08/11/2013

Hokkaido Jingu in Sapporo

Children celebrate Shichi-go-san at Hokkaido Jingu

Por Valerie Kor

Community writer

The entrance to the Hokkaido Jingu from Maruyama Park, which is covered by trees in their fall colour.

The walk through the Maruyama Park to the shrine is very enjoyable on a sunny autumn day.

Girls were dressed in kimonos and boys in haori jackets and hakama trousers.

Amusingly, I saw none of the birds illustrated on the board that were supposed to be natural to the Maruyama park, but dozens of crows (not illustrated).

Cars parked at the entrance of the temple were first blessed by a ritual done by the priest.

Booths selling cotton candy, crepes and cartoon masks as well as game booths were set up outside the entrance.

Inside the shrine, where it was bustling with children and their families.

It was heartwarming to see families taking group photos on this special occasion.

Drop a coin and make a prayer.

The cute wish board filled with miscelleanous wishes. Those wishing for babies to be delivered healthily especially tugged at my heartstrings.

Little girl in her celebratory kimono.

English lots are available at the Hokkaido Jingu, first drop in 100 yen into the box, then draw your "fortune"!

My lot didn't look promising at all.

After a long walk through the park and at the shrine, rest at this little stand called Rokka-Tei (六花亭) where little japanese snacks and hot tea are sold at affordable prices.

The Hokkaido Jingu is a traditional Shinto shrine located in the middle of Maruyama Park. I visited during the first weekend of November, which was near November 15, the Shichi-go-san Festival for children. Young Japanese girls celebrate the Shichi-go-san Festival when they are 3 and 7 and boys when they are 3 and 5. The whole family is dressed to the nines with the children in traditional wear: kimonos for girls and haori jackets and hakama trousers for boys. It's a beautiful and heartwarming sight to see families gather at the shrine for the event. Other than Hokkaido Jingu, Maruyama Park is also home to Maruyama Zoo, so you can rest assured of a full day of fun at Maruyama Park.

The park is a 5-minute walk from Maruyamakoen Station.

Things to Do in Hokkaido

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Valerie Kor

Por Valerie Kor

Community writer

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