Kitami Shrine - Hokkaido

Kitami Shrine (北見神社) is the main shrine of the Kitami City. It is located at 6 Chome-11 Kita 2 Johigashi in the city of Kitami in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Kitami Shrine

Kitami Shrine details

Kitami Shrine, located in Notsukeushi, Japan, has a rich history dating back to June 1898. It was established by Masayasu Koizumi, the battalion commander of the 4th Tonden Infantry Battalion. The shrine was originally dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess.

Kitami Shrine - Kitami City, Hokkaido Prefecture

In August of the same year, a shrine was constructed at the southern end of the current Notsukeushi Park. The enshrinement ceremony took place on the 24th and 25th of August, and the shrine was initially named Gokoku Shrine.

北見神社

Kitami Shrine's history 

Kitami Shrine's main torii

During this time, many pioneer immigrants settled in the area. These settlers, who arrived by sea after a month-long voyage, worshipped Sumiyoshi Okami, the guardian deity of the sea. Once they landed, they also enshrined Sumiyoshi Okami as the ancestral deity of the settlement.

Kitami Shrine Main Hall

In May 1908, the shrine was moved to its current location on Odori Higashi 6-chome to commemorate the Russo-Japanese War. By 1919, as Notsuke Ushi developed and the shrine building became smaller, there were discussions about constructing a new shrine building. Eventually, the shrine was relocated to its present location on Kita 2-jo Higashi 6-chome. During this time, the Ministry of the Interior classified the shrine as a Mukaku shrine.

Kitami Shrine's chozuya

The old chozubachi of Kitami Shrine

In Taisho 10 (1921), the Ministry of Home Affairs classified the shrine as a village shrine and changed its name to Notsuke Ushi Shrine. However, in March 1949, due to social affairs improvements, the shrine was reclassified as a Gosha by the Ministry of Home Affairs. In October of the same year, the shrine's name was changed to Kitami Shrine when the municipal organization was implemented.

The ema rack of the shrine

Statue of Kinjiro Ninomiya

Monument of the Imperial Rescript on Education

Gozoei Monument

In April 1950, Yasuharu Akioka, the minor chief priest of Ise Shrine, visited Kitami Shrine. Akioka applied for the granting of the spirit of the agricultural god Toyokebiboshi. In May of the same year, the shrine was granted special approval. On June 24th, the spirit of Toyokebiboshi was transferred to Kitami Shrine, and the following day, a grand ceremony was held to celebrate the transfer.

Kitami Shrine komainu 1

Kitami Shrine holds great significance as it was built by pioneering settlers who overcame numerous trials and tribulations to settle in the region. Their efforts allowed rice farming to thrive in the frozen and snowy land. In recognition of this, Ise Shrine, the main sect of Japan's Jingi, gifted Kitami Shrine with the spirit of Ubihogami, the god of agriculture.

Kitami Shrine komainu 2

In 1996, Kitami Shrine celebrated its 100th anniversary. As part of the commemorative projects, the stone steps of Omotesando were renovated, and the precincts were revitalized. On June 25th of that year, a special ceremony was held to mark the shrine's 100th anniversary.

Team Nicerio visits Kitami Shrine

My family and I visited Kitami 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 the last shrine that we visited during our road trip. It was included in our itinerary as we have a family tradition of visiting the main shrine of the city, town, or village we visited for the first time. During our visit, we paid respects and offered some prayers. Before leaving we made some wishes which was also part of our family tradition.

Kitami Shrine Fees

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

Kitami Shrine Operating Hours

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

Why visit Kitami Shrine?

Kitami Shrine serves as the main shrine of the town of Kitami. 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, the Kitami Shrine is also a must-visit if you collect goshuin.

Getting to Kitami Shrine

 

From Asahikawa Station walk towards the bus terminal. Board the Asahikawa-Kitami bus of the Dohoku Bus heading to Kitami Bus Terminal. Board down at Kitami Bus terminal. From there, you need to walk about 950 meters to reach the shrine.


Travel time: 3 hours and 43 minutes
Fare: 3950 yen

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