History

In 1869 (Meiji 2), the region then referred to as “Ezochi” was officially renamed Hokkaido to establish it more clearly as part of Japan’s territory. On September 1 of the same year, Emperor Meiji issued an imperial decree, and the Hokkaido Chinza Shinsai (Hokkaido Shrine Ceremony) was held in Tokyo. This ceremony enshrined three deities, known as the Kaitaku Sanjin (Three Deities of Development): Okunitama no Kami, Onamuchi no Kami, and Sukunahikona no Kami, to serve as the guardians of Hokkaido’s development and prosperity.

The sacred symbols (mitamashiro), representing the divine presence of these deities, were transferred from Tokyo to Hakodate and later to Sapporo. In 1870 (Meiji 3), a temporary shrine was built, though it was not located at the current site. The shrine’s current location was established in 1871 (Meiji 4), at which time the shrine was named Sapporo Shrine.

In 1964 (Showa 39), Emperor Meiji, who laid the foundation for modern Japan by embracing Western civilization and deciding to open the country, was enshrined as an additional deity. The shrine’s name was also changed to Hokkaido Shrine to reflect this change.

The shrine grounds, covering approximately 180,000 square meters, are well-known as a cherry blossom viewing spot and cherished by locals. The current shrine building was reconstructed in 1978 (Showa 53) after the original structure was destroyed by arson in 1974 (Showa 49).