Kembuchi Shrine also Kenbuchi Shrine(剣淵神社) is the main shrine of the town of Kembuchi. It is located at 593 Asahimachi in the town of Kembuchi in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Kembuchi Shrine |
Kembuchi Shrine details
On July 12, Meiji 32 (1899), a group of 337 households of pioneer soldiers settled in the southern area of the military training ground and erected a monument to commemorate their relocation. An enlistment ceremony was held and the deities of Sapporo Shrine were enshrined, which led to the establishment of Kembuchi Shrine. In Meiji 36 (1903), the main hall of Kembuchi Shrine was rebuilt on Hiranamiyama.
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| Kembuchi Shrine - Kembuchi town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
On May 30, Taisho 8 (1919), an application for the establishment of a recognized shrine was submitted, and on March 4, Taisho 9 (1920), the shrine was listed as a non-classified shrine. It was later listed as a village shrine on April 9, Taisho 9 (1920).
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| Kembuchi Shrine (剣淵神社) |
Further developments occurred throughout the years. On May 1, Taisho 13 (1924), the shrine was designated to provide offerings and donations to the deity. In Showa 12 (1937), the main hall and worship hall were constructed and relocated to the new building, which is the current main shrine.
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| Kembuchi Shrine's Torii gate |
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| Soma Shrine (相馬神社) |
On August 19, Showa 27 (1952), the shrine became affiliated with Jinja Honcho. On October 26, Showa 52 (1977), "Shizukawa Shrine" also called "Soma Shrine" (相馬神社) was established within the shrine grounds, and on December 1, the shrine grounds were expanded by 11,400 tsubo, totaling 12,100 tsubo.
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| Kembuchi Shrine as seen from the Torii gate |
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| The chozuya / temizuya |
In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the establishment of Kembuchi Shrine, the shrine office was rebuilt, and the assembly hall was expanded on November 5, Showa 53 (1978), which is the current shrine office.
Kembuchi Shrine's main hall
Further renovations and constructions took place to celebrate milestones. On October 30, Heisei 2 (1990), the main hall, worship hall, grand torii gate, temizuya (hand washing basin), and gift shop were constructed to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the shrine. In November of Heisei 10 (1998), the shrine office was expanded and renovated, and a new public restroom was completed as part of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the shrine.
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| The ema and the omikuji are both tied in the same area |
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| Kembuchi Shrine's Loyalty Monument and Tondenhei Monument |
On December 8, a completion dedication ceremony and commemorative ceremony were held, and in September of Heisei 11 (1999), a bulletin board displaying the names of contributors was installed.
Kembuchi Shrine's komainu
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| Kembuchi Shrine's komainu |
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| Kembuchi Shrine's un-gyo |
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| Kembuchi Shrine's a-gyo |
Kembuchi Shrine is known for its special lion dance ritual. From the time of settlement until 1955, the Lion Dance and Tondenhei Taiko were dedicated at the Kembuchi Festival every year. In 1978, the Gifu Kagura, which had been on hiatus, investigated the origins of the lion dance and revived it, arranging it to be lively and easily danceable. The lion dance was named Kenbuchi Kagura, and the preservation society changed its name to Kenryukai. The drum accompanying the lion dance was renamed Tonta Taiko.
Presently, Kembuchi Shrine houses the deities Okuni Tamakami, Onamuchinokami, and Sukunahikonakami. It encompasses a shrine area of 153.71 square meters and serves over 1400 households.
Team Nicerio visits Kembuchi Shrine
My family and I visited Kembuchi Shrine for the first time last September 25, 2022, the last day of our September 24-25 Road Trip. It was my 328th 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.
Kembuchi Shrine Entrance Fees
It’s FREE to enter and explore Kembuchi Shrine. However, if you collect goshuin, you should bring some cash.
Kembuchi Shrine Operating Hours
The shrine grounds are open 24/7. However, the shrine office is open from 9 AM to 4 PM like most shrines.
Why visit Kembuchi Shrine?
Kembuchi Shrine is the main shrine of the town. The locals would visit it during special events such as New Year and the shrine festival. Its unique location in the middle of the fields makes it a nice place to visit during the different seasons. Aside from that, if you collect goshuin, you should visit this shrine in the town of Kembuchi.
Getting to Kembuchi Shrine
Ride the Nayoro 3 Rapid Nayoro train of the Soya Line from Asahikawa Station and board down at Kembuchi Station.
Once there, walk for about 2.8 kilometers going to Kembuchi Shrine.
Travel time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Fare: 1,130 yen
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