Rumoi Shrine - Hokkaido
Rumoi Shrine (留萌神社) is a prefectural shrine located at 14-16 Miyazonocho, Rumoi City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. It has a history that dates back to 1786.
Rumoi Shrine (留萌神社) |
Rumoi Shrine details
Autumn Visit
As mentioned, Rumoi Shrine's history dates back to 1786 when Hikoemon Suhara enshrined the spirit of Ichikishimahime Mikoto in Itsukushima Shrine in Aki, Hiroshima. Back then, Hokkaido was still referred to as Ezochi and is still mostly Ainu land. However, the southern part of the island was part of the Matsumae Clan's feudal lands and was in charge of the "protection" of the whole island until the Tokugawa Shogunate took direct control of it due to the perceived threat from Russia.
During the Meiji Restoration, Ezochi became known as Hokkaido and the island was subdivided into provinces namely Oshima, Shiribeshi, Iburi, Ishikari, Teshio, Kitami, Hidaka, Tokachi Kushiro, Nemuro, and Chishima.
Present-day Rumoi was part of Teshio and was known as Rurumoppe until it was renamed Rumoi in 1869. In 1976, Itsukushima Shrine was chosen as the village shrine and was elevated to hometown shrine in 1896.
Sadly, since the shrine was built in the lowlands close to the coast, it would usually get flooded whenever the Rumoi River would overflow or when the seas are rough, so it was relocated to Rumoi Street in 1891 and then to its present-day location in 1914. The shrine was built using the Shinmei-zukuri architectural style.
The mini shrine in between Rumoi Shrine and Hokokuji |
Itsukushima Shrine was renamed Rumoi Shrine in 1945. At present, Rumoi Shrine has a total precinct area of 2909 tsubo or 0.9283 hectares. Its parishioners consist of 6200 households.
I first visited Rumoi Shrine last November 14, 2021 (Sunday) which was my 2nd week here in Rumoi City as an ALT. Overall, it's not as big as the shrines that I visited in Kyoto but it definitely has a long and interesting story to tell. I'm looking forward to visiting this shrine in different seasons to see how its beauty changes with it.
Rumoi Shrine Entrance Fee
It's FREE to enter and explore Rumoi Shrine. However, you need to pay 300 yen if you are planning to avail of the goshuin.
Rumoi Shrine Operating Hours
Rumoi Shrine is open from 9AM to 4PM.
Why visit Rumoi Shrine?
Rumoi Shrine is the main shrine of Rumoi City. Most of the townspeople would go to it during new year celebrations. It also has a splendid view of the city and the hills north of it. You should come to visit to see its beauty during the different seasons.
Getting to Rumoi Shrine
Sadly, there are no buses that go directly to Rumoi Shrine. You can ride the taxi but it's pricey. Your best option is to walk from Rumoi JR Station to Rumoi Shrine which is approximately 15-20 minutes away.
What a beautiful shrine! I'd love to visit Rumoi Shrine in the future.
ReplyDeletePlease do. :)
DeleteInteresting history.
ReplyDeleteIt truly is. =)
DeleteI went there last summer. I didn't know that it looks that good in fall.
ReplyDeleteYou should come visit Rumoi Shrine again. =)
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