Hokkaido Jingu began in 1869, when Emperor Meiji issued an imperial edict to enshrine the "Three Deities of Development" in Hokkaido, saying, "as a spiritual support for the pioneers." At that time, by Development Commissioner Yoshitake Shima, who embarked on the design of the Sapporo city area, it was decided to construct the shrine building on the land of Maruyama, which is surrounded by mountains on three sides and opens up to a plain on one side. The existence of a facility enshrining deities in Shinto was a spiritual support for the pioneers facing the hardships of clearing primeval forests, and it became a place where people gathered and talked with each other.

In 1964 (Showa 39), obtaining the imperial sanction of Emperor Showa, Emperor Meiji was additionally enshrined, and currently, four deities are enshrined. The guardian deities, watching over the development of Hokkaido and the happiness of its people, are still deeply involved in the lives of Hokkaido residents, starting with Hatsumode, and including exorcism of evil spirits, Setsubun, and weddings, etc. The shrine grounds, rich in nature where wild Ezo squirrels show their faces, when spring comes, cherry blossoms and plum blossoms bloom simultaneously, showing liveliness with cherry blossom viewers.

When spring comes, you can enjoy approximately 1,400 cherry blossoms and approximately 250 plum blossoms. The cherry blossoms on the shrine grounds began with their dedication and planting in 1875 for the repose of the soul of Yoshitake Shima, who is said to be the ancestor of Hokkaido development, and from around 1900, they became established as a cherry blossom viewing spot for Sapporo citizens. During Golden Week, food stalls also line up, and it gets lively with many people. Please see the co-starring performance of cherry blossoms and plum blossoms blooming almost simultaneously.