Experience the Shichi-Go-San Festival at the historic Hokkaido Shrine

⛩️ Hokkaido Shrine and Shichi-Go-San Festival: A journey of Japanese culture and blessings

🕰️ Operating Hours:
Hokkaido Shrine is open year-round, with general visiting hours from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM (slightly adjusted during winter). The shrine office and gift shop (offering amulets, goshuin stamps, etc.) are typically open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Shichi-Go-San Festival is held annually on November 15, though some families choose to visit on the weekends before or after.

🏖️ Environment/Facilities:
Located within Maruyama Park in Sapporo’s Chuo Ward, Hokkaido Shrine is one of the most iconic shrines in Hokkaido. The expansive grounds showcase different seasonal landscapes:
• Spring: Cherry blossoms and plum blossoms bloom simultaneously, creating a pink floral sea that attracts many visitors.
• Summer: Lush greenery makes it a perfect spot for walking and escaping the heat.
• Autumn: Vibrant hues of red maple leaves and golden ginkgo trees create a stunning palette.
• Winter: Snow blankets the shrine’s rooftops and pathways, offering a serene and majestic white landscape.

The shrine grounds feature a main hall, gift shop, omikuji fortune area, and a teahouse for relaxation. A must-try is the exclusive “Hangan Mochi” at the Rokatei Shrine Teahouse, a freshly baked mochi with a crispy exterior and soft filling, making it the perfect treat after your visit.

📍 Address:
1231 Miyano-mori, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido

💰 Average Cost:
Visiting the shrine is free; however, prayer ceremonies (such as Shichi-Go-San) require a fee, typically ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 yen. Amulets and goshuin stamps are priced between a few hundred to a thousand yen.

🌿 Cultural Charm of Hokkaido Shrine:
Established in 1869, Hokkaido Shrine is the spiritual heart of Sapporo. Its elegant architecture and towering trees along the pathways create a unique atmosphere that changes with the seasons. During spring, it’s a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing among Sapporo residents.

Visitors often purchase amulets, draw omikuji fortunes, or collect goshuin stamps as souvenirs. The surrounding Maruyama Park is also a favorite destination for family strolls and picnics, blending religious significance with everyday life.

🎎 The Adorable Shichi-Go-San Ritual:
Shichi-Go-San is a traditional Japanese celebration for children aged 3 and 7 (girls) and 5 (boys), expressing gratitude for their healthy growth and praying for their future well-being.

During the Shichi-Go-San Festival at Hokkaido Shrine, the highlight is the children dressed in traditional attire. Girls wear elaborate kimonos adorned with cute hair accessories, while boys don hakama or haori jackets, exuding both seriousness and innocence. Parents accompany their children to the shrine for a blessing ceremony led by shrine priests, creating a solemn yet heartwarming atmosphere.

After the ceremony, children often receive “Chitose Ame” (longevity candy), symbolizing health and long life. These long red-and-white candies are packaged in bags decorated with auspicious motifs like cranes, turtles, and pine trees, making them a quintessential symbol of Shichi-Go-San.

📸 Photo and Experience Highlights:
• Children in traditional attire: During Shichi-Go-San, kids dressed in kimonos or hakama are the most charming sight, perfect for capturing memorable photos.
• Seasonal beauty of the shrine: Whether it’s spring cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, or winter snow, each season offers unique photography opportunities.
• Amulets and goshuin stamps: Collecting goshuin stamps featuring Hokkaido Shrine’s unique designs makes for a precious travel keepsake.

🍴 Nearby Dining and Convenient Access:
Hokkaido Shrine is easily accessible from Sapporo city center. Take the Tozai Line subway to Maruyama Koen Station, then walk about 15 minutes to reach the shrine.

After your visit, explore the Maruyama area for dining options. The neighborhood is home to cafes, Japanese restaurants, and dessert shops. Rokatei Maruyama Store is highly recommended for its delicacies, loved by locals for their refined flavors.

✨ Tips:
1. Shichi-Go-San Festival Timing: The official date is November 15, but most families visit on the weekends before or after.
2. Costume Rental: Sapporo offers kimono and hakama rental services; book in advance if you wish to participate or take photos.
3. Etiquette: Before entering the shrine, cleanse your hands and mouth at the purification fountain. Bow, clap, and pray respectfully during your visit.
4. Avoiding Crowds: The shrine can be crowded on the day of Shichi-Go-San; visiting in the morning allows for clearer photos.

Hokkaido Shrine is not only a spiritual hub in Sapporo but also a year-round travel destination. The Shichi-Go-San Festival is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, witnessing the adorable children and the warm family atmosphere that reflects the Japanese appreciation for life and growth.

Whether you’re drawn by the natural beauty or the traditional celebrations, Hokkaido Shrine is a must-visit. Especially during the transition from autumn to winter, experiencing the Shichi-Go-San Festival will make for an unforgettable cultural journey.