Yamanoue Daijingu (山上大神宮) sits atop Saiwaizaka slope, at the foot of Mt. Hakodate in the west-south of Hakodate city. Near the former Russian Consulate, it’s just a 2-minute walk away, though reaching it involves ascending the steep Saiwaizaka slope.
The shrine’s origins trace back to a trainee monk named Fujibo, who conceptualized it based on the Holy Spirit of Ise Jingu Shrine around 600 years ago during the Ouan era of the Muromachi period. Initially established on Shinmeisan Mountain in Kameda-Akaigawa village, it later moved to Shirisawabe village (now Sumiyoshi-cho) and was renamed Hakodate Shinmeigu Shrine. In 1682, it moved to its current location near the Yayoi Division of the Nishi Fire Department and was renamed Yamanoue Daijingu, officially designated as the town shrine in 1876.
Destructed twice during the Hakodate fires of 1878 and 1879, temporarily relocating to Sumiyoshi Shrine before a new building was erected at 85 Funami-cho in 1882. It finally moved to its present location in 1902, undergoing reforms from 1930 to 1932. Notably, the shrine’s 8th Shinto priest, Takuma Sawabe (formerly Yamamoto), hailed from the Tosa Clan and had connections to historical figures like Ryoma Sakamoto and Hanpeita Takeichi.
Throughout Hakodate’s history, Yamanoue Daijingu played a significant role, serving as the residence of Sadaaki Matsudaira, head of the Kuwana Clan during the Hakodate War against the Shogunate Army led by Takeaki Enomoto.
Despite its historical importance, the shrine sees relatively few visitors even during New Year’s days, offering a serene atmosphere and a picturesque view of Hakodate Bay.
Link
Access
Take a tram to Hakodate Dock and 16 min walk.
Related Articles
Long-Term and Affordable Parking Options in Hakodate: Where to Park Your Car
