Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine

In Chuo Ward, Sapporo, at the foot of Mount Moiwa, sits Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine. Founded by inviting a divided spirit from Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto, it is known for wide-ranging blessings such as business prosperity, wealth, matchmaking, and good harvests. Vermilion torii line the approach, and this dreamlike torii tunnel is popular as a photogenic spot. Though close to central Sapporo, it sits in a quiet setting surrounded by greenery, a power spot where you can feel the powerful energy of Inari.

Highlights

• Rows of Vermilion Torii: A tunnel of 27 vermilion torii lines the approach, mystical and the foremost photogenic highlight.
• Blessings of Inari: The enshrined deities, led by Ukanomitama-no-Mikoto, are honored as guardians of food, clothing, and shelter, cherished by worshippers praying for business prosperity, good harvests, and thriving industry.
• Grounds Surrounded by Greenery: Wrapped in the nature typical of the foot of Mount Moiwa, with pure air flowing through.
• Strolling the Maruyama and Moiwa Area: The surroundings are rich in sights such as Maruyama Park and the Mount Moiwa ropeway.

Enjoying the Seasons

In the fresh green season the contrast of vermilion torii and greenery is beautiful, ideal for photography. Autumn adds foliage, and in winter the torii against the snow create a dreamlike air. The New Year bustles with first-visit worshippers, but you can usually worship in calm. Touring it together with Mount Moiwa and Maruyama Park makes for a Sapporo walk full of nature and prayer.

Access & Basic Information

• Location: 2-chome 2-17 Fushimi, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
• Access (subway and bus): From Maruyama-Koen Station on the Tozai Subway Line, take a JR Hokkaido bus to the Jikeikai-mae stop, then about 3 minutes on foot
• Access (tram): About 15 minutes on foot from the Nishisen-14-jo stop on the Sapporo tram
• Hours: Grounds open all day (shrine office open during the daytime)
• Admission: Free

Practical Travel Notes

• The approach lined with 27 vermilion torii is popular for photos, but it is also a path for worshippers, so please take turns.
• The shrine sits up a slight slope from the center; a bus from the subway station is convenient, while the tram route involves some walking.
• On the way back, some visitors walk toward the tram's Ropeway-iriguchi stop and continue on to Mount Moiwa sightseeing.
• For a goshuin or amulets, aim for daytime hours when the shrine office is open.
• Combining the visit with Maruyama Park, Maruyama Zoo, and Mount Moiwa makes a Sapporo stroll that blends nature and worship.

A Quick Tip

The approach lined with vermilion torii is photogenic, but it is also a path for worshippers, so remember to take turns. Touring it together with the Mount Moiwa ropeway and Maruyama Park is the standard plan. As it sits up a slope from the center, a bus from the subway is convenient. On a clear day the contrast of the torii with greenery or snow stands out even more, so aim for good weather.

📚 Sources

The information in this article is organized from the history handed down at Sapporo Fushimi Inari Shrine, on-site signboards, and tourism details for the city of Sapporo. Information on goshuin, amulets, and rites 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 to 60 minutes for a visit and a look at the vermilion torii approach; allow extra time for photos.
• What to bring: Small change is handy for amulets and a goshuin, and comfortable shoes help as the site is up a slope.
• Getting around: It sits a little up a slope from the center; a bus from Maruyama-Koen subway station is convenient.
• Suggested route: Pass through the approach of vermilion torii to the worship hall, then on the way back extend toward Mount Moiwa and Maruyama Park.
• A note on worship: The torii approach is also a path for worshippers, so take turns when taking photos.