Kotan Hachiman Shrine

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Kotan Hachiman Shrine was founded in 1856 and was officially named a township shrine in 1875. It was listed as a local shrine on the 28th of April 1911. The purpose of the shrine is to follow the great principles of the deity, Hondawake no Mikoto. Hondawake no Mikoto is also more commonly known as the Emporer Ōjin. Read More ....

Otaru Canal Museum & Information Center

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Otaru City General Museum Canal Museum has an extensive collection that introduces the history of Otaru City including information on the natural environment. The exhibition includes 20,000 objects and materials in its collection. The museum is located by Otaru Canal and can be found in the 'former Otaru warehouse'. Read More ....

Tokai Lavender Fields

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On the Tokai Sapporo School campus the grounds really comes alive with lavender. It is said that the south district of Sapporo, where the campus is located, is known as the birthplace of lavender cultivation in Japan. Read More ....

Urahoro Shrine

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During the Meiji Era, as the town of Urahoro (on the south east coast of Hokkaido) was being developed, the pioneers called for the construction of a shrine to serve as a spiritual centre. On August 15, 1896, a small shrine was erected, enshrining Amaterasu (goddess of the sun and the universe). Read More ....

Onnenai Visitor Center

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The Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, also known as the Kushiro Marshland is a sprawling national park to the north of Kushiro. There are half a dozen observation decks, museums, and walking paths that surround the park. The Onnenai Visitor Center is one of these museums and can be found on the western side of the marshland. Read More ....

Kushiro Shitsugen National Park

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The Kushiro Shitsugen National park (better known as the Kushiro Marshland) is a national park, located to the north of Kushiro on the eastern side of Hokkaido. The park is known for its wetlands ecosystems. 'Shitsugen' translates to wetlands in English. It was designated as a national park on 31 July 1987. The massive park covers an area of 268.61 square kilometres on the Kushiro plain and is well known for its wildlife and vegetation. Read More ....

Kushiro Marsh Observatory

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Perched at the top of a large hill, overlooking Kushiro Marsh, you can find the Kushiro Marsh Observatory. This is one of the most interesting buildings in Hokkaido. The exterior, and especially the interior, has a strange and unique design and is reminiscent of a cool sci-fi movie. The central hall of the museum is definitely a place to get some photos. Read More ....

Obihiro Shrine

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In 1881, a man named Benzo Yoda and others from Shizuoka Prefecture organized a pioneer group called the "Bansei-sha". This group and settled inShimo-Obihiro Village and started pioneering. During this time, they started holding festivals and later built a small shrine, though the connection with the current Obihiro Shrine is still not well known. Read More ....

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Sapporo Gokoku Shrine

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Admission	Free
Opening Hours	-
Closed	-
Contact	011-511-5917
Notes	Buddhist temple
Location / Getting There	5 minute walk from Nakajima station Hokkaido, Sapporo-shi, Chūō-ku, Minami 7 Jōnishi, 4 Chome−1−1

Immersed in history

Sapporo Gokoku Shrine is located in Sapporo, next to Nakajima Park on the southern side. The shrine was founded in 1888. It was built in honor and to comfort the spirits of the Tsunada soldiers who fought during the Meiji period. The shrine grounds are large and there is plenty of space to wander around and take photos. It is very quiet on weekdays, and is a pleasant walk from Nakajima park. The shrine is beautiful in all seasons, especially in autumn and spring with the cherry blossoms and the autumn leaves in the expansive gardens around the shrine.

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Gokoku shrine during spring

Behind the shrine, there are some beautiful old graves where you are free to wander round. There is a water basin, where you can purify your hands. The shrine has amulets they sell, and also offer blessings for things such as health, travel, business, and for good luck. Weddings, as well, as funerals are held here. For more information on booking the shrine, please contact them on their contact number (Japanese is required). Throughout the year, Sapporo Gokoku Shrine has numerous events. The public are welcome to come to the shrine and enjoy these events. For more information, check the table below.

: Hand purifying

: Welcome!

: Large grounds

January 1st	New Year Day's festival from 7:00. From 10:00 prayers and blessings for cars are offered. Call for reservation
Febrauary 3rd	Setsubun Festival (bean throwing at spirits) from 15:00
June first Saturday	Shinkuen Festival from 10:00 - 15:00
July 5th	Concert Festival from 18:00. For members.
July 6th & 7th	Great Festival
August 7th & 8th	Taga Shrine Festival
October 15th	Shicho-go-san Festival
December 31st	Night Festival