If you ask locals "What is the best shrine in Otaru?", you will almost always hear the answer "Sumiyoshi Shrine." Sumiyoshi Shrine has long been the main shrine of Otaru and is said to bring various blessings. Let's check out the highlights of the shrine. It seems that you can also find the famous "Ezo Mikuji" fortune telling! Sumiyoshi Shrine has a long history, dating back to 1864 when the head priest of Hakodate Hachiman Shrine applied to enshrine Sumiyoshi Okami as the guardian deity of both Otarunai and Takashima, and was granted permission. In 1868, the deity arrived at Otarunai, and it was in 1899 that it was moved to its current location. The deities enshrined are the three Sumiyoshi deities, Sokotsutsuno-no-Kami, Nakatsutsuno-no-Kami, and Uwatsutsuno-no-Kami, as well as Okinagatarashihime-no-Mikoto. Sumiyoshi Shrine, located along National Route 5, has a structure where the grounds stretch straight from the first torii gate to the main shrine at the back. All you have to do is go straight ahead, passing through several torii gates! Along the way, you will see a row of 1,000 torii gates next to the shrine office on your left. Their vivid vermilion color is stunningly beautiful, and many people take photos here. Going further in, you'll find the "Kodakara Inu" (Child-Treasure Dog) and the "Setake Stone." The Kodakara Inu (Child-Treasure Dog) is said to be a prayer for safe delivery and fertility by first stroking the head of the mother dog, then the stone of your zodiac sign, and finally stroking the head of the puppy. Meanwhile, the Setake Stone is a prayer for the child's growth, as it measures their height. Sumiyoshi Shrine is also said to grant various other blessings, such as safe voyages, safe traffic, and prosperous business. It is likely a shrine that locals naturally visit at important times in their lives. Now that you've finished praying, it's time to try your luck with your fortune. Sumiyoshi Shrine has local fortune slips called "Ezo Mikuji" that are handed out by shrines all over Hokkaido. These are unique fortune slips with motifs based on local specialties, but what about Sumiyoshi Shrine? The herring motif was "Nishin Geppo" (day after day)! This perfect pun and the fact that it is written in Hokkaido dialect are what make Ezo Mikuji so fun. After drawing my fortune, I turned around to go home... From here, you can see the straight road leading to the main shrine, and the sea beyond. Combined with the refreshing feeling you have after praying, seeing this view makes you feel as if your heart has been purified. We highly recommend adding Sumiyoshi Shrine to your Otaru sightseeing plans, as it offers a wonderful experience all the way to your return journey. <Otaru's guardian deity, Sumiyoshi Shrine> Address: 2-5-1 Suminoe, Otaru, Hokkaido Phone: 0134-23-0785 Official site: http://www.otarusumiyoshijinja.or.jp/