Located in the heart of Sapporo, Sennen no To Goshinmei Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of war and fertility, compared to the Japanese dragon 'Sennen no To'. The shrine was built during the Heian period, around 900 AD. Its impressive structure features a unique architecture with a combination of Japanese and Buddhist elements. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere of this sacred place, which is surrounded by beautiful gardens and a serene pond.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Susanoo, Hachiman
- Coordinates
- 43.1442222, 145.2155179
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the beauty of Sennen no To Goshinmei Taisha, visit during the autumn foliage season (mid-October to mid-November) when the surrounding trees turn vibrant shades of orange and red.
Cultural notes
This shrine is connected to Hachiman-gū, a well-known Shinto deity in Japanese mythology, who was revered as the god of war and protector of the samurai class. The shrine's architecture is also influenced by the local Ainu culture, reflecting its historical significance as a meeting point between different cultures.
Historical note
The shrine was originally dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, a storm god in Shinto mythology, but later changed its main deity to Hachiman-gū in the Kamakura period.