and Hokkaido Shrine Tongu has two pairs of Komainu statues.
The Komainu statues made from Hokkaido stone in the 19th century have a brave yet charming atmosphere that makes you want to pet them. I also petted each of the two pairs thoroughly as a travel memento. These Komainu statues are also believed to bring benefits of success in romance and helping those who wish for pregnancy to conceive when petted.
If you're interested, please go see these famous Komainu that have been beloved by Sapporo people for many years.
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Address: 10-26 Minami 2-jo Higashi 3-chome, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido
Business hours: Summer 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM/Winter 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Regular holidays: Irregular holidays
Phone number: 011-221-1084
Official website: https://tongusan.jp/
Suwa Shrine
Suwa Shrine is a traditional shrine in Higashi Ward, Sapporo, built in 1882. It is located near Hokkaido University, which is famous for its beautiful ginkgo tree-lined streets. It began when people who immigrated to Hokkaido from what is now the Nagano area of mainland Japan enshrined the gods of their hometown.
At Suwa Shrine, the shrines and purification fountains within the grounds are gorgeously decorated with seasonal flowers, Hokkaido animal figurines, and beautiful traditional Japanese umbrellas. The decorations change frequently according to the seasons and are very popular as photogenic spots.
When I visited, it was early summer, so fresh blue and white hydrangeas were beautifully decorated. Also, several elegant Japanese-style umbrellas coordinated in blue tones were lined up, creating a gorgeous atmosphere like an art spot.
Cute figurines of Long-tailed Tits, birds that live in Hokkaido, were placed here and there, which was very healing.
This is a recommended spot not only for those who want to visit a shrine where they can feel Sapporo's immigration history, but also for those who want to take beautiful photos.
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Address: 1-10 Kita 12-jo Higashi 1-chome, Higashi Ward, Sapporo City, Hokkaido
Business hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Regular holidays: Irregular holidays
Phone number: 011-711-0960
Official website: https://www.sapporo-suwajinja.com/
3 Selected Sapporo Shrines and Temples with Beautiful Scenic Views
Sapporo has shrines and temples where you can see beautiful and unique landscapes. We'll introduce three recommended shrines, starting with the charming Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine with its bright red torii gates in the forest. When you visit each of these spots, be sure to take photos of the beautiful scenery.
Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine
Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine is a shrine located near Mt. Moiwa, Sapporo's nature-rich mountain. It's known for its mystical scenery with 27 red torii gates lined up in the forest.
The torii gates at Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine have been freshly repainted and now display an even more vivid and brilliant red color than before. The torii gates stand out remarkably in the deep green forest and are very mystical. Walking through the many lined-up torii gives you the feeling of entering a dream world.
The red torii gates seen against the pure white snowy landscape in winter are also very beautiful and highly recommended. However, be careful in winter as the paths become icy and very slippery. In winter, instead of walking through the torii gates, try taking photos of the fantastical scenery from near the entrance.
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Address: 2-2-17 Fushimi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone Number: 011-562-1753
Official Homepage: https://fushimiinari.or.jp/
Iyahiko Shrine
Iyahiko Shrine is a shrine adjacent to Nakajima Park, which serves as a place of relaxation for local people. Although located in downtown Sapporo, it's surrounded by abundant nature, and once you step inside the shrine, a very quiet space spreads out.
At Iyahiko Shrine, you can see unique scenery with rabbit objects placed throughout the mystical shrine buildings. This originates from a legend that the god of Iyahiko Shrine once admonished rabbits that were damaging fields in this area long ago.
Also, the "Chozuya" (purification fountain) is decorated with seasonal flowers alongside rabbit figurines. When I last visited in autumn, chrysanthemum flowers, rabbit figurines, and red maple leaves were beautifully arranged.
Near the shrine buildings, I could also see beautiful maple trees that had turned bright red with autumn colors. If you want to see cute and beautiful scenery that naturally soothes you, visit Iyahiko Shrine near Nakajima Park.
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Address: 1-8 Nakajima Park, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone Number: 011-521-2565
Official Homepage: https://www.iyahiko.or.jp/
Sapporo Gokoku Shrine
Sapporo Gokoku Shrine is a shrine established in 1902, located near Nakajima Park like the previously mentioned Iyahiko Shrine. It was established to console the souls of people who died in past wars and disasters in Hokkaido.
Sapporo Gokoku Shrine has very spacious grounds and is a green, peaceful shrine. In spring, many spring flowers such as plum and cherry blossoms bloom, and in autumn, you can see scenery where autumn-colored trees and yellow ginkgo leaves cover the ground like a carpet.
Also, Sapporo Gokoku Shrine is famous for having a wide variety of "Goshuin" (temple stamps that you can receive at Japanese shrines), and collecting Goshuin from many shrines is popular.
The Goshuin that people come from far away specifically to Sapporo Gokoku Shrine to obtain features the Long-tailed Tit, a white and cute bird that inhabits Hokkaido. Goshuin comes in various designs for each season.
Enjoy the beautiful seasonal scenery, and if you're interested, be sure to get a memorable Goshuin as a souvenir.
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Address: 1-3 Minami 15-jo Nishi 5-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone Number: 011-511-5421
Official Homepage: https://sapporo-gokoku.jp/
If You Visit the Gourmet City of "Sapporo", Enjoy Exquisite Food with Local Guidance
After visiting mystical Sapporo Shrines and Temples during the day, participate in a tour to enjoy exquisite food in the gourmet and drinking city of Sapporo in the entertainment district of Susukino at night.
This tour is a food & bar hopping tour that visits 3 recommended establishments with the guidance of a local guide who knows Sapporo's restaurants and bars well. You'll visit Japanese-style pubs (Izakaya), bars, and cafes where you can enjoy delicious drinks and cuisine unique to Sapporo.
Susukino, which you'll visit on the tour, is one of Japan's most vibrant entertainment districts. You might be surprised by the difference in atmosphere from the shrines you visit during the day. Experience another charm of Sapporo, different from daytime, in Susukino where neon lights sparkle and people spend lively time until morning.
A humorous local guide will cheerfully teach you various things about the city, food culture, and nightlife in Sapporo. If you haven't decided on evening plans in Sapporo, please first consider participating in this tour.
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Meeting point: Under the giant NIKKA Sign outside of Susukino station/4-1 Minami 4-jo Nishi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Tour area: Susukino, Sapporo
Start time: 18:00
Author's Recommendations! 3 Shrines and Temples Worth Visiting Even If It Takes Time
From here, I'll introduce attractive shrines I recommend visiting in the Sapporo surrounding areas. These magnificent Sapporo Shrines and Temples represent some of the most spiritually significant sites in the region.
Each shrine is located 2-5 hours from Sapporo City by car or train. Although it takes time, I've carefully selected 3 special shrines worth visiting.
I also recommend visiting them together with popular tourist destinations around Sapporo such as Lake Toya and Hakodate City.
Abuta Shrine
Abuta Shrine is a shrine located about 2 hours by car from Sapporo, near the famous caldera lake, Lake Toya.
Abuta Shrine has recently gained significant attention as a Spiritual Hot Spot. According to Feng Shui beliefs that have been trusted in Asia for centuries, Abuta Shrine is built on land with very strong energy.
This energy is compared to a dragon and is also called a "dragon vein." Nearby Lake Toya is also a Feng Shui Spiritual Hot Spot, called a "dragon hole" where strong energy gathers.
Furthermore, near the shrine, there is a Prayer monument called "Dragon's Pearl" where the dragon god grants wishes. Such information and spots have become topics on the internet, and many people visit Abuta Shrine from distant places.
When I visited the site, the people I met had come from distant places like Osaka, and I was impressed by people's earnest attitudes. If you're interested in trending Spiritual Hot Spots or planning to visit Lake Toya, why not extend your trip to Abuta Shrine as well?
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Address: 54 Aobacho, Toyako-cho, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido
Business hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone number: 0142762088
Official website: http://abutajinja.holy.jp/
Hakodate Hachimangu
Hakodate Hachimangu is a shrine in the Hakodate area, which is the gateway to Hokkaido. Hakodate is close to Japan's main land, and Hakodate Hachimangu was founded in the 15th century. It can be accessed in about 4 hours by car from Sapporo.
Hakodate Hachimangu is a shrine I definitely want people interested in the Hakodate area to visit. Hakodate is a city very popular with travelers in Hokkaido, famous for its beautiful night views and mountain and sea landscapes.
Hakodate Hachimangu is a shrine deeply loved by the local community, with very spacious grounds and a dignified, magnificent shrine building. Behind the shrine is the lush green Mount Hakodate, where you can enjoy a pure and dignified atmosphere.
When I visited last spring, cherry blossoms and camellias were blooming beautifully, and many local people came for flower viewing and worship. The beautiful sea of Hakodate that I viewed from the top of the shrine's stone steps was very memorable.
If you visit Hakodate, please visit this beautiful shrine beloved by the city.
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Address: 2-5 Yachigashira-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido
Business hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone number: 0138223636
Official website: https://hokkaidojinjacho.jp/%E5%87%BD%E9%A4%A8%E5%85%AB%E5%B9%A1%E5%AE%AE/
Ōta Shrine
Ōta Shrine is a shrine in Setana Town, Hokkaido. It's a shrine located in the mountains of Mount Ota in Setana Town, founded by Japanese warriors who visited this land in the 15th century. Ōta Shrine is famous as a shrine that requires climbing very steep mountain paths for worship, said to be among the most challenging in Japan.
When you pass through the first Torii gate, there are immediately steep stone stairs. The slope is so steep that there are ropes to hold onto. After the stairs, you cross narrow iron bridges and climb about 7 meters of cliffs while holding onto chains, finally reaching the shrine hall in a rock cave at the summit.
I also challenged it, but it took almost 2 hours to reach the shrine hall at an elevation of 485 meters. It was very difficult, but from the rock cave where the shrine hall is located, you can see the endless blue sea, and I was moved by the spectacular view.
The mountain path with strong slopes and many cliffs is very dangerous for people not accustomed to mountain climbing, so please be careful. If you're confident in mountain climbing and physical fitness, why not try the worship challenge in Setana Town?
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Address: Ota, Taisei-ku, Setana-cho, Kudou-gun, Hokkaido
Business hours: Irregular (visits after dark are not recommended due to danger)
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone number: 0137846205
Official website: https://www.town.setana.lg.jp/otajinja/article35.html
