Onishika Itsukushima Shrine (鬼鹿厳島神社) holds a significant place in the heart of Obira, Hokkaido, Japan, originally established as a shrine for herring fishermen. Nestled at 300 Onishikaminatomachi, this village shrine reflects the cultural essence of the region.
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| Onishika Itsukushima Shrine Revisited (WINTER) |
My first visit to Onishika Itsukushima Shrine took place on June 8, 2022, during the vibrant summer season. I chronicled my experiences in a detailed account accessible through this 👉LINK👈. Subsequently, I had the privilege of revisiting the shrine on December 7, 2022, coinciding with a school visit to Obira Special Needs School. Noteworthy was the only change – the transition from summer to winter.
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| Onishika Itsukushima Shrine - Obira town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Onishika Itsukushima Shrine details
WINTER
For those unfamiliar with the history of Onishika Itsukushima Shrine, allow me to provide a brief history. Constructed in 1866 by Hikoemon Suhara of Fukushima, Matsumae-gun, the shrine originally stood in Amato-Ganmura. In 1889, it assumed the status of a village shrine and later, in 1909, due to Kikamura's urbanization, it found a new home in its present location. Dedicated to the deity Ichikishima Hime no Mikoto, the shrine commemorates its annual festival on July 3.
Onishika Itsukushima Shrine's Main Hall
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| The beautifully carved images of the rabbit chasing the rat |
Onishika Itsukushima Shrine's komainu
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| Onishika Itsukushima Shrine's un-gyo |
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| Onishika Itsukushima Shrine's a-gyo |
Onishika Itsukushima Shrine commands deep respect from the local fishermen, especially those engaged in herring fishing. Their prayers at the shrine are rooted in the belief that it provides protection and ensures a bountiful catch. Regrettably, as the herring population dwindled, the number of visitors to the shrine declined. At present, the shrine caters to approximately 400 households.
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| Onishika District as seen from Onishika Itsukushima Shrine |
Nevertheless, the shrine remains a repository of social treasures, including Kagura (designated by Obira Town, "Matsumae"), Fuda ("Relocated Senza Ceremony Building" 1904), Ceremony ("Relocated Senza Dedicated Kagura" 1903), Record ("History of Shrine" 1909), Sacred Mirror (“Victory Prayer Kagura Dedication” 1926), and a Photobook (“Dedication of Yuki Saita herring lees” Taisho era). These artifacts serve as enduring symbols of the shrine's cultural and historical significance.
Onishika Itsukushima Shrine Fee:
It's FREE to enter and explore the grounds of Onishika Itsukushima Shrine. For those collecting goshuin, it's good to know that Onishika Itsukushima Shrine does not have one.
Onishika Itsukushima Shrine Operating Hours
The Onishika Itsukushima Shrine office is open from 9 AM to 4 PM. However, the shrine grounds are open 24/7.
Why visit Onishika Itsukushima Shrine?
If you love fishing and have the opportunity to be in Onishika for a fishing trip then I highly recommend that you visit Onishika Itsukushima Shrine. If you're a tourist, then there is nothing wrong with simply visiting to pay respects.
Getting to Onishika Itsukushima Shrine
From Rumoi City ride the Engan Coastal Bus and board down at the Onishika bus stop. From there, walk uphill for about 400 meters. When you see a fork, turn left and follow the road until you see Onishika Itsukushima Shrine.
Fare: 680 yen
Travel time: 30 - 35 minutes
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