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    When visiting Sapporo, Hokkaido Shrine is definitely worth adding to your itinerary. Located in Maruyama Park, it has a different charm in every season and a steady stream of worshippers.

    This historic shrine is not only an important center of worship in Hokkaido, but also offers its own special beauty, whether you're viewing cherry and plum blossoms in spring or enjoying the snowy scenery in winter.

    Once inside the shrine grounds, away from the noise of the city, there's a peaceful and solemn atmosphere, making it especially pleasant to stroll around. If you happen to visit during the Sapporo Festival in June, you can also experience the lively atmosphere of a traditional Hokkaido festival.

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    Hokkaido Shrine is one of the most iconic shrines in Hokkaido, attracting a steady stream of local residents and tourists. Located near Maruyama Park, the shrine is surrounded by vast forests and nature. The peaceful scenery and solemn atmosphere also make it a well-known spiritual spot in Sapporo.

    On the day of our visit, we happened to come across the traditional Japanese celebration of Shichi-Go-San. It was heartwarming to see children dressed in cute, elaborate traditional outfits visiting the shrine with their parents.

    After your visit, don't forget to stop by the nearby Rokkatei Jingu Chaya. Not only can you buy Hokkaido souvenirs, but you can also try the Hokkaido Shrine-exclusive Hangan Mochi. Freshly made Hangan Mochi has a soft, chewy exterior filled with sweet red bean paste. Paired with the complimentary hot tea thoughtfully provided by the shop, it was very satisfying.

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    This shrine is dedicated to the three deities of Hokkaido’s development, making it really representative of the region’s history. It’s not as crowded as the big shrines in Tokyo, so it’s a comfortable place to visit.

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    Hokkaido Shrine is famous for its rich historical atmosphere and sacred feeling. It's a place that really purifies your soul.

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    There are tons of cherry trees planted near the shrine, and when they're in full bloom, the scenery is just breathtaking. It's also a major center of faith for locals in Hokkaido.

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    You can spend a relaxing afternoon strolling around the shrine, Maruyama Zoo, and Maruyama Park nearby.

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    There are so many types of omamori, and each one is beautifully crafted. I definitely recommend picking some up as souvenirs.

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    It used to be called Sapporo Shrine, but after they started enshrining Emperor Meiji, who contributed to Hokkaido's development, it was renamed Hokkaido Shrine. The security staff here are really diligent—when our group was taking photos and talking loudly, they immediately asked us to quiet down.

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    Next to the shrine parking lot, there's a Rokkatei shop selling Hangan-mochi. The freshly baked crust is super crispy, and having it with hot tea on a cold winter day feels especially comforting.

Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa