A number of early explorers of Hokkaidō such as Mamiya Rinzō are also enshrined.
In 1869, by an order of the Emperor Meiji, a ceremony to enshrine three kami (Shinto deities); Ōkunitama [simple], Ōkuninushi, and Sukunahikona, was held in Tokyo.
They were enshrined as the three pioneer kami (開拓三神, Kaitaku Sanjin), and they were later moved to Sapporo by officers in the Kaitakushi, the previous government of Hokkaidō prefecture.
During the season which cherry blossoms in the area bloom, the shrine is crowded with people enjoying Hanami.
From June 14 to 16 in every year, the Main festival of Hokkaido Shrine, also called "Sapporo Festival" (Sapporo Matsuri), is held, and the line of people bearing Mikoshi parades down the street which leads to the shrine.