Hokkaido Gokoku Jinja Shrine: A sacred place in the north guarded by heroic spirits

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Hokkaido Gokoku Jinja Shrine, located in Hanasaki-cho, Asahikawa City, is one of Hokkaido's most important places of worship. It currently enshrines over 63,000 souls of Hokkaido and Karafuto-related martyrs. The shrine originated in 1902, on the eve of the Russo-Japanese War. The former 7th Division established a small shrine on its training ground to hold ceremonies to summon the souls of the soldiers and those who died in the war. Later, with the Russo-Japanese War and the Greater East Asia War, the number of souls enshrined gradually increased, eventually becoming the main shrine for all of Hokkaido.

The extensive grounds include the Karafuto-Hokkaido Pond, a symbol of Hokkaido and Karafuto, and the Kitajinkoku Ankan Shrine, dedicated to the guardian deities of transportation and disaster prevention. The shrine serves not only as a place of comfort but also serves as a focal point for daily prayers. Regular festivals are held from June 4th to 6th each year, with the grandest being the "Yoryou Taisai" on June 5th, attracting crowds of worshippers to commemorate their ancestors and pray for peace.

Despite facing a period of existential crisis after the war, the shrine has survived to this day thanks to the dedicated efforts of local residents and dedicated individuals. Today, Hokkaido Gokoku Jinja Shrine is not only a significant cultural and historical landmark in Asahikawa, but also a symbol of peace and the preservation of memory. A must-see for travelers to Asahikawa, this spot offers a sense of solemnity and a profound sense of history.

📍 Address: 1-2282-2 Hanasaki-cho, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido
☎ Phone: 0166-51-9191
⏰ Major Festivals: June 4th (Yogu Matsuri), June 5th (Yoryou Taisai), June 6th (Honkaido Matsuri)

#HokkaidoGokoku Jinja #Asahikawa #HistoryTour #PrayerPlaceforPeace

Post by Jason906 | Sep 24, 2025