10 Unique Hokkaido Shrines: Ice Shrines and Sacred Sites

1.Hokkaido's Ultimate Power Spot: Hokkaido Shrine (Sapporo)

Hokkaido Shrine traces its origins to Emperor Meiji, who ordered the enshrinement of three pioneering deities—Okunitama, Onamuchi, and Sukunahikona—as guardians of Hokkaido's development. Originally named Sapporo Shrine, it was later renamed Hokkaido Shrine during the Showa era when Emperor Meiji himself was enshrined as a deity. Today, it stands as the spiritual heart of the region.

Hokkaido Shrine has five torii gates. The second torii faces northeast, unlike the other gates, as it was positioned this way at the time to guard against Russian expansion southward. It is also believed to bring blessings for severing bad relationships and unwanted ties.

Beyond its traditional omamori (lucky charms), Hokkaido Shrine offers exclusive Hello Kitty versio that draw dedicated fans from far and wide!

If you collect goshuin shrine stamps or goshuincho stamp books, head down the passageway to the left of the amulet counter. Various handwritten prayers and stamps are available there, and it can get so busy that visitors need to take a numbered ticket and wait for their number to be called! If you would like a shrine priest to inscribe a goshuin shrine stamp for you, simply hand your request to the staff at the front counter, and a priest specializing in calligraphy will write it for you in the back.

Facilities at Hokkaido Shrine

The traditional Japanese-style teahouse Rokkatei Jingu Chaya is located right in front of the Reiwa Torii Gate at Hokkaido Shrine. Its architecture blends beautifully with the atmosphere of the shrine.

While you can pick up classic souvenirs from Rokkatei—a legendary Hokkaido sweets company with nearly a century of history—don't miss the Jingu Chaya-exclusive Hangan-sama Rice Cake.

This grilled mochi rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste is a local treat honoring Yoshitake Shima, the "Father of Hokkaido's Development," who was affectionately nicknamed Hangan-sama (The Magistrate).

Hokkaido Jingu Shrine

474 Miyagaoka, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido 064-8505

Hokkaido Shrine, located in Sapporo's Chuo Ward, is a prestigious shrine founded in 1869. The shrine occupies a vast area of 180,000 square meters and is a majestic space surrounded by trees. You can enjoy nature in every season, especially in spring when about 1,000 cherry trees bloom in full glory. It is a popular shrine that is crowded with about 700,000 to 800,000 worshippers during the first visit of the year. In the shrine grounds, food stalls are set up during events, and you can enjoy limited edition sweets at two teahouses, Rokkatei Jingu Chaya Branch and Jingu Chaya.

2. A Mini Tunnel of Red Gates: Fushimi Inari Shrine (Sapporo)

Picture courtesy of photoAC
Located in the Fushimi area of Sapporo, Fushimi Inari Shrine features 27 vivid red torii gates. Surrounded by colorful autumn leaves or blanketed in white snow during winter, the rows of torii gates offer beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons.
The shrine also offers seasonal goshuin shrine stamps. Although it is about a 15-minute walk from the Mt. Moiwa Ropeway station, it is well worth the visit!

Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine

2-2-17 Fushimi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido 064-0942

3. Shrine for Love and Relationships: Nishino Shrine (Sapporo)

Established in 1885 by early pioneers, Nishino Shrine was once a quiet local site. Its rise to national fame came after a visit from Japanese celebrity Masaharu Fukuyama, which brought widespread attention and transformed it into a popular spot for love and relationships.

Nishino Shrine is also known for having one of the widest selections of omamori (lucky charm) in Hokkaido. Choose one that offers the specific luck, guidance, or protection you are looking for and take it home with you!

The shrine is also a well-known spot for viewing autumn foliage and hydrangeas, making July and October especially good times to visit.

Nishino Shrine

〒063-0021 1-3-1-1 Heiwa, Nishi-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido

4. Ice Shrine at Lake Shikotsu Onsen (Near New Chitose Airport)

Lake Shikotsu Onsen, about a 30-minute drive from New Chitose Airport, hosts the annual Ice Festival every January. The venue, including the Ice Shrine (sometimes referred to as the Hyoto Shrine) and its ice sculptures, is created by spraying and freezing water from Lake Shikotsu. Because the lake is known for its exceptionally clear water, the ice takes on a beautiful pale blue color. At night, the venue is illuminated, and the sparkling reflections of the lights, combined with fireworks, create an enchanting, dreamlike scene.

Making an offering at the Ice Shrine is a little different from the usual custom. Visitors press coins directly onto the blocks of ice, creating a unique seasonal sight that can only be seen during the festival!

Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

5. Yukura Shrine (Hakodate)

Located in the Yunokawa Onsen area about 30 minutes from Hakodate Station, Yukura Shrine is rooted in a 500-year-old legend. When Takahiro, lord of the Matsumae Domain, fell ill, divine guidance led him to bathe in Yunokawa’s thermal waters, resulting in a full recovery. He established Yukura Shrine to express his gratitude to the deities. Today, the shrine honors Onamuchi and Sukunahikona, who remain revered today as guardians of healing, family well-being, and the hot springs themselves.

Another unique feature of the shrine is Onamuchi's lucky mallet. It is said that if you swing the mallet while making a wish, your wish will come true! Beside it sits a smaller health mallet—gently tap it against any part of your body that feels unwell to pray for healing and divine protection.

One of Yukura Shrine's most distinctive amulets is its customizable omamori (lucky charm) made from pure silk! The fabric feels delicate and smooth to the touch, and there are three color combinations to choose from.

Even if you already have your own goshuincho book for collecting goshuin shrine stamps, Yukura Shrine's books may be too beautiful to resist! Available in pastel blue and pink, they feature a map of Hokkaido embroidered with Chishima cherry blossoms, creating an elegant and intricate design.

Yukura Shrine

2-28-1, Yunokawa-cho, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido 042-0932

6. Sumiyoshi Shrine (Otaru)

Founded in 1868, Sumiyoshi Shrine is one of Otaru's three major shrines. Just a six-minute walk from JR Minami-Otaru Station, it is also, in this MATCHA editor's opinion, the most beautiful place in Otaru to see cherry blossoms.
If you miss cherry blossom season, consider visiting during the annual Sumiyoshi Shrine Festival, held from July 14 to 16. Festival stalls create a lively atmosphere without overwhelming crowds, making it a pleasant place to enjoy a summer festival evening.

Sumiyoshi Shrine

2-5 Suminoe, Otaru-shi, Hokkaido 047-0014

7. Furano Shrine (Furano)

Although it may not be the most famous shrine in our list, Furano Shrine is an important center of local worship. People visit the shrine to pray for success in exams, good health, romance, and other wishes.

If you collect goshuin shrine stamps, don't miss the ones here, handwritten by an 84-year-old shrine maiden. Her bold and powerful brushstrokes make this a memorable addition to any goshuin shrine stamp collection.

There is also a small Inari shrine on the grounds, where the red torii gates look especially charming against a blanket of white snow.

Furano Shrine

17-6 Wakamatsucho, Furano City, Hokkaido 076-0032

A shrine located in Furano City. It is a 10-minute walk from Furano Station.

8. The Unmanned Nosappu Kotohira Shrine (Easternmost)

Located on Cape Nosappu, Nosappu Kotohira Shrine is completely unmanned, and holds the title of Japan’s easternmost shrine. Founded in 1915, this shrine is dedicated to Omononushi, the primary deity of Kotohira-gu Shrine in Kagawa.

The site is known for its striking white torii gate and a monument with an eternal flame symbolizing international peace.

Location: Nosappu, Nemuro, Hokkaido

Nearby, there is the fully-staffed Nemuro Kotohira Shrine. Established in 1806 by fisheries pioneer Kahei Takadaya to protect local fishing grounds, this shrine is also dedicated to the deity Omononushi.

Address: 1-4 Kotohira-cho, Nemuro, Hokkaido
Access: From Nemuro Station's Nemuro Ekimae Terminal, take the Hanasaki Line bus and get off at Shiomicho Bus Stop (about a 9-minute ride), then walk for about 5 minutes.

9. Hokumon Shrine in Wakkanai (Northernmost)

As one of Japan’s northernmost shrines, Hokumon Shrine in Wakkanai is the go-to destination for travelers seeking official goshuin calligraphy stamps and protective omamori charms. While the small, unmanned Soya Misaki Shrine further north holds the geographic title of Japan’s northernmost shrine, Hokumon is the main spiritual heart of the region.

Originally established in 1785 and rebuilt in 1913 after a fire, this historical shrine is a popular stop to pray for safe travels before continuing your journey.

Hokumon Shrine (Wakkanai City)

1-1-21 Central, Wakkanai-shi, Hokkaido 097-0022

10. Ota-yama Shrine (Most Dangerous)

Known as the most dangerous shrine in Japan, Ota-yama Shrine is located on the slopes of Mt. Ota in Setana, Kudo District, Hokkaido.
Ota-yama Shrine is said to have been established between 1441 and 1443. It primarily enshrines Lord Nobuhiro Takeda, the founder of the Matsumae clan, who was given the divine title Ota Gongen. The shrine has also long served as a place of worship for those praying for safe voyages.

So why is it considered dangerous? The main reason is its extremely steep staircase, which can be very hard on the knees for anyone who is not used to strenuous exercise. And that's only the beginning. Partway through the climb, the path suddenly gives way to ropes and sheer rock faces, and visitors must even cross a rusty iron bridge. Along the way, you may also hear the constant buzzing of bees and flies. The journey takes about an hour, but it is said that if you reach the main sanctuary safely with a sincere heart, your wish will come true!

Don't forget that you still have to descend by the same route, which puts your knees to an even greater test. You must be physically prepared as this is definitely not a shrine to attempt casually!

Ready to Explore some of Hokkaido’s Sacred Shrines?

Although Hokkaido's shrines do not have histories as long as many shrines elsewhere in Japan, the vast region is home to numerous unique shrines shaped by its natural landscapes and geographical location. On your next trip to Hokkaido, consider visiting some of these shrines, which reflect the beliefs and history of the local communities.