Hokkaido Jingu in winter

Hokkaido Jingu has become more popular as a sightseeing spot than ever before, attracting many tourists and local visitors even during winter.

Starting from New Year’s Day, the shrine becomes bustling with people praying to succeed in their high school or university entrance exams.

Many visitors purchase Ema (votive horse tablets) to write their wishes on them, and then hang them on the designated racks, hoping for their wishes to come true.

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Many Emas on the right two racks.

Of course, they also make sure to draw an Omikuji (fortune) and tie it onto the Omikuji rack or tree.

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Omikuji for 100 yen

Japanese people love to visit shrines or temples to make wishes or express gratitude for wishes granted. After the beginning of March, as examination results are announced, Hokkaido Jingu will become even more lively and bustling.

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Hiroshi Mizukoshi painter / writer