Hokkaido Jingu Tongu is a branch shrine of the main Hokkaido Jingu located in Maruyama Park. Built in 1891, Tongu was established in Sapporo's city center to provide easier access for worshippers, especially during harsh winter months when reaching the main shrine in the hills became difficult. Both shrines are spiritually connected, with Tongu constructed using materials from the original Hokkaido Jingu.
The shrine is particularly renowned for blessings related to easy childbirth and child-bearing, making it a popular destination for expectant families and couples hoping to conceive. It's also famous for housing the oldest komainu (guardian dog statues) in the Ishikari region, carved from Sapporo soft stone and dedicated in June 1890. Local residents affectionately call it "Tongu-san."
The shrine is located in central Sapporo near the Sosei River, making it easily accessible by public transportation. Take the Tozai subway line to nearby stations and walk a short distance through the city center. The central location allows visitors to combine their shrine visit with other downtown Sapporo attractions, shopping, and dining.
No, admission to the shrine grounds is completely free. Visitors can explore the peaceful environment, observe the historic komainu statues, and participate in traditional worship practices without paying any entrance fee. Optional purchases include protective charms (omamori), wooden wish plaques (ema), and goshuin stamp commemorations.
Visitors can engage in traditional Japanese shrine activities including offering prayers at the main hall, purchasing protective charms for various blessings, writing wishes on wooden plaques, and receiving commemorative goshuin stamps. The shrine provides a peaceful retreat from the busy city atmosphere, surrounded by greenery where you can observe the historic 1890 komainu statues and experience authentic Japanese spiritual culture.
