Hakusan Shrine

Hakusan Shrine is Niigata’s chief guardian shrine with over 1,000 years of history. It enshrines a goddess called “Kukurihime,” who is said to have reconciled two people in conflict, and thus it is known as a matchmaking deity. It is believed to “tie (kukuru)” connections not only between couples but also for family, work, desired schools, and financial luck. A must-see is the shrine’s symbol, the “First Torii of Furumachi,” located at the front of Furumachi Street; passing through it leads to Hakusan Park adjacent to the shrine. Hakusan Park, built in 1873 as a Dutch-style park, was also designated as Japan’s first civic park. For those seeking better fortune, “Hebimatsu Myojin” is recommended: writing wishes on snake ema tablets and offering them is said to bring fulfillment, and many tablets have been dedicated. Access: about 10 minutes by car from JR Niigata Station, about 10 minutes from Niigata Bypass “Meike I.C.” or “Sakuragi I.C.” By bus: about 15 minutes from Niigata Station Bandai Exit, get off at “Shiyakusho-mae,” “Rikujokyogijo-mae,” or “Hakusan Koen-mae,” then walk 1–3 minutes.