• This tour will combine a religious undertone (Hokkaido “Shrine” Shintoism/an ancient Japanese religion) along with a “foodie” type tour. The Central Wholesale Market will amaze you with stunningly fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood. Seasonal delicacies offered at reasonable prices. The Shiroi Koibito Theme Park (a confectionery attraction) that produces the one sweet that Sapporo is famous for: a chocolate type cookie sandwiched between langue de chat biscuits. You will see how they are made and will sample them.

Our tour begins here at The Hokkaido Shrine. Constructed in 1869 by order of the emperor, Hokkaido Shrine(Jingu) was founded to support Hokkaido’s early colonists. It is dedicated to the Shinto deities that are associated with Hokkaido. This shrine sits in the lush 70-hectare Maruyama Park. This area is beautiful any season throughout the year. One of the delights of this tour will be the opportunity for you to “reach in a box” and pull out a strip of paper containing a written message of your fortune. You will also have the chance to select an omamori(amulets). These include amulets for safe travel, healing from illness, safe childbirth, and academic/job success, among many other blessings. Finally, as a member of this shrine tour, you will be able to write on a wooden “ema”(votive tablet) and then tying it on a wooden stand at the shrine. Your guide will help you with these shrine rituals as well as teach you basic shrine etiquette as not to offend the gods.