Thoughts and visions of the forerunners who built Otaru
Otaru Sumiyoshi Shrine was built the first year of the Meiji era, to pray for the safety of Kitamae ships, and for peace upon the village.
Through the Meiji, Taisho and Showa eras, Otaru grew as one of the prominent ports of Japan. As the city developed, many banks posted branch offices in the city, symbolizing its prominence. It is why Otaru was often nicknamed “Wall Street of the North.”
On the grounds of Sumiyoshi Shrine, are numerous torii, lanterns, and stone stairways that were donated by business magnates and influential persons in the Otaru’ economic world.
Heisei 30(2018), in commemoration of one-hundred and fifty years of enshrinement, we take this opportunity to show our appreciation and honor the virtues of the ancestors who dedicated their lives to Otaru.
