Set in a vast forest next to Maruyama Park in Sapporo, this is the chief guardian shrine of Hokkaido. Hokkaido's official tourism site describes it as a place where the energy from Mount Moiwa and Mount Teine is said to meet, and introduces it as one of the leading power spots in Sapporo.
It was founded in the early Meiji era by imperial decree of Emperor Meiji as a guardian of the development of Hokkaido. It enshrines the deities who watch over the development of Hokkaido and is revered as the most prestigious guardian shrine in the region.
A shrine on the grounds dedicated to people who devoted themselves to developing Hokkaido, such as Matsuura Takeshiro and Shima Yoshitake. Visitors are encouraged to pray here as well as at the main shrine.
Wrapped in a large forest, the grounds are so quiet it is hard to believe the city center is nearby. You may even spot wildlife such as Hokkaido squirrels.
In spring the cherry and plum trees on the grounds bloom together, attracting many blossom viewers.
The snow-covered shrine buildings and forest create a solemn scene typical of Hokkaido.
Goshuin (shrine stamps) are available, and a goshuin book featuring an illustration of the shrine buildings is also offered.
PR8.5
PR7.3
PR8.5
PR9.2
PR7.8
PR8.9Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
⛰️ NatureHokkaido ・ Asahikawa, Hokkaido
A gorge where the Ishikari River flows out of the Kamikawa Basin onto the Ishikari Plain, a scenic spot shaped by strange rock formations and rushing rapids. Hokkaido's official tourism site lists it as a power spot to be visited with reverence, as a place long regarded as sacred by the Ainu.
⛰️ NatureHokkaido ・ Kiyosato, Shari District, Hokkaido
A small pond tucked away deep in a primeval forest north of Lake Mashu. Hokkaido's official tourism site lists it as a power spot, noting that the fallen trees on the bottom, which appear to form a pentagon, look like a sacred barrier protecting the pond.
⛩️ ShrineTohoku ・ Towada, Aomori
An ancient shrine standing among cedar trees at the base of the Nakayama Peninsula, which juts out into Lake Towada. It was once worshipped as a sacred site on a par with Osorezan, and Aomori Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as one of the leading power spots in Tohoku.
⛩️ ShrineTokyo & Around ・ Chichibu, Saitama
One of the Three Shrines of Chichibu, standing on Mount Mitsumine deep in the Chichibu mountains. Saitama Prefecture's website introduces it as "one of the leading power spots in the Kanto region," and it is also known for its rare triple torii gate and mountaintop views of seas of clouds and sunrises.
⛩️ ShrineTokyo & Around ・ Shibuya, Tokyo
A shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, spreading out right next to Harajuku Station in Tokyo. It is wrapped in a deep forest that is hard to believe exists in the city center, and the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) introduces Kiyomasa's Well (Kiyomasa-no-ido) in the Inner Garden as a power spot visited by people seeking energy to heal body and mind.
⛩️ ShrineChubu & Hokuriku ・ Azumino, Nagano
Made up of the main shrine in Azumino, the Okumiya (inner shrine) on the shore of Myojin Pond in Kamikochi, and the Minemiya (summit shrine) on the peak of Mount Okuhotaka, this shrine is known as the "chief guardian of the Japan Alps." Nagano Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as a power spot, and the shrine's official website also describes the Myojin Pond area as a power spot. It is a place where the nature of the Northern Alps and faith are closely intertwined.
⛩️ ShrineHokkaido ・ Shosanbetsu, Tomamae District, Hokkaido
A shrine below Cape Konpira facing the Sea of Japan, symbolized by its vermilion "torii in the sea" standing at the water's edge. Hokkaido's official tourism site introduces it as a power spot where you can feel the energy of the sea breeze and rough waves.
⛩️ ShrineHokkaido ・ Hakodate, Hokkaido
A shrine on high ground at the foot of Mount Hakodate, surrounded by a forest of Yezo spruce and other trees. Locals affectionately call it "Hachiman-san," and Hakodate's tourism guide introduces it as "one of Hakodate's leading power spots, filled with crisp, dignified air."
History and what each place is known for are based on the shrine or temple’s official site and on local government and tourism association information. Opening hours, fees and limited-time items are not listed — please check the official site before you go.
