A–Z directory

札幌護国神社

Sapporo Gokoku Shrine

Japanese Name札幌護国神社
English NameSapporo Gokoku Shrine
PrefectureHokkaido
City札幌市
ReligionShinto
Primary DeityOkuninushi
Official SiteVisit website →
Coordinates43.0407426, 141.3529813

⛩ AI-enriched content

About this Shrine

Located in the heart of Sapporo, Hokkaido's largest city, Sapporo Gokoku Shrine is a revered Shinto shrine that has been an integral part of the community since its founding in 1869. Dedicated to Okuninushi, the god of harvest and fertility, this shrine is also known for being the first national Shinto shrine in Japan, established by Emperor Meiji himself. Over time, the shrine has come to embody the values of perseverance and determination, reflecting Hokkaido's rich history as a challenging yet rewarding place to live.

Cultural Significance

As a symbol of Hokkaido's history and perseverance, Sapporo Gokoku Shrine is particularly meaningful during the autumnal equinox festival, when locals come together to honor Okuninushi and celebrate the harvest season. The shrine's unique architectural style, which blends traditional Shinto elements with Western influences, reflects its role as a national symbol of Japan.

Enshrined Deities

Okuninushi

Location

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Spot an error?

This shrine data is sourced from OpenStreetMap. You can submit a correction or edit it on OpenStreetMap.

Shrine data © OpenStreetMap contributors, under the Open Database License.

Quick Facts

  • Religion: Shinto

⛩ Visitor Tip

To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visitors should arrive early in the morning to witness the sunrise, which illuminates the shrine's grounds and symbolically welcomes the new day.

History

1869, directly under Imperial patronage.

A-Z Creatures
Learn Japanese

Japanese Culture Network

Japanese Wood Joints

Ancient joinery techniques of Japanese master craftsmen

ShrinePuzzle

Directory of Japanese board games and traditional games

Kohibou

Japanese coffee culture — kissaten, third wave and brewing guides

E2Japan

Explore Japan's landmarks, shrines and hidden locations

The 725 Club

SNES and Super Famicom collection tracker

Spaceship Adventures

Hoshi no Isan — a Japanese-aesthetic space RPG in development

Japan In Pixels

A pixel art map of Japanese culture — coming 2027

CSSKitsune

Japanese-aesthetic design tokens & AI-ready UI prompts

Shinto Wisdom app icon
Free App · No Ads · Offline

Shinto Wisdom Daily Practice

by 10k Game Studio

Every day, one teaching. One moment of stillness.
Kanji, meaning, and a quiet reflection — rooted in the philosophy behind Japan's forests, seasons, and sacred silences.

結び Musubi 清め Harae 自然 Shizen 間 Ma 誠 Makoto + 45 more
Get it on Google Play

Content Warning: This website explores Japanese folklore and mythological beings—including yokai, oni, and other supernatural entities—that may be frightening to younger audiences or sensitive viewers. All material is presented for educational and cultural appreciation only. Viewer discretion is advised.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to preview content before sharing it with children. By continuing to use JapaneseMythicalCreatures.com, you acknowledge and accept this advisory.

Copyright © 2026 Japanese Mythical Creatures • All Rights Reserved.