In July 1870, the Otani sect of the Shinshu sect (Higashi Honganji Temple) embarked on a significant journey to Hokkaido. Led by the young Gennyo Shonin, who was only 19 at the time, and accompanied by over 100 followers, they initiated the reclamation and spread of their religion. This movement was deeply intertwined with the political climate of the new Meiji government and was part of the sect’s response to the changing times. Their efforts were founded on three main objectives: pioneering new lands, encouraging immigration, and promoting their teachings.
The current Sapporo Betsuin’s origins trace back to the establishment of the Higashi Honganji temple on land provided by the Meiji government. It was later renamed Sapporo Betsuin in 1877 and has since served as a hub for enlightenment and missionary work in Hokkaido. Over the years, as Sapporo grew into a major city with a population of 1.8 million and towering skyscrapers, Sapporo Betsuin has stood as a silent witness to the city’s evolution and the changing landscape.
The temple grounds, with their deeply rooted ginkgo and oak trees and the temple structure that has withstood wind and snow, narrate the perseverance of those who came before. The bell tower’s chime continues to resonate quietly, reminding us of the temple’s enduring legacy as a storyteller of history.
Address: 8-290 Minami 7-Jo Nishi, Minami-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Open: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Telephone: (011)511-0502
Website: http://www.ohigashi.or.jp