Nayoro Shrine - Hokkaido
Nayoro Shrine (名寄神社) is the main shrine of Nayoro City. It is located in the northern part of Nayoro Park at 1 Midorioka, Nayoro City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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Nayoro Shrine |
Nayoro Shrine Details
In 1901, settlers from Yamagata, Soma, and Etchu came together and established a shrine near the current site of Nishi 1-jo Kita 1-chome. However, it wasn't until 1912 that a shrine building was erected on the present shrine site, and it was officially granted the name Nayoro Shrine. In the years following, various expansions and improvements were made to the shrine.
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Nayoro Shrine - Nayoro City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the enshrinement in 1960, a new shrine building made of reinforced concrete was constructed using the Shinmei-zukuri architectural style. It stood as a symbol of the shrine's growth and importance. Additionally, in 1985, as part of the 80th anniversary celebration, a funeral hall, shrine office, parking lot, mikoshi hall, and presentation hall were all built.
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Nayoro Shrine's torii gate |
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名寄神社 |
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The path going to Nayoro Shrine |
Nayoro Shrine's Main Hall
The year 1991 marked the 90th anniversary of the enshrinement, and to honor this milestone, a new stone wall, back approach, and a large torii gate were added to the shrine's grounds. This not only enhanced the aesthetics but also reinforced the spiritual significance of the shrine. In 1995, the Kagura Hall was transferred from Kamikawa Shrine and relocated within the precincts of Nayoro Shrine, further enriching the religious experience for visitors.
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Nayoro Inari Shrine (稲荷神社) |
In September of the same year, Nayoro Inari Shrine was also relocated to the premises, signifying a strengthening of the spiritual unity within the area. These developments and expansions over the years have transformed Nayoro Shrine into a significant religious institution and a cherished landmark in the community.
Other things to see in Nayoro Shrine
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60th Founding Anniversary Monument |
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Nayoro Shrine's chozuya |
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Nayoro Shrine's chozubachi |
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Nayoro Inari Shrine and Kitaten Shrine |
Nayoro Shrine's komainu
At present, Nayoro Shrine has a total shrine area of 231 square meters and serves around 12,000 households. The deities Amaterasu-sume-Okami, Okunimitama-no-Okami, Onamuchi-no-Okami, and Sukunahikona-no-Okami are enshrined in Nayoro Shrine.
Team Nicerio visits Nayoro Shrine
My family and I visited Nayoro 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.
Nayoro Shrine Fees
It’s FREE to enter and explore Nayoro Shrine grounds. However, if you collect goshuin, you need to bring some cash along with you. Aside from the goshuin of Nayoro Shrine, you can also get the goshuin of Chiebun Shrine which is also located inside the city.
Nayoro Shrine Operating Hours
Nayoro Shrine grounds are open 24/7. However, the shrine office is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Why visit Nayoro Shrine?
Nayoro Shrine is the main shrine of Nayoro City. 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 Nayoro Shrine is also a must-visit if you collect goshuin.
Getting to Nayoro Shrine
From Asahikawa Station, ride the Rapid Nayoro of the Soya Line operated by the JR Hokkaido.
Board down at Nayoro Station. From there, walk for about 1 kilometer to Nayoro Shrine.
Travel time: 1 hour 24 minutes
Fare: 1,890 yen
Ratings
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