The Emperor Meiji selected three protecting deities of the reclamation of Hokkaido (“God of Okunitama,” “God of Onamuchi” and “God of Sukunahikona”) and enshrined them here. In 1964, the “God of Emperor Meiji” was also enshrined here, and the name was changed from “Sapporo Jinja” to “Hokkaido Jingu (Hokkaido Shrine).” Its 180,000-square-meter precincts are also known as one of the best cherry blossom-viewing spots. The shrine burned down in 1974 and was restored in 1978.