5 Power Spots in Hokkaido

1. Hokkaido Jingu

Located right next to Maruyama Park in Sapporo, Hokkaido Jingu is Hokkaido\'s most visited shrine. In 1869, the shrine was established by the imperial decree of Emperor Meiji to build a shrine as "something upon which the settlers can rely." With a total area of about 180,000sq.m., the shrine is also adored by the locals as a sakura (cherry blossom) viewing spot as there are 1,400 sakura trees planted in the precincts. The shrine is expected to bring a lot of blessings to those who pray, and it is allegedly particularly potent in bringing economic and business fortune, as it enshrines three deities of reclamation. Of several archways, the recommended way to enter the shrine is through the third archway, and go on to pay homage to the reclamation shrine, which is full of feng shui energy. You can expect to have the best blessing from the shrine in terms of economic success.

2. Hakodate Hachimangu Shrine

If you would like to increase your luck in competitions, this is the place to be. Located in the south edge of the island, Hakodate has prospered as a port city, and the shrine faces the Strait of Tsugaru and has Mt. Hakodate in its back. It is an old shrine that was established in 1445. Its enshrined deity is known as "Hachiman-san" by the locals, and is a guardian of reclamation, sailing, and fishing. It is expected to have blessings in competitions, including business. Together with the natural power coming down from Mt. Hakodate, the precinct is filled with this victorious feeling, and you, too, can feel it. In addition, Mt. Hakodate is known for its great night view. It allegedly increases your fortune as concerns love, so it would be a great place to take your significant other.

3. Chitose Shrine

About 10 min drive from the entrance to Hokkaido, Shin Chitose Airport, there is a park called Aoba Park. Located in one corner of the park is Chitose Shrine. The shrine is not too big in size but is well-known as a power spot. The place is filled with a solemn atmosphere and you will feel this powerful feeling that pushes your back when you are unsure about your decision. Also, when things are not going your way and you feel like you keep making the same mistakes, it will give you a breath of fresh air and a reason to be brave again. In addition, the well water that people wash their hands with prior to their visit to the shrine is called "sachii no mizu" (water of fortune well) and known as the well water that brings luck. It is recommended to wash and purify yourself before visiting the main shrine with this sacred water drawn from the underground water of Lake Shikotsu.

4. Shiraishi Shrine

This shrine in Sapporo is an old shrine built in 1872. It is located right next to National Route 12, so you might think it is in a very noisy area with all the cars driving beside it, but the shrine is actually a very quiet place. Its enshrined deity is "Kan Yamato Iwarehiko no Mikoto," aka, the first ever emperor of Japan, Kanmu Ten\'no. He is known as a deity of competitions, so this is your place to be when you want to increase your luck in competitions. It has four subordinate shrines; Shiraishi Ryugu Shrine which has a solemn atmosphere, Shiraishi Fushimiinari Shrine whose enshrined deity was transferred from Kyoto\'s Fushimi Inari, Shiraishi Benten Shrine that has an atmosphere that is soft, feminine, and gives blessing with relationships, and Shiraishiten Shrine that has the authentic beauty of Japan. Many people come to pay visit to the shrine everyday.

5. Asahikawa Tenmangu

Kamikawa Shrine was built by the pioneers who put a lot of effort to build the city of Asashikawa as it is. Asahikawa Tenmangu was built in 1966 in one corner of the shrine. It enshrines the spirit of Lord Michizane Fujiwara that was divided from Dazaifu Tenmangu in Fukuoka. A lot of visitors come to this place in search of better luck in their studies as Lord Michizane is known as a deity of study/art/culture. The precinct is also the sacred ground for Ainu (indigenous people of Hokkaido) called "kagura oka" and it is a spiritual place as a "playground for deities." While feeling this sacred power, why don\'t you spend some time visiting the shrines in Kamikawa Shrine which was built in Taisho period (1912~1926)? Absorb the power in this pure environment with a variety of plants and animals such as Hokkaido squirrels and Hokkaido white-backed woodpeckers.

The article focused on shrines this time, but there are a lot of other power spots in nature-rich Hokkaido. Make a plan of your own and enjoy your trip for your better fortune.