Bihoro Shrine - Hokkaido

Bihoro Shrine (美幌神社) is the main shrine of the town of Bihoro. It is located at 4-1 Nishi 1-jo Minami, in the town of Bihoro in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Bihoro Shrine

Bihoro Shrine details 

Bihoro Shrine, founded on September 16, 1919, holds an important historical significance in the town of Bihoro. Originally known as Yama Abashiri, the town played a crucial role in the Abashiri fishing industry during the Bunsei era. The town was established by sailing dugout boats along the Abashiri River to procure materials for fishing gear.

Bihoro Shrine - Bihoro town, Hokkaido Prefecture

In 1888, Kihei Fujino, who had temporarily halted his fishing business, began visiting Abashiri every May and June to gather materials for his fishing endeavors. The Ainu people, native to the area, initially cultivated only a small amount of vegetables. However, in 1889, the Aborigine Relief Office was established by Kinosuke Nishida to promote and supervise agriculture. In 1897, this office was replaced by the head office, which marked the beginning of a permanent settlement in the area.

美幌神社

Bihoro Shrine's torii gate

Bihoro Shrine's torii as seen from near the main hall

The first group of 13 households immigrated from Tottori Prefecture in 1936, significantly contributing to the growth of the village. In response to the increasing population, an upper shrine building was constructed, accommodating two deities and becoming the guardian deity of the expanding village.

Bihoro Shrine's Main Hall

Bihoro Shrine's emas or prayer boards

Bihoro Shrine's omikuji

Bihoro Shrine applied for establishment on June 9, 1912, and received permission on September 16, 1919. On December 11 of the same year, the shrine officially entered the village and has continuously operated since. In 1945, a religious corporation was established, and in subsequent years, the shrine building underwent renovations and expansions, reflecting its increasing importance and popularity among the community.

Other things to see in Bihoro Shrine grounds

Bihoro Shrine's chozuya

Ryu Shrine (龍神社)

地神碑

Bihoro Shrine's komainu

Bihoro Shrine's komainu 1 

Bihoro Shrine's komainu 2

Presently, Bihoro Shrine enshrines the deities; Amaterasu Ōkami, Ame no Tajikara Omikoto, and Ame no Minakanushi no Kami. The shrine covers a total area of 168.5 square meters and serves approximately 9300 households, making it a significant spiritual center for the community.

Team Nicerio visits Bihoro Shrine

My family and I visited Bihoro Shrine for the first time last September 19, 2022, which was the last day of our September 17-19 Road Trip. It was my 322nd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. It was included in our itinerary as we have a family tradition of visiting the main shrine of the city, town, or village that we have visited for the first time. During our visit, we paid respects and offered some prayers. Before leaving we made some wishes which were also part of our family tradition.

Bihoro Shrine Fees

It’s FREE to enter and explore Bihoro Shrine grounds. However, if you collect goshuin, you need to bring some cash along with you.

Bihoro Shrine Operating Hours

Bihoro Shrine grounds are open 24/7. However, the shrine office is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. 

Why visit Bihoro Shrine?

Bihoro Shrine serves as the main shrine of the town of Bihoro. The locals visit it to offer prayers and sometimes wish for healing or good luck. If you have the same belief then you should add this shrine to your pilgrimage itinerary. Aside from that, Bihoro Shrine is also a must-visit if you collect goshuin.

Getting to Bihoro Shrine:

 

From Asahikawa Station, board the Taisetsu 1 Limited Express Abashiri of the Okhotsk-Taisetsu Line. Board down at Bihoro Station and walk for about 2.1 kilometers to Bihoro Shrine.

Travel time: 3 hours 53 minutes

Fare: 7790 yen 

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