Ichikichi Shrine (市来知神社) is the main shrine of Mikasa City. It is located at 488 Miyamotocho, Mikasa City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Ichikichi Shrine |
Ichikichi Shrine details
The history of Ichikichi Shrine traces back to the establishment of a modest shrine atop Tappuyama during the 15th year of the Meiji era, coinciding with the founding of Ichikichi Village. In June 1888, agricultural rites were conducted on Tappuyama / Mt. Tabu under the auspices of the Shujikan administrative office. The subsequent year saw the relocation of the shrine to its present site, marked by a dedication ceremony and inaugural grand festival on July 7th.
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| Ichikichi Shrine - Mikasa City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
By October 10, 1891, it was recognized as Ichikichi Shrine and designated as a non-ranked shrine, coinciding with the completion of a new racecourse. Following the closure of the Shujikan in the 34th year, the festival date shifted to August 5th before settling on September 5th from the 42nd year onward. Enhancements to the shrine, including renovations, construction of a shrine office, and the addition of a torii gate, took place in 1916.
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| Ichikichi Shrine's main torii gate |
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| 市来知神社 |
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| Ichikichi Shrine grounds |
Subsequently, on September 6th, 1908, Ichikichi Shrine was promoted to a village shrine. Further developments occurred in 1945 with the erection of the shrine and its administrative office, leading to its elevation to a village shrine on November 19th of the 18th year of the Showa era. Legal incorporation as a shrine was formalized under the Religious Corporations Act in 1946.
Ichikichi Shrine's chozuya
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| Ichikichi Shrine's chozuya |
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| You will see a pair of owls guarding it |
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| The chozubachi |
In subsequent years, consolidation efforts saw the merger with Horonai Shrine in the 26th year of Showa, while the former racecourse site was repurposed for the construction of Mikasa City General Hospital in the 37th year of Showa. Noteworthy milestones include the establishment of a dance hall on shrine grounds to commemorate the centenary of Ichikichi Shrine in the 56th year of Showa and the celebration of its 110th anniversary festival in the 3rd year of Heisei.
Ichikichi Shrine's Main Hall
Further expansions occurred in 2001 with the merger of Sapporonai Shrine, followed by the construction of a shrine office in honor of the 125th founding anniversary five years later. The 28th year of Heisei witnessed the refurbishment of the main hall's expansive roof.
Monuments and things to see inside Ichikichi Shrine grounds
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| The history of Ichikichi Shrine |
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| Ichikichi Shrine omikuji |
Ichikichi Shrine's komainu
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| Ichikichi Shrine's komainu |
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| Ichikichi Shrine's un-gyo |
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| Ichikichi Shrine's a-gyo |
Presently, Ichikichi Shrine venerates a pantheon including Amaterasu Omikami, Toyoukehimenokami, Oyamazumi no Kami, Ookuninushi no Kami, Kurainatama no Kami, Okuni Tamakami, and Sukunahiko Nami. Spanning an area of 148.7 square meters, the shrine caters to 850 households.
Team Nicerio visits Ichikichi Shrine
Last November 3, 2022, my family and I embarked on a "Culture Trip" Road Trip and had the pleasure of visiting Ichikichi Shrine for the very first time. This marked my 367th day in Japan as an ALT participating in the JET Programme. It has been a cherished family tradition of ours to visit the main shrine of any city, town, or village we explore for the first time. During our visit, we also made 3 wishes which is also one of the unique traditions that we do whenever we visit a shrine for the first time.
Ichikichi Shrine Fees
It’s FREE to enter and explore Ichikichi Shrine’s grounds. However, if you are planning to buy omikuji or avail of the goshuin, be sure to bring cash.
Ichikichi Shrine Operating Hours
Ichikichi Shrine’s grounds are open 24/7. However, the shrine office is open only from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Why visit Ichikichi Shrine?
Ichikichi Shrine in Mikasa City is a place to go if you want a place to offer prayers and pay respects in the city. It’s also a must-visit if you collect goshuin.
Getting to Ichikichi Shrine
From Sapporo Station head to the Sapporo Eki Mae bus terminal and board the Sapporo - Mikasa (札幌～三笠) Shimin Kaikan bus of the Chuo bus company.
Board down at Mikasa Shimin Kaikan bus stop. Once there, walk for about 900 meters going to Ichikichi Shrine.
Travel time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Fare: 1,450 yen
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