Horokanai Shrine - Hokkaido

Horokanai Shrine (幌加内神社) is the main shrine of the town of Horokanai. It is located at 4982 Horokanai in the town of Horokonai in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Horokanai Shrine (幌加内神社)
Horokanai Shrine 

Horokanai Shrine details

In 1901, a group of dedicated local volunteers embarked on a meaningful project in Yaun Nai, now known as Shinsei 3rd Line. They constructed a modest shrine at the heart of the village, dedicating it to the revered Amaterasu. As time went by, the town experienced gradual expansion, encompassing its southern, northern, and central regions. The growing influx of settlers prompted the division of the village into three distinct areas, each housing its shrine.

Horokanai Shrine - Horokanai town, Hokkaido Prefecture
Horokanai Shrine - Horokanai town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Horokanai Shrine, situated in the northern part of the village, was erected close to the city center in 1919. However, the impending opening of the Fukamei Line led to a significant surge in visitors to the area. Consequently, in 1930, an application to consolidate the village's shrines was granted, resulting in a renaming of the shrine to align with the trend during the Showa era. 

Horokanai Shrine's main torii gate
Horokanai Shrine's main torii gate

幌加内神社
幌加内神社

Horokanai Shrine Main Hall

Horokanai Shrine Main Hall

Horokanai Shrine Main Hall

Horokanai Shrine Main Hall

Horokanai Shrine Main Hall

Horokanai Shrine Main Hall

On September 16, 1966, the shrine was relocated to its current site, constructed in the traditional Shinmei-zukuri architectural style commonly seen among Hokkaido Prefecture's shrines. The village recognized its significance by designating it as a village shrine on September 13, 1999.

Things to see in Horokanai Shrine grounds

Horokanai Shrine's chozubachi
Horokanai Shrine's chozubachi

Horokanai Shrine

Horokanai Shrine

Horokanai Shrine komainu

Horokanai Shrine komainu
Horokanai Shrine komainu

Horokanai Shrine's a-gyo
Horokanai Shrine's a-gyo

Horokanai Shrine's un-gyo
Horokanai Shrine's un-gyo

Today, Horokanai Shrine boasts a substantial shrine area covering 90.9 square meters and continues to provide spiritual solace to 400 households in the region.

Team Nicerio visits Horokanai Shrine

Team Nicerio visits Horokanai Shrine

Team Nicerio visits Horokanai Shrine


My family and I visited Horokanai Shrine for the first time last September 24, 2022, the first day of our September 24-25 Road Trip. It was my 327th 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 was also part of our family tradition.


Horokanai Shrine Fees

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


Horokanai Shrine Operating Hours

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


Why visit Horokanai Shrine?

As mentioned, Horokanai Shrine is the main shrine of the town of Horokanai. 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 Horokanai Shrine is also a must-visit if you collect goshuin


Getting to Horokanai Shrine

 

Start your journey at Asahikawa Station. Hop on the Kamui 32 Limited Express Sapporo, part of the Lilac-Kamui Line, and ride it until you reach Fukagawa Station.


After arriving at Fukagawa Station, take a brief one-minute walk to the Fukagawa bus stop, which is situated right in front of the station.


At the Fukagawa bus stop, catch a bus on the Fukamei Line, which is operated by JR Hokkaido bus company and runs the route from Fukagawa Station to Maruyama and Horokanai.


Alight from the bus at the Horokanai bus stop. Once there, walk for about 350 meters to Horokanai Shrine.


Travel time: 1 hour and 53 minutes
Fare: 3040 yen

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