On August 12, 2022, during my 41st week in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme, my family and I had the pleasure of visiting Embetsu Shrine for the first time as part of our five-day "Drive Up North" Road Trip. Later, on December 22, 2022, I had the opportunity to revisit the shrine. What made this return visit particularly special was experiencing it during the winter season. Intrigued by how the shrine would be transformed by snow, I made the trip after finishing my duties at Embetsu Agricultural High School. As expected, the shrine exuded a captivating charm, its grounds adorned in a blanket of snow, truly a magical sight to behold.
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| Embetsu Shrine Revisited Winter 2022 |
Embetsu Shrine details
(Winter)
For those who weren’t able to read my previous article about Embetsu Shrine, you might want to click this 👉LINK👈 to read about the history of the shrine. Regardless, here’s a summary of it.
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| Embetsu Shrine - Embetsu town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Embetsu Shrine (遠別神社) is the town's main shrine. The shrine is located at 5-13 Honmachi in the town of Embetsu in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Embetsu Shrine's main torii gate |
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| 遠別神社 |
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| The pathway going to Embetsu Shrine |
During the Meiji period, Katsutaro Hitodomari of Toyama Prefecture established Jingu Taima in a cave, performing a ritual. The spirit of Nara Kasuga Shrine was later enshrined there in 1925, with the transfer ceremony occurring on October 31st. Presently, Embetsu Shrine, originally designated as a local shrine on October 15, 1931, and later upgraded to a Shinsen Heihaku Ryokushin Shrine on August 25, 1975, serves approximately 1400 households as a village shrine.
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| Embetsu Shrine's chozuya |
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| Embetsu Shrine's secondary torii gate |
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| Embetsu Shrine's Main Hall |
Throughout its history, Embetsu Shrine has undergone numerous upgrades and restorations, preserving its cultural and historical significance. Notably, it features a distinctive Shinmei-zukuri architectural style associated with Shinto shrines. Enhancements include the construction of a new approach block in 1967, major repair work in 1989, and the paving of the shrine's approach in 1999, all aimed at improving visitor accessibility and experience.
Embetsu Shrine's komainu
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| Embetsu Shrine's komainu |
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| Embetsu Shrine's un-gyo |
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| Embetsu Shrine's a-gyo |
Currently, the Embetsu Shrine spans an area of 43.2 tsubos, equivalent to 142.8 square meters, providing ample space for visitors to admire its beauty.
Embetsu Shrine Entrance Fee
It’s FREE to enter and explore Embetsu Shrine's grounds.
Embetsu Shrine Operating Hours
Embetsu Shrine grounds are open 24/7.
Why visit Embetsu Shrine?
Embetsu Shrine stands as the primary shrine in the town of Embetsu, revered as a sacred site believed to safeguard both its people and the town from calamities. Regrettably, obtaining a goshuin, a sacred seal or stamp, from this shrine is not possible.
Getting to Embetsu Shrine
From Rumoi City, ride the Engan Bus going to Toyotomi. Board down at Embetsu hon-cho 2 - chome bus stop. From there, walk heading to Embetsu Agricultural High School. You will see the shrine along the way.
Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Fare: 2100 yen
Ratings
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Embetsu Shrine's facade looks rusty. They need to renovate or repaint that already.
ReplyDeleteIn a way, I agree with you.
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