Chitose Shrine

Chitose Shrine stands in the city of Chitose, a short distance from New Chitose Airport. Founded in 1803 as an Inari shrine, it is a place of long history, and its grounds also carry a tradition linked to Benzaiten, the deity of wealth. As a result it is cherished as a Hokkaido power spot for those praying for fortune and business prosperity. The shrine sits along the Chitose River, on land nourished by the pure water flowing out of Lake Shikotsu. Being close to the gateway of the skies, it draws many who stop by at the start or end of their Hokkaido journey to pray for safe travels and improved fortune.

Highlights

• Blessings for Fortune: A tradition linked to Benzaiten is passed down here, and the shrine is popular with those praying for wealth and prosperity.
• Energy of Water: The shrine rests on land nourished by the pure water that flows in from Lake Shikotsu via the Chitose River.
• Calm Sacred Grove: The quiet, tree-lined grounds offer a soothing space away from the bustle of the airport.
• Prayers for Safe Travel: Close to the gateway of the skies, it is ideally placed for praying for a safe trip.

Seasonal Enjoyment

New Year brings crowds of first-visit worshippers hoping for good fortune in the year ahead. Cherry blossoms in spring, fresh green in summer, and autumn foliage give the grounds a different face each season, and the location is easy to drop into between flights. Combining a visit with sightseeing at Lake Shikotsu makes for a distinctly Hokkaido journey rich in the energy of pure water.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Shinmachi, Chitose City, Hokkaido
• Access: About 5 minutes by car from JR Chitose Station; about 10 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport
• Visiting Hours: Grounds open at all hours (the shrine office operates during the daytime)
• Admission: Free

Practical Travel Notes

• Location from the Airport: About 10 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport, this shrine is easy to visit around your flight times. It fits neatly into the first or last day of a Hokkaido trip.
• Nearby Real Spots: Lake Shikotsu, known for its emerald-green water, is about 30 minutes away by car. Its clear water and primeval forest scenery make it a good pairing.
• Public Transport: There are bus services from JR Chitose Station, with a walk of a few minutes after alighting. Allowing extra time in your plan is reassuring.
• Best Time of Day: For a quiet visit, mornings with fewer people are recommended. The New Year period is very crowded.

A Quick Tip

Being close to New Chitose Airport, this shrine is easy to reach at the start or end of a Hokkaido trip. If you are praying for fortune, turn your thoughts to the Benzaiten tradition as well. Lake Shikotsu is about 30 minutes away by car, so pairing your visit with the pure lake scenery is recommended. The location is also handy for filling time before a flight, making it easy to work into your itinerary.

📚 Sources

The information in this article is organized from the history handed down at Chitose Shrine, on-site signboards, and details published by the city of Chitose and the Chitose tourism federation. Information on rites, goshuin, and the New Year visit can be confirmed through the shrine and local public information. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please always confirm with official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 30 minutes for a visit and a look around the grounds; allow extra time to linger.
• What to bring: Small change is handy for amulets and a goshuin.
• Getting around: It is about 10 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport, easy to drop by on the first or last day of a trip.
• Suggested route: After praying at the worship hall, quietly tour the grounds, then consider extending to Lake Shikotsu, about 30 minutes away by car.
• A note on worship: The New Year is crowded with first-visit worshippers, so early morning is recommended for a quiet visit.