[2025 Hakodate Attraction] Travel Guide for Yukura Shrine (Updated Jul)

Cherry blossoms are the whispers of spring. In Hakodate, each petal is touched by sea mist and morning light. This port city blends Western influences and Eastern charm into the cherry blossoms, weaving a pale pink and white scroll. On the first day, head to Goryokaku, a star-shaped fortress surrounded by thousands of Somei Yoshino cherry trees. Ascend the tower for a panoramic view, and the fortress transforms into a medal falling into a pink sea of clouds. Fallen petals float on the moat, and visitors stroll slowly along the wooden bridge with umbrellas. Turn a corner to encounter a girl in a kimono, her sleeves and the drooping branches swaying in the breeze, and the essence of spring flows from the folds. The next morning, sunlight spills over Mount Hakodate. Hike to Hakodate Park, where century-old weeping cherry trees spread out their massive floral domes. The bark is cracked like an old man's hand, holding up a tree full of youthful beauty. In the afternoon, a streetcar clangs along Motomachi Slope, and at the end of Hachiman Slope, the cherry blossoms meet the sea. In the evening, take the cable car up the mountain. As dusk falls, millions of lights gradually light up, and the night cherry blossoms float semi-transparently in the halo of colored lights, like a beaded curtain hanging from the heavenly market. On the third day, head to Yukura Shrine. The stone steps of the approach are covered with a pale red hue. The sound of an ancient bell startles the birds, and the petals shaken off as they flap their wings scatter into the morning incense smoke. In the afternoon, stroll through the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse. The scent of the sea mixes with the sweetness of cherry blossoms, seeping into the brick cracks. Find a cafe to sit down, and outside the glass window, the shadows of the flowers are mottled. A salted cherry blossom floats in the latte in your cup. Three days is short, but enough to engrave the spring of Hakodate into your memory. The cherry blossoms here are not as bright as those in Kyoto, but they have a unique clarity that has been washed by the sea breeze. When the last petal falls into the Tsugaru Strait, the reflections of the star-shaped castle, the light spots at the end of the slope, and the whispers of the night cherry blossoms and lights will eventually transform into a gentle itch in your heart when the spring breeze rises again in some year.

#5月好去地方2025 Address: 2-28-1, Yunokawa-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido ⸻ Atmosphere/Facilities: Located in the Yunokawa Onsen area of ​​Hakodate, a hot spring resort, Yukura Shrine is a small shrine with a peaceful atmosphere and full of spirituality. The area is full of greenery and the facilities are well maintained. There are torii, hand-water houses, main halls, ema areas and various special landscapes. The most eye-catching are the "rabbit" stone statues and patterns scattered throughout the shrine. From the shrine approach to the fortune-telling machine, the theme revolves around the rabbit. The atmosphere is gentle and lovely, relaxing and healing. ⸻ Transportation: Take the Hakodate tram to Yunokawa Onsen Station and walk for about 3 minutes to arrive. The location is close to major hot spring hotels and is also suitable as a stopover for walking and worship. ⸻ Features: • Enshrines Oki Takagami (the guardian deity associated with good luck, fate, and hot springs) • The messenger of the deity is a "rabbit", and the grounds are filled with various rabbit stone statues and surroundings, which are super cute • With a rabbit-shaped fortune-telling machine, rabbit amulets, and rabbit painted horses, it is a paradise for rabbit lovers • There are free foot baths and parks nearby, which are suitable for visiting after taking a bath • Cute and spiritual, full of local warmth ⸻ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) ⸻ Experience: 🐰 If you also love rabbits, then Yukura Shrine will definitely make you fall in love with Hakodate! This shrine located in the Yunokawa Onsen area is not like those majestic shrines. Its charm lies in its delicacy, healing, and cuteness, especially the "rabbit elements" that can be seen everywhere in the grounds, which made me smile from the moment I entered the door🐇. I went to Yukura Shrine after soaking in the nearby hot spring hotel. It was about a three-minute walk from the city power station. It was already evening when I arrived. The sun shone between the torii and the leaves, and the atmosphere was quiet and peaceful. As soon as I stepped into the shrine, I saw the rabbit statue at the entrance to greet me. It was the legendary white rabbit, the messenger of the shrine, which is said to bring good luck, pray for fate and health. There is also a rabbit statue for washing hands next to the hand-washing house. When you wash your hands, you will feel much more relaxed when you look at the cute rabbit expression. Although the main building is not large, it is very solemn and elegant. I worship here devoutly and pray for peace and happiness for my journey. The most surprising thing about the shrine is that there are small "rabbit" ingenuity everywhere in the whole territory: rabbit-shaped fortune-telling machines, rabbit ema, rabbit amulets, and even bunny dolls for storing fortune poems. Everything is so cute! I drew a fortune poem with a rabbit pattern. No matter what the content is, I feel surrounded by luck just by holding it in my hand. After the worship, I took a walk on the path beside the shrine and soaked my feet in the nearby park and foot bath area. The sunset slowly set, and the entire Yunokawa Onsen area was dyed with a layer of warm golden light. I held the rabbit amulet in my hand and soaked my feet in the hot spring water, and I felt unprecedented peace in my heart. One thing I like about Yunokura Shrine is that although it is small, it is very unique. It is not a large tourist attraction crowded with tourists, but a small corner where you can slowly feel, take pictures, and settle down. Perhaps because of this, it retains more "human touch" and the sincerity of local beliefs. If you are traveling in Hakodate, especially living in the Yunokawa Onsen area, it is really recommended to take a walk around Yunokura Shrine in the morning or evening. Not only can you absorb a lot of good luck, but you can also relax with the company of the rabbit, adding a touch of gentle and happy memories to your journey. ✨🐰 #Hakodate #Yunokawa #Yunokawajinja #Hokkaido #hokaido #Yunokawa

⛩ Morning temple grounds, a moment when hot springs and history come to life 1 minute walk from the Yunokawa tram stop. Pass through the torii gate and enter the temple grounds surrounded by old trees over 350 years old. This is a historic place where a lumberjack discovered the hot springs and where the 9th lord of the Matsumae clan also visited for medical treatment. The cool morning air naturally soothes the mind and soul. ⸻ 🌿 Experience finding a mysterious "healing fortune" The temple grounds are full of unusual fortunes such as "rabbit" and "squid lure". The simple and cute divine talismans are perfect as a memento of your trip. The time to leisurely explore and find your favorite is also a small adventure unique to the shrine. ⸻ 🔥 Deepen the feeling of Yunokawa's hot springs with prayer After making a wish at the main shrine, touch the "Birthplace of Yunokawa Onsen" monument under the shrine, and you'll feel like you've started your journey around the hot spring town. It's also a great introduction to change your mood to a foot bath or a walk nearby. ⸻ 🌅 Silence x Lingering aftertaste of hot spring energy The morning sun shining into the worship hall, the sea breeze blowing through, the birds singing - a moment to listen to the sounds of nature and feel the fulfillment of standing in the hot spring land. It's a "moment of heart-unwinding" where the busyness of everyday life is suddenly unravelled. ⸻ Yukura Shrine is a quiet and rich "break from everyday life" woven together by prayer, history, and hot spring energy. Be sure to take a small but deep trip moment during your stay in Yunokawa #AbsolutelyFreeTrip

#cityplaybook With its harbor breeze, historic buildings, and soothing pace, Hakodate is one of Hokkaido’s most charming cities. Whether you’re here for the food, the views, or the quiet corners, it’s a place that makes slowing down feel natural. I started my day in the Hakodate Bay Area, where the red-brick warehouses and calm waters set the tone for a relaxed stroll. The mix of old buildings, sea air, and cozy shops is hard to beat. After wandering, I stopped by Yukura Shrine, a peaceful spot tucked away near the hot springs. It’s the kind of place where even a short visit leaves you feeling refreshed. For lunch, I had a bowl of shio ramen at Shinano—light, salty, and packed with local flavor. Just what you want on a cool Hokkaido day. As evening fell, I took the Hakodate Ropeway up the mountain. The view from the top? Simply stunning. The lights of the city against the bay and sky—worth every second. Why I recommend Hakodate: ・It’s a perfect blend of port-town history, fresh seafood, and relaxing vibes ・The night view is one of Japan’s most famous for a reason—and it lives up to the hype 📍Hakodate, Hokkaido, Japan #Hakodate #Hokkaido #BayAreaViews #RedBrickWarehouses #YukuraShrine #ShioRamen #RopewayViews #SlowTravel #JapanTrip #CityGuide

#aprilblooms The shrine of Yukura Shrine has a myth related to "Usagi", so you can see many things with rabbit motifs in the precincts. On the money box, there is a wood-carved rabbit held by the enshrined deity, and next to the main hall, there is a "snode rabbit" that is said to fulfil a wish while stroking. In addition, white rabbits such as "Healing Hammer" and "Temari Usagi", which are said to make the wish of curing the disease come true, and the brightly coloured hand hammer signboard are also gaining popularity as photo spots. There are also many types of omikuji, such as "Usagi Gobu" and "Ika Suomikuji", which is related to Hakodate's specialty "Squid".

Yukura Shrine, said to be the birthplace of Yunokawa Onsen, is also known for its benefits in health and longevity⛩ In the precincts, there are rabbit motifs everywhere, including stroking rabbits🐇 There are many types of fortune-telling slips, and you can enjoy rare ones such as rabbit fortune-telling slips, squid fortune-telling slips, and monkey fortune-telling slips! Many of the charms have cute designs, and there are also pet votive plaques and pet charms, so it is recommended for those who have pets⭐️ Access: 1 minute walk from the city tram "Yunokawa Station"🚃 #Yukura Shrine #Hakodate #Hakodate Tourism

This trip is to Hokkaido and southern Hokkaido. After arriving from Chitose Airport, we traveled all the way from the first stop, Noboribetsu Hell Valley, to staying at the Seishuitei Hot Spring Hotel in the evening. The hot spring here is the best hot spring to experience during this trip. Soak in it in the evening and again in the morning. , very comfortable and relaxing! The next day, we continued down to Knicks Ocean Park to see penguins walking, seal performances, and the indoor ocean world, which was very exciting! Next, on the way to Showa Shinzan, you will pass by Lake Toya. Because it is located in an active volcanic crater, the lake does not freeze in winter. The scenery around the lake is so beautiful and peaceful that you don't want to leave. We walked further down to Showa Shinzan, but unfortunately it wasn't cold enough and we couldn't see the smoke on the mountain. You can feed apple biscuits at the bear ranch next to it. Next we went to Hakodate and visited Yukura Shrine and Kanamori Warehouse (the seat of literary youth), which are worth visiting. Finally, we arrived at Goryokaku Park and went up to the bottom of Goryokaku Tower for a panoramic view! The view is quite spectacular. #Noboribetsu Hell Valley#Shishuitei#Nix Marine Park#Showa New Mountain#Toya Lake View#Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse#Clown Burger#Clown Burger#Noboribetsu Bear Ranch#Yangkura Shrine#Goryokaku Park#Goryokaku Tower