Higashikawa Shrine (東川神社) is the main shrine of the town of Higashikawa. It is located at 1 Chome-6-1 Nishimachi in the town of Higashikawa in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Higashikawa Shrine |
Higashikawa Shrine details
Higashikawa Shrine holds a significant historical and cultural value. Initially established in 1900 by the villagers of Higashikawa Village, the shrine served as a guardian deity for the community. Over the years, the shrine has undergone several renovations and upgrades, reflecting its growing importance.
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| Higashikawa Shrine - Higashikawa town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Situated 8km northeast of Chiyogaoka Station on the JR Furano Line, Higashikawa Shrine enjoys a convenient location along Prefectural Route 1160. It is easily accessible, just 7km away from Asahikawa Airport. Nestled near the base of Mt. Asahidake, the highest peak in Hokkaido, the shrine holds a prominent position at the heart of Higashikawa town. With Higashikawa Elementary School, Higashikawa Junior High School, Higashikawa High School, and Higashikawa Town Hall in its vicinity, the shrine serves as a focal point for the community.
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| 東川神社 |
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| Higashikawa Shrine's main torii |
Higashikawa Shrine's Main Hall
The shrine grounds are spacious and well-maintained, showcasing a beautiful array of plants and greenery. Adjacent to the main road, there is a charming children's park, adding to the serene atmosphere of Higashikawa Shrine. The original shrine building, dating back to the pre-war Showa era, exudes an aura of dignity and grace. In recent years, the roof has been replaced with copper sheets, further enhancing its architectural allure.
Konpira Shrine
Other Monuments and Things to See on Higashikawa Shrine Grounds
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| Higashikawa Shrine's chozuya |
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| Higashikawa Shrine's Ema |
Within the shrine precincts, visitors will also find the Konpira Shrine, which features an old shrine building constructed during the Meiji era. This additional shrine adds to the historical significance and cultural richness of Higashikawa Shrine.
Higashikawa Shrine komainu
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| Higashikawa Shrine un-gyo |
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| Higashikawa Shrine a-gyo |
Currently, Higashikawa Shrine spans 204.9 square meters and caters to 3200 households in the area. Its importance as a religious and cultural center continues to thrive, attracting visitors and locals alike.
Team Nicerio visits Higashikawa Shrine
My family and I visited Higashikawa Shrine for the first time last October 22, 2022, during our “October 22-23” Road Trip. It was my 355th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Like most of our shrine visits, my family and I paid our respects and offered our prayers. We also made some wishes as part of our tradition after visiting a religious destination for the first time.
Higashikawa Shrine Fees
It’s FREE to enter and explore Higashikawa Shrine grounds. However, if you wish to avail of the goshuin or buy some charms, make sure to bring cash.
Higashikawa Shrine's Operating Hours
Higashikawa Shrine grounds are open 24/7. However, the shrine office is open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM only.
Why visit Higashikawa Shrine?
If you are looking for a quiet place to stroll around or meditate when you are in Higashikawa town proper then the Higashikawa Shrine grounds is the place to go. Aside from this, you can also get the goshuin here for your collection. Also, if you visit during New Year’s Day you might be able to see snow sculptures on the shrine grounds.
Getting to Higashikawa Shrine
From Asahikawa Station, walk to the bus terminal and head to 旭川駅 bus stop. Ride the bus # 67 Higashikawa ⇒ Higashi Kagura via Toyooka 3-jo 2-chome (豊岡３条２丁目 経由 東川⇒東神楽 行き) the Asahikawa Electric Orbit bus company. of
Board down at Higashikawa Kitamachi 1-chome bus stop (東川北町１丁目). From there, Higashikawa Shrine is a few meters away on foot.
Travel time: 49 minutes
Fare: 670 yen
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