Wassamu Shrine - Hokkaido

Wassamu Shrine (和寒神社) is the main shrine of the town of Wassamu. It is located at 326 Nishimachi in the town of Wassamu in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Wassamu Shrine (和寒神社)
Wassamu Shrine

Wassamu Shrine details

The town of Wassamu was established as a separate municipality from Kenbuchi Village in March 1919. After which, discussions of building a new shrine started but it was only in the 1930s when the shrine building itself was constructed in 1930 as a commemorative project to honor the enshrining of the sacred purpose of His Majesty the Emperor during his visit to the shrine in the fall of that year. On November 6th, a memorial service was held and an enshrinement ceremony took place, making it an important milestone for the shrine.

Wassamu Shrine - Wassamu town, Hokkaido Prefecture
Wassamu Shrine - Wassamu town, Hokkaido Prefecture

In the following year, on July 25, 2013, Wassamu Shrine obtained permission for establishment as a village shrine. Subsequently, on December 1 of the same year, it was officially recognized as a village shrine. Later, on March 17, 1939, it was designated as a shrine designated for offering divine offerings. It became a part of the Shrine Headquarters on June 5, 1945, and remains under their jurisdiction to this day.

Wassamu Shrine's torii gate
Wassamu Shrine's Torii gate

Wassamu Shrine (和寒神社)
Wassamu Shrine (和寒神社)

Wassamu Shrine (和寒神社)

Wassamu Shrine's chozuya
Wassamu Shrine's chozuya

Wassamu Shrine's chozubachi
Wassamu Shrine's chozubachi

Wassamu Shrine

Wassamu Shrine

Wassamu Shrine

The beautiful pathway inside the shrine grounds
The beautiful pathway inside the shrine grounds

Yoshio Ogawa Memorial Monument (小川義雄翁顕彰碑)
Yoshio Ogawa Memorial Monument (小川義雄翁顕彰碑)

The torii gate as seen from the shrine grounds
The Torii gate as seen from the shrine grounds

Wassamu Shrine's Main Hall

Wassamu Shrine's Main Hall

Wassamu Shrine's Main Hall

Wassamu Shrine's Main Hall

Wassamu Shrine's Main Hall

Wassamu Shrine's Main Hall

Wassamu Shrine's Main Hall

Wassamu Shrine's Main Hall

Wassamu Shrine was built using the Shinmei-zukuri architectural style and its current shrine area covers a total of 146.2 square meters. It serves approximately 1750 households in the area.

Wassamu Shrine's Komainu

Wassamu Shrine's Komainu
Wassamu Shrine's Komainu

Wassamu Shrine's un-gyo
Wassamu Shrine's un-gyo

Wassamu Shrine's a-gyo
Wassamu Shrine's a-gyo

The shrine is home to three important deities: Amaterasu Okami, Kasuga Okami, and Hachiman Okami. Additionally, Wassamu Shrine houses several precious treasures, including the Mikagami from the "Kodaijingu Bekku Tsukiyomi Aramitamagu Shrine" and fifteen masks from Hiroshima Kamishiro Kagura.

Team Nicerio visits Wassamu Shrine

Team Nicerio visits Wassamu Shrine

Team Nicerio visits Wassamu Shrine

Team Nicerio visits Wassamu Shrine

Team Nicerio visits Wassamu Shrine


My family and I visited Wassamu 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. 


Wassamu Shrine Entrance Fee

It’s FREE to enter and explore Wassamu Shrine grounds. However, make sure that you bring cash if you collect goshuin. 


Wassamu Shrine Operating Hours

Wassamu Shrine grounds are open 24/7. The shrine office is open from 9 AM to 4 PM. 


Why visit Wassamu Shrine?

Wassamu Shrine is where locals go to pray for safety and healing. You are welcome to visit and pay respects or offer your prayers. If you collect goshuin, then please don't miss the chance to get this shrine's goshuin for your collection. 


Getting to Wassamu Shrine

 

From Asahikawa Station, board the Rapid Nayoro of the Soya Line and board down at Wassamu Station. 

From there, walk for about 850 meters to Wassamu Shrine.

Travel time: 46 minutes

Fare: 860 yen 

Ratings

Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall rating

Location: 326 Nishimachi, Wassamu, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido 098-0132, Japan

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