Hakodate Hachiman-gu Shrine

Overview

Hakodate Hachiman-gu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Hakodate City, Hokkaido, and has long been cherished by the local people as the guardian shrine of Hakodate. Its founding is said to date back to 1445. It sits on a hilltop overlooking Hakodate city, with Mount Hakodate rising behind it. During the Meiji period, it was elevated to the status of a Kokubetsu Chusha (a nationally important shrine), and even after the war, it continues to attract worshippers as a Betsuhyou Jinja (a shrine listed separately) of the Jinja Honcho (Association of Shinto Shrines). The shrine buildings are in the Gongen-zukuri style, and their magnificent architecture is truly awe-inspiring. Beyond the shrine buildings, a lush forest extends into the precincts, creating a serene atmosphere filled with a sacred presence. Hakodate Hachiman-gu Shrine is a tranquil place surrounded by history and nature. Be sure to visit when you are sightseeing in Hakodate. Hakodate Hachiman-gu Shrine is also known as a power spot, particularly associated with blessings for marriage and safe childbirth. An annual festival is held on August 15th, and during the Mikoshi Togyo Festival, portable shrines are paraded through the city. Hakodate Hachiman-gu Shrine offers a chance to experience history and culture while providing an ideal place for relaxation and rejuvenation.