Horokita-ji Temple (Sapporo, Hokkaido) Complete Guide | History, Access, and Visiting Information
Located in Kita-ku, Sapporo, Horokita-ji Temple is a historic temple belonging to the Jodo Shinshu Otani sect. Its excellent accessibility, just a one-minute walk from Kita 24-jo Subway Station, makes it a beloved temple among local residents. This article provides a detailed overview of Horokita-ji Temple, including its history, grounds, visiting information, and services such as memorial services and funerals.
Basic Information on Horokita-ji Temple
Temple Overview
Horokita-ji Temple is a Jodo Shinshu Otani sect temple located in Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido. The Jodo Shinshu Otani sect, founded by Shinran Shonin, is a sect that believes in the original vow of Amida Buddha and recites the Nembutsu (invocation of Amida Buddha), and has many temples throughout Japan.
Temple Name: Kohokuji Temple
Sect: Jodo Shinshu Otani School
Chief Priest: Keishin Kitagawa
Address: 1-15, Kita 23-jo Nishi 3-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 001-0023, Japan
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Phone Number: Please contact the temple directly for inquiries.
About Jodo Shinshu Otani School
The Jodo Shinshu Otani School is a Buddhist sect with Higashi Honganji Temple in Kyoto as its head temple. It is based on the teaching of “reliance on the power of others,” preaching the doctrine that everyone can be saved by the compassion of Amida Buddha. Many Jodo Shinshu temples were established in Hokkaido during the Meiji era’s development, and Kohokuji Temple has continued its activities rooted in the local community within this historical context.
The History and Origins of Horokita-ji Temple
Hokkaido Development and Temple Construction
Many temples in Hokkaido were established alongside immigrants from Honshu (mainland Japan) after the Meiji era. Horokita-ji Temple is one such temple that has grown alongside Sapporo’s development. Sapporo’s Kita Ward is an area north of Sapporo Station, which developed as a residential area from the late Meiji period through the Taisho and Showa eras.
Horokita-ji Temple has played an important role as a spiritual center for Jodo Shinshu Buddhist followers who settled in this area, and as a central hub of the local community.
Deep Ties with the Community
Despite its location near Sapporo’s city center at Kita 24-jo, Horokita-ji Temple maintains a tranquil atmosphere. Through funerals, memorial services, and annual events for local residents, it serves as a place for intergenerational exchange and is cherished as a community-oriented temple.
Access and Transportation Information
Access by Train
The greatest feature of Horokita-ji Temple is its excellent transportation access.
Nearest Station: Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line, “Kita 24-jo Station”
Distance from Station: Approximately 1 minute on foot (approx. 104m)
Exit: Exit 1 is the most convenient.
Kita 24-jo Station is just a 3-minute subway ride from Sapporo Station, making it easily accessible from various parts of Sapporo. Its location right outside the station makes it easily accessible for the elderly and those with mobility issues.
Access by Bus
Sapporo Municipal Buses are also available. The nearest bus stop is “Kita 24-jo Nishi 3-chome.” Multiple bus routes serve this stop, making it convenient for access from areas outside the subway line.
Access by Car
From Sapporo Station: Head north on National Route 5 (Soseigawa-dori), then turn west at Kita 23-jo or Kita 24-jo.
Parking: Please inquire in advance about parking availability at the temple. We recommend checking beforehand, especially when visiting for memorial services.
Temple Grounds Guide
Main Hall
The main hall of Horokita-ji Temple is a building in the traditional style of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. Amida Buddha is enshrined as the principal image, and daily services and religious ceremonies are held here. The main hall is enveloped in a solemn atmosphere, providing peace of mind to visitors.
Temple Grounds Atmosphere
Despite its location in the city center, the temple grounds are filled with a tranquil atmosphere. It offers an environment where you can experience the changing seasons of Sapporo, with cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn leaves, and snowy winter landscapes, each displaying a different face with each season.
Visiting and Worship
Visiting Hours
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed Days: Generally open year-round, but may change due to temple events, etc.
You are free to visit during opening hours, but please observe quietly if religious services or other ceremonies are taking place.
Etiquette for Visiting a Temple
The etiquette for visiting a temple in Jodo Shinshu Buddhism differs slightly from that of other sects:
- Gassho (palms together in prayer) and bow: Upon entering the main hall, join your hands in prayer towards the principal image of Amida Buddha and bow once.
- Nembutsu (chanting of Amida Buddha’s name): Chant “Namu Amida Butsu” silently or aloud.
- Incense Offering: During memorial services, in Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, incense is not held to the forehead but placed directly into the incense burner.
About Goshuin (Temple Seals)
Many Jodo Shinshu temples traditionally do not issue Goshuin, but please inquire directly with the temple for details.
Memorial Service and Funeral Services
About Funerals
At Horokita-ji Temple, funeral services are conducted according to the rituals of the Jodo Shinshu Otani sect. Chief priest Keishin Kitagawa conducts the ceremony to respectfully send off the deceased, and strives to provide compassionate support to the bereaved family.
Funeral Features:
- Solemn ceremony based on the teachings of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism
- Warm, community-oriented service
- Suitable for family funerals to general funerals
Those wishing to hold a funeral should consult with the temple in advance. We can also collaborate with funeral homes; please inquire for details.
About Memorial Services
Horokita-ji Temple holds the following types of memorial services:
Annual Memorial Services:
- First seven days, forty-ninth day memorial service
- First anniversary, third anniversary, seventh anniversary memorial service
- Thirteenth anniversary, seventeenth anniversary, twenty-third anniversary memorial service
- Twenty-seventh anniversary, thirty-third anniversary, fiftieth anniversary memorial service
Other Memorial Services:
- Obon memorial service
- Higan memorial service
- Monthly memorial service
Please consult the temple directly regarding the dates and content of memorial services.
About Perpetual Memorial Services and Interment
For information regarding perpetual memorial services, the availability of an ossuary, and cemetery information, please contact the temple directly. In recent years, the demand for perpetual memorial services has increased in urban areas, and many temples are now offering this service.
Annual Events
Major Buddhist Events
As a Jodo Shinshu temple, Horokita-ji Temple holds various events throughout the year:
Spring:
- Spring Equinox Service (March)
- Birth Day Celebration (Flower Festival, April): A memorial service celebrating the birth of Shinran Shonin
Summer:
- Obon Festival (August): An important event for honoring ancestors
Autumn:
- Autumn Equinox Service (September)
- Hoonko Service (November): The most important event commemorating the anniversary of Shinran Shonin’s death
Winter:
- Shusho-e Service (January): A memorial service welcoming the New Year
For detailed dates of each event, please check the temple’s bulletin board or contact the temple directly.
About Temple Members and Laypeople
How to Become a Temple Member
Those wishing to become a temple member of Horokita-ji Temple should first consult with the temple. In Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, temple members are sometimes called “Monto” and are an important part of supporting the temple.
By becoming a temple member:
- You can have funerals and memorial services held at the temple.
- You can participate in annual events and gain opportunities to experience Buddhist teachings.
- You can deepen your connections as a member of the local community.
Use by Non-Temple Members
Even those who are not temple members can consult about funerals and memorial services. Please contact the temple directly for details.
Surrounding Area Information
About the Kita 24-jo Area
The Kita 24-jo area, where Horokita-ji Temple is located, is approximately 2km north of Sapporo Station and is a convenient area with a mix of residential and commercial facilities.
Nearby Facilities:
- Hokkaido University: Within walking distance
- Shopping Street: A wide variety of shops convenient for daily shopping
- Medical Facilities: Several clinics and hospitals are located nearby
- Public Facilities: Community centers and libraries are available
Nearby Temples and Shrines
In addition to Horokita-ji Temple, there are several other temples and shrines in Kita Ward, Sapporo City, each serving as a center of local faith. Those who enjoy visiting temples and shrines may also consider visiting these.
Introduction of the Chief Priest
Chief Priest Keishin Kitagawa
The current chief priest of Horokita-ji Temple is Reverend Keishin Kitagawa. He preaches the importance of applying the teachings of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism to daily life and continues to engage in activities that are close to the needs of parishioners and local residents.
He not only handles funerals and memorial services, but also provides consultations on various aspects of life, earning the trust of many.
Features and Recommended Points of Horokita-ji Temple
1. Excellent Access
Its location, just a one-minute walk from the subway station, is particularly outstanding among temples in Sapporo. This convenience is a major attraction for the elderly and relatives visiting from afar.
2. Warm, Community-Oriented Atmosphere
Despite its proximity to the city center, the temple possesses a warm, community-oriented atmosphere. It serves as a gathering place for those who have lived in the area for generations and those who have recently moved there.
3. Jodo Shinshu Tradition
While upholding the orthodox teachings of the Jodo Shinshu Otani sect, the temple engages in activities that are relevant to modern life. It is a temple where you can feel the teachings of Buddhism close at hand.
Notes Regarding Visits
Regarding Attire
For regular visits, there are no specific dress code requirements. However, if attending a memorial service or funeral, formal attire such as ceremonial clothing is desirable.
Regarding Etiquette
- Please be quiet within the temple grounds.
- Please refrain from taking photographs; permission may be required in some cases.
- Please turn off your mobile phone or set it to silent mode during religious services.
- Eating and drinking are prohibited inside the main hall.
Regarding Parking
Parking spaces may be limited, so we recommend using public transportation whenever possible. If you are visiting by car, please check with the temple in advance.
How to Contact
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding Horokita-ji Temple, please call the temple directly or visit during opening hours to discuss your needs.
Location: 1-15, Kita 23-jo Nishi 3-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 001-0023
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Examples of Consultation Topics
- Requests for funerals and memorial services
- Consultation on becoming a temple parishioner
- Information on perpetual memorial services and interment
- Confirmation of annual event schedules
- Consultation on general Buddhist rituals
About Buddhist Temples in Sapporo
Characteristics of Temples in Hokkaido
Many temples in Hokkaido were built after the Meiji era by immigrants from Honshu, giving them a relatively recent history. However, this also means they have strong ties with the community, having overcome the hardships of the pioneering era together, and continue to play a central role in the local community today.
Temple Environment in Kita-ku, Sapporo
Kita-ku, Sapporo, has temples of multiple sects, each conducting its own activities. Horokita-ji Temple, among them, boasts excellent transportation access and is one of the important temples that continues to uphold the teachings of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism.
Summary
Horokita-ji Temple, located at Kita 24-jo, Kita-ku, Sapporo, is a Jodo Shinshu Otani-ha temple that has long been cherished by the local community. It boasts excellent accessibility, being just a one-minute walk from Kita 24-jo subway station, the courteous service provided by Chief Priest Keishin Kitagawa, and a warm, community-oriented atmosphere.
You can engage with the temple in various ways, including funerals, memorial services, daily visits, and participation in Buddhist events. For those who wish to learn about the teachings of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, perform ancestral rites, or seek Buddhist guidance at important junctures in life, Horokita-ji Temple is a place of spiritual solace.
If you are looking for a temple in Sapporo, or wish to hold a memorial service at a Jodo Shinshu temple, we encourage you to visit Horokita-ji Temple. Opening hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and it is conveniently accessible by subway. For further details, please contact the temple directly.
