Located in Sapporo, Hokkaido's largest city, north Hokkaido Taika Shrine is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu (, Taiwa no Kami). The shrine is situated on a hill overlooking Sapporo Bay and features a unique, rectangular shrine building with a vermilion torii gate. Visitors can walk through the gate and into the shrine's main hall to pray for good fortune, prosperity, and protection from natural disasters.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasu
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu, Orochi-no-Mikoto
- Coordinates
- 43.0546731, 141.3081104
Visitor tip
To avoid long lines, consider visiting the shrine early in the morning or later in the evening when it's less crowded.
Cultural notes
As a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, north Hokkaido Taika Shrine is associated with the mythology of the Ainu people, who are native to Hokkaido. The shrine is also involved in the annual Sapporo Cherry Blossom Festival (, Sapporo Hanami), which celebrates the arrival of spring.
Historical note
The shrine was built in 1869 during the Meiji period, after Hokkaido was unified under Japanese control.