Sumiyoshi Shrine

Overview

Sumiyoshi Shrine is located in Sumyoshi-cho, Hakodate City, and enshrines Jurojin, one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune on Mount Hakodate. While the founding year is unknown, oral tradition suggests it was founded during the Kamakura period. During the Edo period, it's said that the Hakodate Bugyo (magistrate) donated stone lanterns and prayed for the repelling of foreign threats. In 1934 (Showa 9), the main hall was destroyed by the Great Hakodate Fire. A temporary shrine was built on the site of Miyoshi Shrine, and after merging and consolidating with Miyoshi Shrine, it was relocated. The following year, the shrine's name was changed to Sumiyoshi Shrine. Sumiyoshi Shrine enshrines many deities due to the merger and consolidation, including Uwatutsu no Onokami, Nakatsutsu no Onokami, Sokotsutsu no Onokami, and Miyoshi no Oogami. Approximately 100 meters of the approach to the shrine is lined with Someiyoshino cherry trees. During the cherry blossom season in May, a pink tunnel of blossoms is created, attracting locals who pause to admire the view. From the top of the hill leading to the shrine grounds, you can also see the Tsugaru Strait and the Hakodate cityscape. Nearby attractions include Tatemachi Cape and Hakodate Hachiman Shrine; consider visiting them during your stroll.