About Sumiyoshi Shrine As the chief shrine of Otaru, Sumiyoshi Shrine, which enshrines the "Three Gods of Sumiyoshi" and "Okinaga-Otoi-hime-no-mikoto," who are considered gods of the sea and gods of safe navigation, was founded in 1864 (the first year of the Meiji Restoration) and its shrine buildings were constructed in their current location in 1881 (the 14th year of the Meiji Restoration). It is a venerable shrine with a history of over 150 years. The Otaru Sumiyoshi Shrine office building, the largest wooden office building in Hokkaido, was designated as an Otaru City Historic Building in 1994. Within the grounds of Sumiyoshi Shrine, there is the first torii gate, which was donated by the shipowners of the Kitamae-bune, Oya Nanpei and Hiroumi Fusaburo. These individuals, whose ships are recognized as constituent cultural properties of a UNESCO World Heritage site, purchased a Kitamae-bune vessel in Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, and transported the stone materials to the shrine. Many other torii gates, lanterns, stone steps, and handwashing basins donated by prominent figures and wealthy merchants of Otaru's economic world are scattered throughout the grounds, allowing visitors to feel the spirit of the pioneers who built Otaru. Since the mid-Meiji period, the annual festival of Sumiyoshi Shrine, a major shrine in the city, has been known as the "Otaru Matsuri" and was the representative festival of the region. Currently, although the "Sumiyoshi Grand Festival" and the "Otaru Shio Matsuri" have different origins, these two major festivals serve as a mainstay for the citizens and liven up Otaru's summer every year. Full of auspiciousness / All good things / Nothing but good fortune Original products from UNGA↑, which is based on the concept of "Shipping x Good Fortune". In the history of Hokkaido's development, the Kitamae-sen (Northbound Ship) was a treasure ship that transported many goods and culture to Otaru. UNGA↑ is a brand mark featuring the Seven Gods of Fortune on a Kitanenmaru ship, and we create auspicious products with the hope of bringing "luck" to those who receive them, working with local artisans with all our hearts. OTARU・KUTANI Wooden Model of a Lucky Goldfish Inufune Bracelet Pine, Bamboo, and Plum Blossom Celebration Cup and Small Plate Set Otaru Canal Lucky Manju (steamed bun) Wachanbon (Japanese Tea Tray) Full of auspiciousness / All good things / Nothing but good fortune
Purchase online here.