Hokkaido Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Maruyama Park in Sapporo, on grounds covering about 180,000 square meters. Emperor Meiji ordered the enshrinement ceremony in 1869, and the shrine was erected at its present site in 1871 under the name Sapporo Shrine. It was renamed Hokkaido Shrine in 1964, when it was upgraded to the first rank of government-supported shrines.
The shrine honors three pioneer kami, Ōkunitama, Ōkuninushi and Sukunahikona, and the spirit of Emperor Meiji, which was added in 1964. Early explorers of Hokkaido are also enshrined.
The main building was destroyed by fire in 1974 and restored in 1978. Crowds visit during the cherry blossom season and at New Year, and the main festival is held June 14 to 16 with portable shrine parades.
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