幸坂

サイワイザカ

■坂名説明標柱

昔、坂の中ほどに神社があり、これを神明社（しんめいしゃ）といったので、この坂も「神明坂」と呼ばれた。神明社は明治7年（1874年）山上大神宮（やまのうえだいじんぐう）と現在名に改め、のち坂の最上部に移転した。明治8年、坂下の海岸が埋め立てられ、幸多かれと幸町（現弁天町）ができたので、町名に従い「幸坂」となった。

SAIWAI ZAKA SLOPE
Long ago,there used to be a shrine called “Shinmeisha” in the middle of the slope.Therefore,this slope had been called “Shinmei Zaka”. Later,in 1874 the name “Shinmeisha” was changed into “Yamanoue Dai Jingu,” literally meaning “A Big Shrine on the Top of the Mountain.” when the shrine was moved to the top of the slope.The next year,in 1875,the seashore at the foot of this slope was reclaimed and was named “Saiwai cho” wishing “Happiness for all.” （It’s now called  “Benten cho.”） So,the slope was renamed “Saiwai zaka.”

CITY OF HAKODATE