Hokkaido Shrine (Hokkaido Jingu)

北海道神宮

Hokkaido's main shrine at the end of a forest path

Hours

Apr–Oct 6:00–17:00, Nov–Feb 7:00–16:00, Mar 7:00–17:00 (New Year differs)

Tickets

Free

Address

Miyagaoka 474, Chuo Ward, in the woods of Maruyama Park

The shrine to the gods of Hokkaido's settlement, set in the tall cedar and elm woods of Maruyama Park. Pass the big torii and walk the gravel approach, and the city noise drops away fast. Cherry blossom fills the grounds in spring, red leaves in October, and squirrels dart across the paths. The ritual is to buy a grilled rice cake called hangan-sama at the teahouse inside the grounds on your way out.