Bifuka Shrine (美深神社) is the main shrine of the town of Bifuka. It is located at 6 Chome-59 Nishi 2 Jominami, in the town of Bifuka in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Bifuka Shrine |
Bifuka Shrine details
In 1899, a group of pioneers arrived and founded their settlement in what is now Bifuka. Two years later, in 1901, the Shimonayoro Village Shrine was established. Initially humble, the shrine's importance and influence on the settlers gradually expanded over time. The inaugural shrine festival unfolded on October 3, 1909, with Heijiro Makuuchi, the first Shinto priest, playing a pivotal role in its organization.
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| Bifuka Shrine - Bifuka town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
By 1920, Bifuka attained official village status, and the shrine was formally recognized as the Bifuka Village Shrine. In the subsequent year, it gained recognition as a Shinto Shrine. Heijiro Makuuchi assumed the position of the first chief priest in 1921, succeeded by Norio Makuuchi. In 1930, Jiro Makuuchi took over as the third chief priest but tragically lost his life during the Pacific War. His wife, Takumi Makuuchi, assumed the role of acting chief priest. In 1971, Nobutsu Makuuchi became the chief priest and continues in this role to date.
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| Bifuka Shrine's chozuya |
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| The chozubachi |
Bifuka Shrine Main Hall
Simultaneously, in 1971, a shrine office was erected alongside a new shrine building. The shrine expanded its facilities over the years to meet community needs, adding a portable shrine in 1986 and a funeral hall in 1992. Throughout these developments, the precincts and sacred areas were meticulously preserved.
Things to see on the shrine grounds
Within the shrine, precincts stand three shrines and a loyalty monument. Additionally, a memorial monument was erected to commemorate a devastating town fire that consumed 80% of Bifuka Town. An annual festival at the shrine serves as a remembrance and tribute to this event.
Team Nicerio visits Bifuka Shrine
My family and I visited Bifuka Shrine for the first time on September 24, 2022, marking the first day of our September 24-25 Road Trip. It was my 327th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Included in our itinerary was a visit to the main shrine of the city, town, or village we explored for the first time—a tradition we uphold. During our visit, we paid respects, offered prayers, and, in adherence to our family tradition, made wishes before departing.
Bifuka Shrine Fees
It’s FREE to enter and explore Bifuka Shrine grounds. However, if you collect goshuin, you need to bring some cash along with you.
Bifuka Shrine Operating Hours
Bifuka Shrine grounds are open 24/7. However, the shrine office is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Why visit Bifuka Shrine?
As mentioned, Bifuka Shrine is the main shrine of the town of Bifuka. 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 Bifuka Shrine is also a must-visit if you collect goshuin.
Getting to Bifuka Shrine
For those relying on public transportation to reach Bifuka Shrine, the following steps can be followed:
1. Begin your journey at Asahikawa Roadside Station and board the Rapid Nayoro train on the Soya Line.
2. Alight at Nayoro Station and proceed to the Nayoro Station bus stop.
3. Take the Onnenai Sen route of the Meishi Bus from Nayoro Station and disembark at the Bifuka Chugakko.
4. From there, you need to walk approximately 550 meters to reach Bifuka Shrine.
Travel time: 2 hours and 11 minutes
Fare: 2,400 yen
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