Kabato Shrine (樺戸神社) is the main shrine of the town of Tsukigata. It is located at Akagawa in the town of Tsukigata in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Kabato Shrine |
Kabato Shrine details
When Honmachi was established in August 1899, the construction of official residences for government officials of Kabato Prison began rapidly. This also led to a gradual increase in residents.
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| Kabato Shrine - Tsukigata town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
In June 1898, the residents came together and discussed a plan to build a shrine. Construction began later that same month, and simultaneously, a branch spirit was enshrined at Sapporo Shrine. On November 1st of the same year, the shrine was officially dedicated and renamed as Kabato Shrine.
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| Kabato Shrine's Torii gate |
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| 樺戸神社 |
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| Kabato Shrine's chozuya |
The blessings given by the chief priest of Sapporo Shrine during the transfer of the spirit have been carefully preserved. In May 1898, due to a fire, the elementary school was relocated to the banks of the Subetsugawa River.
Kabato Shrine's Main Hall
Kabato Shrine was recognized as a village shrine on May 9, 1923, and on June 4 of the same year, it was designated as a Shinto shrine. In October 1931, a temple was constructed and relocated to commemorate the 2600th anniversary of the Imperial era and the 60th anniversary of the village's establishment.
Other things to see in Kabato Shrine grounds
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| 80th Anniversary Monument |
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| Loyalty Monument |
However, early in 1971, due to the flooding of the Subetsu River, Kabato Shrine had to be relocated once more. Finally, in August of the same year, it found its current location.
Kabato Shrine komainu
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| Kabato Shrine un-gyo |
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| Kabato Shrine a-gyo |
The architectural style of Kabato Shrine follows Shinmei-zukuri. Within its premises, the deities Okuni Tamakami, Onamuchinokami, and Sukunahikonakami are enshrined, and the shrine spans a total area of 99.8 square meters.
Team Nicerio visits Kabato Shrine
Last October 8, 2022, my family and I had the opportunity to visit Kabato Shrine during our “October 8-10” Road Trip. We went to the shrine as part of our family tradition to visit the main shrine of any city, town, or village we explored for the first time. It was my 341st day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme, and it was included in our itinerary for its significance. During our visit, we paid our respects, offered prayers, and observed our family tradition of making wishes before leaving.
UPDATE
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| Kabato Shrine - March 2023 |
In unfortunate news, the main hall of Kabato Shrine was destroyed during a heavy snowstorm in the winter of 2022. Currently, a small makeshift shrine has been erected in its place.
Kabato Shrine Fees
It’s FREE to enter and explore Kabato Shrine grounds.
Kabato Shrine Operating Hours
Kabato Shrine grounds are open 24/7. However, the shrine office is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Why visit Kabato Shrine?
This is a place to visit if you are looking for a place to offer a prayer or pay respects in the town of Tsukigata. You can also get a goshuin by the offering box. Some say you can take it for free but it’s better to leave an offering when you take one.
Getting to Kabato Shrine
From Sapporo Station, ride the Local Iwamizawa of the Hakodate Line.
Board down at Iwamizawa Station and from there, proceed on foot for about 3 minutes to the Iwamizawa Terminal.
Ride the 21 Tsukigata Sen Bus of the Chuo bus company at the Tsukigata Eki mae bus stop.
Disembark at the Tsukigata Yakuba bus stop and walk for about 650 meters going to Kabato Shrine.
Travel time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Fare: 1,750 yen
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