Standing alongside the history of "Hokkaido."

Hokkaido Shrine

As development began in earnest, the land once known as "Ezochi" was renamed "Hokkaido" in Meiji 2 (1869). That same year, in September, an imperial edict from Emperor Meiji enshrined the "Three Pioneer Deities" as guardian gods of Hokkaido's development — marking the beginning of Hokkaido Shrine. When the shrine buildings were first established, it was known as "Sapporo Shrine," and became a spiritual pillar for the people who gathered here through settlement and migration.

About 1,400 cherry trees grow on the grounds — Ezo mountain cherry, Somei Yoshino, and Yaezakura among them — and every year in early May, the area is dyed a pale pink from edge to edge. The shrine's status as one of Sapporo's premier cherry blossom spots traces back to Meiji 8 (1875), when one of the attendants of Yoshitake Shima, known as the "father of Hokkaido's development," planted trees along the approach in his memory. Shima was affectionately known as "Hangan-sama," and at the visitor rest area near the parking lot, you can enjoy a wagashi confection named after him, "Hangan-sama," paired with warm tea. Sold exclusively by Rokkatei, many visitors stop by after paying their respects, drawn by this "flavor found nowhere else."