Sumiyoshi Shrine is located about a 10-minute walk from Minami-Otaru Station. When people mention Otaru, most tourists visit shops and restaurants along the canal, but if you want to avoid crowds and visit a quiet place, Sumiyoshi Shrine is recommended.
This shrine is the largest in Otaru and is beloved by locals for festivals and ceremonies like Shichi-Go-San. It’s situated in a very serene location compared to the bustling canal area, allowing for a leisurely stroll through the grounds with sparse crowds.
During the autumn foliage season from October to November, coinciding with Shichi-Go-San, the shrine grounds are adorned with red and yellow leaves, creating a beautiful spectacle.
On this day, local residents were bringing their children to have professional photographers take commemorative photos and videos of their Shichi-Go-San celebrations. These will surely become cherished memories that will be remembered fondly for decades to come.
About Shichigosan
Shichi-Go-San is a traditional Japanese celebration for children, especially those who are 3, 5, and 7 years old. Its origins date back to the Edo period on November 15, in the first year of Tenwa (December 24, 1681), when Tokumatsu, the son of Tokugawa Shogun Tsunayoshi, was celebrated for his growth. Over time, residents of Edo began celebrating their own children in a similar manner around November 15, coinciding with the autumn harvest under the full moon. Initially centered in Edo (modern-day Tokyo), this tradition gradually spread to other cities such as Kyoto and Osaka. Today, Shichi-Go-San is widely recognized throughout Japan, where parents and grandparents celebrate their sons and daughters.
In Hokkaido, Shichi-Go-San is observed one month earlier due to the region’s cold weather and snow. Many parents and children gather at Sumiyoshi Shrine to take photographs and offer prayers.
Sumiyoshi Shrine is conveniently located near JR Minami Otaru Station, just a 5-minute walk away.
If you visit Japan during the Shichi-Go-San season and have young children with you, why not rent a kimono from a rental shop and take them to a shrine for a Shichi-Go-San visit? It would undoubtedly be a memorable experience for both you and your children, something they will cherish for a lifetime.
Access
By JR:
– Get off at JR Hokkaido “Minami-Otaru Station” and walk 8 minutes.
By Bus:
– Take the Chuo Bus (JR Bus) and get off at “Sumiyoshi Jinja-mae” bus stop, then walk 1 minute.
By Taxi:
– Approximately 10 minutes from Otaru Station.
Rental Kimono
You will find numerous large garden lanterns within the shrine grounds, each donated by prominent local figures, showcasing their influence and prestige akin to European churches.
Sumiyoshi Shrine has a beautiful approach covered by Ginko leaves.
This is a historical building designated by Otaru city.
It is usually 5 years old in case of boy, 3 and 7 years old for girl.
