In the forested foothills of Mount Hakodate is the 15th-century Hakodate Hachiman Shrine (Hakodate Hachiman-gu). Climb a ceremonial staircase to the shrine and experience the serenity of Shinto devotion. Observe as followers of the faith celebrate Hachiman, the venerated god of archery and war.
Learn the origins of the shrine, which predates the foundation of the city by Kono Kaganokami Masamichi. Legends say that in 1445 Masamichi enshrined the Shinto deity Hachiman in a house he built in a former city park. Following an Ainu revolt, the shrine was captured and moved to Akagawa village. It returned to the city in the mid-1600s, eventually settling at the present-day location in 1880.
Join worshippers completing the ritual of walking up a stone staircase to the shrine and prayer halls. The staircase is split into multiple sections, with 134 steps and elegant torii gates. Stone lanterns and lush trees frame the steps. Note the Japanese inscriptions engraved into the banisters.
Stone statues of komainu lion-dogs guard the entrance to the main shrine. The main building was constructed in 1915. Look for the omikuji charms, on which are written fortunes that range from blessings to curses.
Stand in the courtyard and appreciate the sight of the shrine with a backdrop of tall trees and Mount Hakodate. In winter this ancient landmark becomes covered with a photogenic blanket of soft white snow. Watch discreetly as Shinto events, such as festivals, birthdays, miyamairi baptisms and weddings take place.
Located in the Yachigashiracho neighborhood, the shrine is a 10-minute drive from downtown Hakodate. Catch a tram to the Yachigashiracho stop and walk from there. If you don’t want to climb the staircase, travel by taxi directly to the shrine.
Hakodate Hachiman Shrine is open daily and does not charge admission. Combine your time at the shrine with a visit to the nearby Tsuruwakainari Shrine and Myoshinji Temple. Walk to the base of the Mount Hakodate Ropeway to ride to the top of the mountain for exceptional views.
