Katta Shrine (刈田神社) is one of the main shrines of the city of Noboribetsu. It is located at 6 Chome-24-1 Chuocho in Noboribetsu City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Katta Shrine |
Katta Shrine details
Nestled in the heart of Noboribetsu City, Katta Shrine stands as a testament to the rich history and spiritual beliefs of its residents. Dating back hundreds of years, this ancient shrine is considered to be the oldest in Hokkaido, safeguarding the lives, peace, and development of the local community. The deities enshrined within Katta Shrine are Hoshoku-kami, Nihon Takeru, and Omononushi-kami.
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| Katta Shrine - Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Though the exact founding date remains uncertain, Katta Shrine has been mentioned in Ezoshi illustrations from the Shogunate era, also known as Myoken Bosatsu, Benten-do, or Myoken Inari-sha. This hints at Katta Shrine's existence during the period when Buddhism and Shintoism intermingled in Japan.
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| 刈田神社 |
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| Katta Shrine's main torii gate |
Historically, it is believed that Japanese settlers who arrived during this era enshrined Hoshokugami, along with the indigenous people, as a guardian deity for their necessities of food, clothing, and shelter. Over time, as the region developed, the shrine expanded its protective role to encompass industry, commerce, navigation, and transportation. The construction of its torii gate in the 17th year of Tensho (1589) solidified Katta Shrine's position as a guardian of the community's prosperity.
Katta Shrine's Main Hall
In the Meiji era, specifically the 3rd year, Katakura Kojuro Kuninori, the lord of Shiroishi Castle, and more than 150 vassals accompanied him to Noboribetsu City. The spirit of Takeru, a legendary figure associated with bravery and heroism, was enshrined in Katta Shrine to honor his legacy. Additionally, settlers from Shikoku brought with them the spirit of Oimononushi no Kami, a deity from the Kotohira-gu Shrine, and enshrined it within the shrine to maintain their cultural heritage.
Things to See on Katta Shrine grounds
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| Katta Shrine's chozuya |
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| Katta Shrine's chozubachi |
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| Katta Shrine's Shinto Gate |
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| Katta Shrine's Tenjin Bull |
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| Visitors often leave coins and even carrots at the Tenjin Bull |
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| Katta Shrine's Shinto Gate as seen from the shrine |
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| Ema or prayer boards |
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| Mikiko Shrine |
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| Oyamazumi Shrine |
Eight years later, Katta Shrine was officially named the Gosha of Noboribetsu Village, Washibetsu Village, and Horobetsu Village, and became a guardian deity for the six territories of Iburi, as well as the Shiroishi territory of Oshu. Despite the myriad changes that have occurred over the years, Katta Shrine has remained steadfast in its commitment to protecting the residents through its divine virtue.
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| Katta Shrine's komainu pair |
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| Katta Shrine's New Year limited goshuin (800 yen) |
With a total shrine area of 247.93 square meters, Katta Shrine currently serves approximately 6,500 households. It continues to be a place of worship, offering solace, guidance, and spiritual support to all who visit. As visitors step into the tranquil grounds of Katta Shrine, they are transported back in time to an era steeped in tradition, where the ancient deities watch over the well-being of the city and its people.
My family and I visited Katta Shrine for the first time last October 10, 2022, during our “October 8-10” Road Trip. It was my 343rd 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.
Katta Shrine fees
It’s FREE to enter and explore Katta Shrine grounds. However, if you wish to avail of the goshuin or buy some charms, make sure to bring cash.
Katta Shrine's operating hours
Katta Shrine grounds are open 24/7. However, the shrine office is open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM only.
Why visit Katta Shrine?
If you are looking for a quiet place to relax or meditate then the Katta Shrine grounds is the place to go. Aside from this, you can also get the goshuin here for your collection.
Getting to Katta Shrine
From New Chitose Airport, walk to the New Chitose Airport Domestic Terminal Platform 29 and board the Muroran (via Noboribetsu Onsen) bus* of the Donan Bus Company.
Board down at the Horobetsu Honmachi bus stop. Once there, walk for about 750 meters to Katta Shrine.
Travel time: 1 hour and 44 minutes
Fare: 1,800 yen
*This bus requires a reservation before boarding. You can reserve it on their website. You can click the link below.
Donan Bus
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