By ando 
Basic Information
Location: Minami 1-jo Nishi 8-chome 17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Enshrined kami: Ōnamuchi-no-kami, Sukunahikona-no-kami, Fujiwara Miyoshi-no-kami, Konpira-gū, Tenman-gū
Access: Immediately on foot from Nishi 8-chome streetcar stop (Sapporo Shiden)
The ‘God of Victory’ Who Has Watched Over Sapporo’s Development
In the heart of Sapporo, amidst towering skyscrapers and office buildings, a lush green space suddenly appears. This is Miyoshi Jinja, affectionately known as ‘Miyoshi-san’. It is said to have originated in 1878 (Meiji 11) when Tokichi Kimura, a native of Akita Prefecture, enshrined a divided spirit from his hometown’s Taiheizan Miyoshi Jinja.
Notably, it was the second jinja to be officially recognized in Sapporo, following Hokkaido Jingu (then known as Sapporo Jinja). In the past, it was so special to local residents that elementary schools in the city would close on its annual festival day.
Legends and Mysteries Surrounding Fujiwara Miyoshi-no-kami
One of the main enshrined kami at Miyoshi Jinja, Fujiwara Miyoshi-no-kami, is said to be a deified historical figure. During the Muromachi period, he was the lord of Taihei Castle in Akita, beloved as a compassionate and benevolent ruler. However, he incurred the envy of other powerful clans and was driven from his castle. The legend states that he subsequently secluded himself on Mount Taihei, undertook rigorous training, and became a kami.
This kami is characterized by disliking injustice and possessing great strength. For this reason, it is widely revered as a kami of ‘victory and success’ and ‘business prosperity,’ crushing evil and overcoming difficulties. This is why many business travelers visit the jinja to pray when they need strength for critical moments in their work or competitions.
Behind the Scenes: The Jinja’s ‘Move’ and the Mystery of the Firebreak
In fact, Miyoshi Jinja was not always in its current location. Initially, it was situated on the east side of the Toyohira River but relocated to its present site after only about a year.
The reason is said to be a strict directive from the then-Kaitakushi (Hokkaido Development Commission), stating that ‘the shrine building must be demolished or relocated because it is too close to a hiyokechi (firebreak: an open space to prevent the spread of fire).’ It is astonishing that there was even a restriction at the time stating, ‘Do not broadly permit worshippers.’ Overcoming such adversity to become one of Sapporo’s prominent power spots today, this history itself could be considered an anecdote truly befitting a ‘God of Victory’.
Anime Pilgrimage: Featured as a Location in ‘WORKING!!’
Miyoshi Jinja is also known as a ‘sacred site’ (seichi) for the popular anime ‘WORKING!!’, which is set in Sapporo.
In episode 9 of Season 1, ‘Maiden’s Pride, Family Etiquette…’, it served as the model for the scene where characters visit for Hatsumode (New Year’s shrine visit). The shrine grounds, surrounded by buildings, and the distinctive architecture of the main shrine building (shaden) were faithfully depicted, leading many fans to undertake ‘sacred site pilgrimages’ (seichi junrei) after the broadcast. For anime fans, it is an essential stop on any Sapporo tour.
Sapporo’s Earliest ‘Arrival of Early Summer’
The annual Reitaisai (Grand Festival), held on May 14th and 15th, is known as the first major jinja festival of the year in Sapporo. It is said that after this festival concludes, true summer arrives in Sapporo. The sight of the portable shrine (mikoshi) parading through the office district is a unique Sapporo spectacle, where old and new converge.
When you want to feel a powerful atmosphere that makes you stand a little taller amidst the urban bustle, or when you wish for good luck in competitions, be sure to pass under Miyoshi-san’s torii gate.
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