Onishika Itsukushima Shrine - Hokkaido
Onishika Itsukushima Shrine (鬼鹿厳島神社) is a village shrine that once was considered a shrine for herring fishermen. located at 300 Onishikaminatomachi, in the town of Obira in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
Onishika Itsukushima Shrine details
(SUMMER)
Hikoemon Suhara of Fukushima, Matsumae-gun, is believed to have built the shrine at Amato-Ganmura in 1866. It became a village shrine in 1889, and due to Kikamura's urbanization in 1909, it was relocated from Amatogan Village to Kikamura (current location). The shrine houses the deity Ichikishima Hime no Mikoto and celebrates its annual holiday on July 3.
The path going to Onishika Itsukushima Shrine as seen from the shrine grounds |
Onishika Itsukushima Shrine komainu faces Onishika and the Sea of Japan |
Onishika Itsukushima Shrine a-gyō |
Onishika Itsukushima Shrine un-gyō |
Onishika Itsukushima Shrine is revered and respected by the fishermen, particularly those in the herring fishing industry. They offer prayers to the shrine in the belief that it will protect them and they will also yield a good catch. Sadly, with the declining population of the herring, those who came to the shrine became fewer and fewer. Presently, the shrine serves about 400 households.
Regardless, Onishika Itsukushima Shrine currently houses social treasures like the Kagura (designated by Kodaira Town, "Matsumae"), Fuda ("Relocated Senza Ceremony Building" 1904), Ceremony ("Relocated Senza Dedicated Kagura" 1903), Record ("History of Shrine" 1909), Sacred Mirror (“Victory Prayer Kagura Dedication” 1926), Photobook (“Dedication of Yuki Saita herring lees” Taisho era).
Onishika Itsukushima Shrine as seen from the torii |
Check out the beautifully sculpted rat and the rabbit |
There are also some very detailed dragon sculptures on wooden roof support |
I visited Onishika Itsukushima Shrine for the first time last June 8, 2022, which was my 219th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. My visit was brief as I was on my way to Obira Special Needs School for my work visit. Regardless, I did not miss the opportunity to offer a prayer during my visit.
Onishika Itsukushima Shrine Admission Fee:
It's FREE to enter and explore the grounds of Onishika Itsukushima Shrine.
Onishika Itsukushima Shrine Operating Hours
Onishika Itsukushima Shrine is open from 9 AM to 4 PM. However, the shrine grounds are open 24/7.
Why visit Onishika Itsukushima Shrine?
If you love fishing and have the opportunity to be in Onishika for a fishing trip then I highly recommend that you visit Onishika Itsukushima Shrine. If you're a tourist, then there is nothing wrong with simply visiting to pay respects.
Getting to Onishika Itsukushima Shrine
From Rumoi City ride the Engan Coastal Bus and board down at the Onishika bus stop. From there, walk uphill for about 400 meters. When you see a fork, turn left and follow the road until you see Onishika Itsukushima Shrine.
Fare: 680 yen
Travel time: 30 - 35 minutes
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Overall rating |
The dragon sculptures looks cool.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you.
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