Hokkaido Jingu was established in 1869 when Emperor Meiji issued an imperial edict to enshrine the 'Three Pioneer Deities' in Hokkaido to serve as a spiritual anchor for the pioneers. At that time, Yoshitake Shima, a pioneer commissioner who had begun designing the city of Sapporo, decided to build the shrine complex on the grounds of Maruyama, a location surrounded by mountains on three sides and opening to a plain on the fourth. The presence of this Shinto facility for worshiping deities became a spiritual support for the pioneers facing the hardships of clearing the primeval forest, and it also became a place for people to gather and converse.

In 1964, with the approval of Emperor Showa, Emperor Meiji was also enshrined, and currently, four deities are worshiped here. As the guardian deity watching over the development of Hokkaido and the happiness of its people, the shrine remains deeply involved in the lives of Hokkaido residents through events such as New Year's visits, exorcisms, Setsubun, and weddings. The shrine grounds, rich in nature where wild Ezo squirrels make an appearance, become bustling with cherry blossom viewers in spring when the cherry and plum blossoms bloom simultaneously.

In spring, visitors can enjoy approximately 1,000 cherry trees and about 120 plum trees. The cherry trees on the grounds originated from a dedication planting in 1875 to appease the spirit of Yoshitake Shima, known as the father of Hokkaido's development, and around 1900, the site became established as a cherry blossom viewing spot for Sapporo citizens. During Golden Week, food stalls are set up, and the area becomes crowded with many people. Please enjoy the spectacle of the cherry and plum blossoms blooming at almost the same time.