Will visiting shrines in Sapporo bring you happiness?!

Some people may not associate "Sapporo" with "shrines," but Sapporo is home to many unique shrines, including Hokkaido Shrine, which is said to be one of the most powerful spiritual spots in Hokkaido.

This time, we've picked out five shrines recommended by locals that you can visit using a Sapporo Municipal Subway one-day pass, including Hokkaido Shrine, Soma Shrine, and Kotoni Shrine. We'll also introduce tourist spots located around the shrines.

Let's visit the shrines in Sapporo, refresh our minds and bodies, and find happiness.

Table of contents
1. Visiting shrines in Sapporo
1-1. Hokkaido Shrine
1-2. Hokkaido Shrine Tongu
1-3. Kotoni Shrine
1-4. Kamiteine ​​Shrine
1-5. Soma Shrine
2. What is a one-day pass usable in Sapporo?

1. Visiting shrines in Sapporo

1-1. Hokkaido Shrine　

Of all the shrines in Sapporo, the one I would most recommend visiting is Hokkaido Shrine. It was founded in 1869 and moved to its current location in 1871.

I recommend visiting Hokkaido Shrine by taking the subway from Maruyama Park Station and walking through Maruyama Park. A leisurely stroll through the lush greenery is incredibly relaxing.

The temple grounds cover approximately 60,000 tsubo (about 200,000 square meters), and within the grounds, there is abundant nature cultivated over a long history, including Japanese elm trees that are over 100 years old.

I visited Hokkaido Shrine and received a Goshuin (shrine stamp). Here is the Goshuin.

Please note that the place where you can receive a Goshuin (temple/shrine stamp) is different from the place where amulets and other items are sold.

If you're walking to Hokkaido Shrine and want to take a short break, I recommend "Rokkatei Jingu Chaya Store." You can buy Rokkatei products here, but the one thing you absolutely must try is the grilled mochi called "Hangansama."

You can enjoy piping hot mochi grilled on a hot plate. A freshly made, steaming hot "Hangansama" will warm your heart. Tea is also served free of charge, making it a must-try when visiting Hokkaido Shrine.

Around Hokkaido Shrine, you'll find attractions such as Sapporo Maruyama Zoo, where you can learn about animals while having fun, as well as Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium and Sapporo Miyanomori Art Museum. Be sure to visit these places as well.

Hokkaido Shrine
474 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
Access: 15-minute walk from Maruyama Park Station on the Tozai Subway Line.

1-2. Hokkaido Shrine Tongu　

Next, I'd like to introduce the Hokkaido Jingu Tongu (temporary shrine). It was built in 1878 because the Hokkaido Jingu, which I mentioned earlier, is far from the city center and difficult to visit during the winter. It is said to bring good fortune in love and has become a popular spot for women.

It is said that touching the guardian lion statue on the right side after passing through the torii gate will improve your luck in love. When I visited, there was a woman touching the guardian lion statue on the right side.

After paying my respects at the temple, I received a Goshuin (temple stamp). Here is the Goshuin.

Around the Hokkaido Jingu Shrine's temporary sanctuary, you'll find the Nijo Market, which boasts a history of over 100 years, the long-established Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade, and the large commercial complex Sapporo Factory.

In particular, Sapporo Factory is built on the site of the former Kaitakushi Brewery (the predecessor of Sapporo Beer). It's a spot that locals visit regularly, so be sure to stop by.

Hokkaido Shrine Tongu
3-chome, Minami 2-jo Higashi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo City
Access: 3-minute walk from Bus Center-mae Station on the Tozai Subway Line.

1-3. Kotoni Shrine

Next, I'd like to introduce Kotoni Shrine. This shrine was founded in 1875. It's about a 5-minute walk from Kotoni Subway Station. As I walked through the streets of Kotoni, I was surprised by the sudden appearance of this magnificent space. It was a truly awe-inspiring experience. Within the shrine grounds, the Kotoni Tondenhei House (a Hokkaido Prefectural Designated Tangible Cultural Property) is preserved.

After paying my respects at the temple, I also received a Goshuin (temple stamp). Here is the Goshuin.

Around Kotoni Shrine, you can find the remains of the Kotoni Tondenhei Village barracks, which give insight into the lives of the Tondenhei (frontier soldiers) who settled in Sapporo, as well as the former factory of Nippon Shokuhin Seizo Goshi Kaisha (Japan Food Manufacturing Co., Ltd.), which was built in the early Showa period.

If you're a fan of historical buildings, be sure to stop by here. You'll be able to learn about Sapporo's history that you never knew before.

Kotoni Shrine
1-30, Kotoni 1-jo 7-chome, Nishi-ku, Sapporo City
Access: 5-minute walk from Kotoni Station on the Tozai Subway Line.

1-4. Kamiteine ​​Shrine

　
Next, we'd like to introduce Kamiteine ​​Shrine. This shrine was founded in 1876 and moved to its current location in 1965. The path leading to the shrine is via a staircase. The stairs are steep, but if you climb them one step at a time, the shrine will appear.

There is a back entrance, so if you have trouble climbing the steep stairs, you might want to use this route. However, please be very careful of cars if you do use this route.

Near Kami-Ina Shrine is Shiroi Koibito Park. Here, you can see the production process of "Shiroi Koibito," a famous Hokkaido confection. Not only can you watch the process, but you can also make your own "Shiroi Koibito." It would be a fun experience to make as a souvenir of your Sapporo trip.

Kamite Ina Shrine
290-257 Nishino, Nishi-ku, Sapporo City
Access: 10-minute walk from Miyanosawa Station on the Tozai Subway Line.

1-5. Soma Shrine

The last place I'd like to introduce is Soma Shrine. This shrine was founded in 1871 (Meiji 4). The shrine grounds are designated as part of the Tenjin-yama Green Space Preservation Area.

The path leading to the shrine is uphill. Perhaps because I don't get much exercise these days, I got a little out of breath with each step. As I got closer to the shrine, I could see the sacred chestnut tree. This chestnut tree is said to be over 300 years old. Just being near this tree made me feel like I had received some power.

After paying my respects at the temple, I received a Goshuin (temple stamp).

Adjacent to Soma Shrine is Tenjin-yama Green Space, which features a Japanese garden, plum groves, and cherry blossom groves. Near the top is the "Sapporo Tenjin-yama Art Studio," which has a space on the first floor where visitors can relax and unwind.

When you're tired from walking, feel free to stop by and take a break.

Soma Shrine
1-1, Hiragishi 2-jo 18-chome, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo City
Access: 10-minute walk from Sumikawa Station on the Namboku Subway Line.

2. What is a one-day pass usable in Sapporo?

　I used the subway to get to the five shrines I visited this time. There are two types of subway passes that allow unlimited rides for one day: the Subway One-Day Pass and the Donichika Ticket.

A one-day subway pass costs 830 yen for adults and 420 yen for children. Additionally, the Donichika Ticket, valid for one day on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, or during the New Year's holiday period (December 29th to January 3rd), costs 520 yen for adults and 260 yen for children.

If you plan to use the subway on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, or during the New Year's holiday period, you can ride the subway more economically by using the Donichika Ticket.

Final thoughts

So, what did you think? We've introduced five shrines that you can visit using a Sapporo Municipal Subway one-day pass.

The five shrines, including Hokkaido Shrine and Kotoni Shrine, each had their own unique characteristics. We also introduced some tourist spots located around the shrines.

When you visit tourist spots, it's a good idea to stop by a shrine as well. Collecting Goshuin (stamps collected at shrines) as proof of your visit can be a fun activity!

I highly recommend using the Sapporo Municipal Subway One-Day Pass to visit shrines along with Sapporo's tourist attractions.

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