[winter][ Hokkaido Sapporo City]Hokkaido Shrine First shrine visit spot
Hokkaido Shrine is a historic shrine located in Sapporo's Chuo Ward, and is also a very popular hatsumode (first shrine visit) spot. Every year, many worshippers visit the shrine from New Year's Day to the first three days of the year to celebrate the beginning of the new year. One of its attractions is its solemn atmosphere and the environment surrounded by beautiful nature. Hokkaido's winters are characterized by harsh cold and snowy scenery, but the shrine grounds covered in snow have a special beauty. This scenery makes visitors feel spiritually purified and hopeful for the new year. Hokkaido Shrine also offers special amulets, hamaya arrows, and votive plaques for the first shrine visit of the year, which many worshippers purchase while praying for their wishes for the new year. In addition, sacred sake is served after the worship, and there is a time set aside for visitors to feel a sense of unity. This place, where you can experience traditional Japanese New Year events, is special for both tourists and locals.
What is the appeal of the first visit of the year to Hokkaido Shrine?
Hokkaido Shrine is a historic shrine located in Sapporo's Chuo Ward, and is also a very popular hatsumode (first shrine visit) spot. Every year, many worshippers visit the shrine from New Year's Day to the first three days of the year to celebrate the beginning of the new year. One of its attractions is its solemn atmosphere and the environment surrounded by beautiful nature. Hokkaido's winters are characterized by harsh cold and snowy scenery, but the shrine grounds covered in snow have a special beauty. This scenery makes visitors feel spiritually purified and hopeful for the new year. Hokkaido Shrine also offers special amulets, hamaya arrows, and votive plaques for the first shrine visit of the year, which many worshippers purchase while praying for their wishes for the new year. In addition, sacred sake is served after the worship, and there is a time set aside for visitors to feel a sense of unity. This place, where you can experience traditional Japanese New Year events, is special for both tourists and locals.
How to visit Hokkaido Shrine for the first time in the New Year and key points
Many people visit Hokkaido Shrine for the first shrine visit of the year, but there are some points to keep in mind to ensure a smooth visit. First, when entering the shrine grounds, you pass through the torii gate, but it is polite to avoid the center of the gate and walk on the left and right edges. After passing through the torii gate, you should purify yourself at the temizuya (purification fountain). The proper way to purify yourself at the temizuya is to hold the ladle in your right hand, purify your left hand, then your right hand, and then rinse your mouth. Then, when you arrive at the worship hall, you should pray with the proper procedure of two bows, two claps, one bow. When you wish for something in your mind, it is a good idea to be conscious of specific and positive content. Also, Hokkaido Shrine may hold special events and activities during the first shrine visit period, so we recommend that you check the official website in advance. To avoid crowds, it is best to visit early in the morning or after dusk on New Year's Day. If you visit, prepare warm clothes and non-slip shoes so that you can worship safely even on snowy roads.
How to enjoy the first visit to Hokkaido Shrine and sightseeing in the surrounding area
The first shrine visit of the year at Hokkaido Shrine is not only a way to make a wish for the new year, but can also be enjoyed as part of sightseeing in Sapporo. The grounds of the shrine are large, so it is recommended to take a leisurely stroll. In particular, during the first shrine visit period, the grounds are lit up, creating a fantastic atmosphere and making it ideal for taking photos. In addition, at the "Jingu Chaya" inside the shrine, sweet sake and oshiruko are served, so you can enjoy traditional Japanese flavors while warming up your cold body. In addition, Maruyama Park and Sapporo's urban area are spread out around the shrine, and there are many tourist attractions. After the first shrine visit of the year, you can enjoy the winter nature at Maruyama Park and enjoy gourmet food in Sapporo city. In particular, Hokkaido's fresh seafood bowls and Genghis Khan dishes are popular with tourists. Hokkaido Shrine is easily accessible from the center of Sapporo by public transportation, so it is easy to incorporate it into your travel schedule. Through the first shrine visit of the year, you can have a special experience of enjoying sightseeing in Sapporo while feeling the traditional culture of Japan.
[New Year's Shrine Visit Spot]Other recommended spots
Hokkaido Shrine First shrine visit spot
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Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine First shrine visit spot
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Hakodate Hachiman Shrine First shrine visit spot
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Odori Park First shrine visit spot
Hokkaido Sapporo City
Approximately 5 minutes walk from Odori Subway Station (Tozai Line, Namboku Line, Toho Line)