Hatsumode is a time to give thanks for the past year and pray for safety and peace in the new year. Hokkaido Shrine, located in the Maruyama area of Sapporo, is visited by many worshippers on New Year's Day. This time, we will introduce traffic restrictions and public transportation information for Hokkaido Shrine on New Year's Day. Please check the information in advance and head out to your first shrine visit with peace of mind.

Traffic regulations, access, and public transport information

Some roads around Hokkaido Shrine will be closed or one-way from around 23:00 on December 31, 2024 to around 18:00 on January 1, 2025. Since roads are expected to be particularly congested during the peak time of New Year's visits to the shrine, we recommend using public transportation.

Image: Hokkaido Shrine official website (PDF)

In addition, operation information for major public transport is as follows:

Image: Hokkaido Shrine official website (PDF)

The "Kita 1-jo Parking Lot" and "Minami 1-jo Parking Lot" are available for special parking rates during the New Year period (December 31st 18:00 to January 7th 18:00). The fee is 500 yen for the first two hours from the time of entry (500 yen per hour after two hours). It is expected to be very crowded during the New Year's visit, so we recommend that you allow yourself plenty of time if you are coming by car.

The year's plans are made on New Year's Day! Wishing you all a great year!

Hokkaido Shrine is very crowded on New Year's Day, but on the day of the event, outdoor stalls are set up and the shrine becomes lively. Come and pray for the start of the new year and have a wonderful start to the year with your family and friends.