Otoineppu Hachiman Shrine - Hokkaido

Otoineppu Hachiman Shrine (音威子府八幡神社) is the main shrine of the small village of Otoineppu. It celebrates its annual holiday on July 23rd. It is located on the hill along the outskirts of Otoineppu Village in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. 

音威子府八幡神社
Otoineppu Hachiman Shrine

Otoineppu Hachiman Shrine details

It was believed that in 1907, one of the first settlers in Otoineppu named Kanjiro Noji constructed a wooden pillar with the words "pioneering memorial" carved on it on what is Kiriwariyama in the northeast part of Otoineppu. He then dedicated it to Amaterasu Omikami Honda.

音威子府八幡神社
Otoineppu Hachiman Shrine - Otoineppu Village, Hokkaide

Following that, it was relocated to the village proper, but it was constantly swamped when it flooded, thus it was relocated to the current government office building during the Taisho era.

Otoineppu Hachiman Shrine Main Hall





During those times a small shrine was built by the settlers. The worship hall was erected in 1922 and was relocated to its current position in 1952 when the new government building was completed.

Otoineppu Hachiman Shrine Torii 

Going up the stairs to Otoineppu Hachiman Shrine

Due to the deterioration of the old shrine, Otoineppu Hachiman Shrine was rebuilt using the Shinmei-zukuri architectural design sometime in the late 1960s. Presently, the shrine remains a mukakusha or an unranked shrine. It is also currently unmanned hence visitors won’t be able to get a goshuin here.

Can you spot our car?

The view from the top

My family and I visited Otoineppu Hachiman Shrine for the first time last August 16, 2022, which was the last day of our 5-day "Drive Up North" Road Trip which was my 42nd week here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. It was also the last destination that we visited for the day as we were already driving back home. We made sure to visit it to pay respects and offer some prayers before leaving Otoineppu.

Otoineppu Hachiman Shrine chozuya

One of the monuments inside the shrine grounds

Otoineppu Hachiman Shrine Loyalty Monument

What I like about Otoineppu Hachiman Shrine is the atmosphere of the place. The shrine grounds have nice scenery. However, heads up, you would have to go up numerous steps to reach the shrine if you are entering via the white Torii gate.

Otoineppu Hachiman Shrine Entrance Fee

It’s FREE to enter and explore the Otoineppu Hachiman Shrine grounds.

Otoineppu Hachiman Shrine Operating Hours

Otoineppu Hachiman Shrine is open 24/7.

Why visit Otoineppu Hachiman Shrine?

To be honest, there is nothing to do in Otoineppu Hachiman Shrine as it is unmanned and the goshuin is unavailable. Regardless, it’s a place to pay respects and offer prayers when you visit the village of Otoineppu.

Getting to Otoineppu Hachiman Shrine


From Asahikawa Station, ride the Soya-Sarobetsu (Sarobetsu 1 Limited Express Wakkanai) of the JR Hokkaido. Board down at Otoineppu Station. 

From there, walk for about 1.3 kilometers going to Otoineppu Shrine. 

Travel time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Fare: 5,550 yen

Ratings

Pilgrims

Cleanliness

Overall Rating


Location: P7HF+C4 Otoineppu, Hokkaido, Japan

Comments

  1. AnonymousFebruary 20, 2024 at 7:26 AM

    I wonder if Otoineppu Shrine is accessible in winter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 28, 2024 at 7:24 AM

      It is but it would be difficult to visit it as there might be deep snow in the shrine vicinity and since it is unmanned there would be no one to clear the snow.

      Delete

Post a Comment

Book your hotel thru KLOOK

Klook.com
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Popular posts from this blog

Imus City Plaza - Cavite

Image
Located in the center of the Poblacion or town proper of Imus City in the province of Cavite, Imus City Plaza is one of the city's scenic and historical attractions. Imus City Plaza Imus City Plaza Details This plaza is located in front of the equally historical Imus Cathedral and Imus City Hall . Imus City Plaza is also the first place to greet you if you're heading to the cathedral via Sapinoso Street.  Imus City Plaza - Imus City, Cavite General Licerio Topacio The general guarding the flag Checking out each angle of the monument Imus City Plaza History Imus City Plaza is probably easily remembered because of the monument with two vintage artillery flanking it. The monument stands as an honor to the children of Imus who joined the fight for the independence of the country against Spain. As for the man standing on top of the monument, he is General Licerio Topacio . He is one of the most notable sons of Imus. He is famously known for honorably declinin...
Keep reading

Patungan Beach - Cavite

Image
Located in Barangay Sta. Mercedes (Patungan) in Maragondon , Cavite, Patungan Beach is one of the province's little-known beach destinations. It is situated inside Patungang Cove which is south of Mt. Palay Palay which is also known as Pico de Loro . Patungan Beach Patungan Beach Details The area near Patungan Beach is home to about 100 - 200 families, most of which are fishermen hence the alternate name of the barangay - Patungan Fishing Village . According to the locals that I interviewed, their place was once an isolated  barangay , reachable only by boat, horse, or foot. Thankfully, with the completion of the  Nasugbu - Ternate Highway  and  Kaybiang Tunnel , the barangay was finally connected to the province. However, there is still no direct public transportation system that serves the area coming from Manila.  Patungan Beach - Maragondon, Cavite The beach from a distance Check out these photos of Patungan Beach: Just a heads up, ...
Keep reading

Sapporo Grand Hotel - Hokkaido

Image
Sapporo Grand Hotel ( 札幌グランドホテル ) is a historic 4-star hotel in the heart of Sapporo City. It is located at 4 Chome Kita 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Sapporo Grand Hotel Sapporo Grand Hotel details Located in the heart of Sapporo's vibrant Chūō district, the Sapporo Grand Hotel is a testament to elegance and history. Dating back to 1928, the hotel's conception was sparked by Prince Chichibu's vision during a skiing excursion, recognizing the need for Western-style lodging in the city. Four years later, in 1934, its majestic doors swung open, marking the dawn of a new era in hospitality. Sapporo Grand Hotel - Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture Upon its inauguration, the Sapporo Grand Hotel soared as the city's tallest edifice, commanding attention with its imposing stature. Embraced by the Japanese Imperial Army as a strategic locale for military maneuvers in the 1930s, the hotel swiftly became an integral part of Sapporo's land...
Keep reading

Myozenji - Gifu

Image
Located in 679 Ogi-machi, Shirakawago in Gifu Prefecture, Myozenji  ( 明善寺 ) is a historic religious establishment found in the historic village of Shirakawago .  Myozenji  ( 明善寺 ) Myozenji History Myozenji Temple was established in 1748 to provide the village people with a place to practice their religion and also to give spiritual protection to the village. For half a century,  the small temple  housed the mo nks who catered untiringly to the spiritual needs of the locals. In 1800, the temple was finally improved with the construction of the main hall, monk's residence, and the bell tower gate. Myozenji - Shirakawago, Gifu Prefecture Myozenji's Hondo Myozenji's bell tower Myozenji is surrounded by nature. Check out this small frog I saw near the temple ...and this lizard too! What makes the Myozenji unique is its thatched roof which uses the same materials as that of the famed gassho-style houses of the village. Like the t...
Keep reading

10 More Things to Do in Sapporo City

Image
10 More Things to Do in Sapporo City Sapporo City ( 札幌市 ) is one of the places in Hokkaido that has a lot to offer. That's why In this article, I will share with you 10 More Things to Do in Sapporo City . If you missed reading my article about the " 10 Things to Do in Sapporo City " then please click this 👉 LINK 👈. Tanukikoji Shopping Street 1. Go shopping or restaurant hopping on Tanukikoji Shopping Street  ( 狸小路商店街 ). There are over 200 outlets and restaurants to try out or shop from. Sapporo Beer Museum 2. Go to the  Sapporo Beer Museum  ( サッポロビール博物館 ) and learn about the world-famous Sapporo Beer . Don’t forget to buy some souvenirs at the souvenir shop. If you have the time and budget then you may also opt for the tour and free tasting experience. Shiroi Koibito Park 3. Visit Shiroi Koibito Park  ( 白い恋人パーク ). If you love chocolates and cookies, then this place is a must-visit. You can watch how their famous cookies are made. If you have an extra budget, don’...
Keep reading

Embetsu Shrine Revisited Winter 2022

Image
On August 12, 2022 , during my 41st week in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme , my family and I had the pleasure of visiting Embetsu Shrine for the first time as part of our five-day "Drive Up North" Road Trip . Later, on December 22, 2022 , I had the opportunity to revisit the shrine. What made this return visit particularly special was experiencing it during the winter season. Intrigued by how the shrine would be transformed by snow, I made the trip after finishing my duties at Embetsu Agricultural High School . As expected, the shrine exuded a captivating charm, its grounds adorned in a blanket of snow, truly a magical sight to behold. Embetsu Shrine Revisited Winter 2022 Embetsu Shrine details ( Winter ) For those who weren’t able to read my previous article about Embetsu Shrine , you might want to click this 👉 LINK 👈 to read about the history of the shrine. Regardless, here’s a summary of it. Embetsu Shrine - Embetsu town, Hokkaido Prefecture Embetsu Shrine ...
Keep reading

Shoboji and Gifu Daibutsu - Gifu

Image
Located in 8 Daibutsu-cho Gifu City in Gifu Prefecture, Shoboji ( 正法寺 )  is known as the temple which houses one of the three largest Daibutsu or Great Buddha statues in Japan . Shoboji   ( 正法寺 ) Shoboji and Gifu Daibutsu History Officially named Kinpouzan Shobouji (Temple) and also called Shohoji , Shoboji was first established in 1638. It joined the Obaku school in 1692. Although the temple incorporated many aspects of the Obaku school, its architectural style and sacraments are in the Chinese style.  Shoboji - Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture Shoboji as seen from the road Buy your entrance ticket here. It's only 200 yen. Here's what appears to be a tsukubai but could also be a chozubachi or purification font As was already written, Shoboji houses one of the largest statues of Buddha in Japan. It was the 11th head priest of the temple, Ichyuu (Ichu) who planned for the construction of Gifu's Great Buddha in 1790. Sadly, he never saw the completed Bud...
Keep reading

Gifu Castle - Gifu

Image
Located in the city of Gifu in Gifu Prefecture, Gifu Castle ( 岐阜城 )  is a mountaintop castle that stands as one of the symbols of the city.  Gifu Castle  ( 岐阜城 ) Gifu Castle History Built by the Nikaido Clan during the Kamakura Period sometime between 1201 to 1204, Gifu Castle was once called Inabayama Castle by its original owners. It was a formidable castle which overlooks the surrounding countryside of then Mino Province. On September 13, 1567, the castle and its defenders under the leadership of Saito Tatsuoki of the Saito Clan came under siege by the numerically superior army of Oda Nobunaga.  Gifu Castle - Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture Gifu Castle as displayed at Mt. Kinka Ropeway Station Make sure to get some brochures at Kinkazan Ropeway Station We rode the ropeway up Mt. Kinka Despite its strategical and strong position on top of Mt. Inaba, the castle still fell to the hands of Oda Nobunaga due to his cunning strategy of sending in si...
Keep reading

Takayama City - Gifu

Image
Located in the northern part of Gifu Prefecture, Takayama City  ( 高山 ) is said to be in the heart of the Japanese Alps. It also currently has the largest geographic area of any municipality in Japan . Takayama City  ( 高山 ) Takayama City History Takayama City is also called Hida-Takayama in reference to the old Hida province and also to differentiate it from other places in Japan with the same name. The name  Takayama  means "tall mountain", probably in reference to the mountains that surround it.  Takayama City's famed Sanmachi Suji Part of the town near the Old Town District as seen from our room in the hotel Walking the streets of Takayama City Crossing the Nakabashi Bridge The history of the creation of Takayama started with its establishment in 1889. During that time, it was the most populous municipality in Gifu Prefecture. In 1936, the town merged with the town of Onada forming the city of Takayama. It continued to grow as it annexed ...
Keep reading

Shirakawago - Gifu

Image
Located in Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawago ( 白川郷 ) is a famous historical mountain village in the northwestern part of the Hida Region.  Shirakawago   ( 白川郷 ) Shirakawago History The name Shirakawa   is taken from the traditional Japanese name of the region during ancient times.  Throughout time the region and its territories were reorganized and renamed. The name Shirakawa was then taken by the small mountain village which would then be included in the present-day Hida Region.  Shirakawago 's history dates back to around 1176 when its name first appeared in historical texts. However, artifacts like pottery which dates back to 7000-2300 BCE were excavated in the area.  Shirakawago - Gifu Prefecture Shirakawago as seen from Ogimachi Castle Ruin Observation Deck Check out the manhole cover of Shirakawago ! Gassho-style houses near paddy fields When the silk and gunpowder industry flourished in the village during the Edo era, the locals start...
Keep reading