Tarumaezan Shrine (苫小牧総鎮守 樽前山神社) is the main shrine of the city of Tomakomai. It is also currently ranked as a prefectural shrine. Tarumaezan Shrine is located at 6-49 Takaoka, Tomakomai City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Tarumaezan Shrine |
Tarumaezan Shrine details
Mt. Tarumae in Japan has long been regarded as a sacred mountain by ancient people. This belief led to the construction of a shrine at the mountain's foot for worship purposes.
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| Tarumaezan Shrine - Tomakomai City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
In the 8th year of the Meiji era, Emperor Meiji ordered the enshrinement of three deities in the small shrine - Oyamatsumi-kami, Kugunochi-kami, and Kanoya-Nohime-kami. However, as time passed, these deities were relocated from the foot of the mountain to the center of the town, where a bigger shrine was constructed. This new shrine became the guardian shrine of the town.
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| Tarumaezan Shrine torii gate |
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| 苫小牧総鎮守 樽前山神社 |
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| Tarumaezan Shrine's chozuya |
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| Tarumaezan Shrine's second chozuya |
Ever since the relocation, the shrine's influence has played a significant role in the development of the Tomakomai area. Recognizing its importance, the shrine was elevated to the status of a prefectural shrine in 1933. Years later, in 1986, it achieved the distinction of being listed as a "Beppon Shrine," ranking as the 6th shrine in Hokkaido according to the attached table. This recognition solidified its reputation as one of the most prominent shrines in Hokkaido and even gained worldwide fame.
Tarumaezan Shrine Main Hall
Monuments and Other Things to See in Tarumaezan Shrine
During the Heisei era, the shrine underwent a name change. On July 14, 1992, it was relocated and enshrined at Takaoka, Yashiro Town, specifically on Birin Mountain. The Tarumaezan Shrine was then built, showcasing the Irimoya-zukuri architectural style.
Tarumaezan Shrine komainu
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| Tarumaezan Shrine komainu |
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| Tarumaezan Shrine ungyo |
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| Tarumaezan Shrine a-gyo |
Presently, Tarumaezan Shrine houses three deities: Ohoyamatsumi no Kami, Kukunochi no Kami, and Kayanohime no Kami. It serves around 75,000 households and occupies a shrine area measuring 512.3 square meters. This shrine continues to be an important cultural and spiritual center for the local community and remains a popular tourist attraction.
Team Nicerio visits Tarumaezan Shrine
My family and I first visited Tarumaezan Shrine last October 9, 2022, during the second day of our “October 8-10” Road Trip. It was my 342nd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. During our visit, my daughter and I paid our respects and offered prayers which has become our family tradition when visiting a municipality for the first time.
Tarumaezan Shrine Fees
It’s FREE to enter and explore Tarumaezan Shrine grounds.
Tarumaezan Shrine Operating Hours
Tarumaezan Shrine grounds are open 24/7. If you collect goshuin or you want to buy omikuji, the shrine office is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Why visit the Tarumaezan Shrine?
Tarumaezan Shrine is not only the main shrine of the city of Tomakomai but it is also believed to have a spiritual connection to Mt. Tarumae. If you’re looking for a quiet place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city or simply meditate and pray, then Tarumaezan Shrine is a place to go. Aside from that, you can also avail of a goshuin here.
Getting to Tarumaezan Shrine
From Sapporo Station ride the Hokuto 16 Limited Express Hakodate and board down at Tomamae Station.
Once there, walk for about 9 minutes going to Kibacho 1-chome bus stop. Board the 25 Yufutsu Line Yufutsu Main Gate (via Municipal Hospital) bus of the Donan Bus Company. Board down Tomashin Misono Branch Front (苫信美園支店前) Bus Stop.
From there, walk for about 1 kilometer to reach the Tarumaezan Shrine.
Travel time: 1 hour and 28 minutes
Fare: 3,640 yen
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