Rumoi Shrine - Hokkaido

Rumoi Shrine (留萌神社) is a prefectural shrine located at 14-16 Miyazonocho, Rumoi City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. It has a history that dates back to 1786.

留萌神社
Rumoi Shrine (留萌神社)

Rumoi Shrine details

Autumn Visit

As mentioned, Rumoi Shrine's history dates back to 1786 when Hikoemon Suhara enshrined the spirit of Ichikishimahime Mikoto in Itsukushima Shrine in Aki, Hiroshima. Back then, Hokkaido was still referred to as Ezochi and is still mostly Ainu land. However, the southern part of the island was part of the Matsumae Clan's feudal lands and was in charge of the "protection" of the whole island until the Tokugawa Shogunate took direct control of it due to the perceived threat from Russia. 

Rumoi Shrine - Rumoi City, Hokkaido Prefecture

During the Meiji Restoration, Ezochi became known as Hokkaido and the island was subdivided into provinces namely Oshima, Shiribeshi, Iburi, Ishikari, Teshio, Kitami, Hidaka, Tokachi Kushiro, Nemuro, and Chishima. 

The steps up Rumoi Shrine


Going up to Rumoi Shrine

Present-day Rumoi was part of Teshio and was known as Rurumoppe until it was renamed Rumoi in 1869. In 1976, Itsukushima Shrine was chosen as the village shrine and was elevated to hometown shrine in 1896.  

Rumoi City as seen from Rumoi Shrine

The torii gate before entering Rumoi Shrine grounds


Sadly, since the shrine was built in the lowlands close to the coast, it would usually get flooded whenever the Rumoi River would overflow or when the seas are rough, so it was relocated to Rumoi Street in 1891 and then to its present-day location in 1914. The shrine was built using the Shinmei-zukuri architectural style.

One of the guardians Komainu of Rumoi Shrine

Rumoi Shrine's Chozuya

The mini shrine in between Rumoi Shrine and Hokokuji

Itsukushima Shrine was renamed Rumoi Shrine in 1945. At present, Rumoi Shrine has a total precinct area of 2909 tsubo or 0.9283 hectares. Its parishioners consist of 6200 households. 

Rumoi Shrine (Autumn)

Rumoi Shrine



I first visited Rumoi Shrine last November 14, 2021 (Sunday) which was my 2nd week here in Rumoi City as an ALT. Overall, it's not as big as the shrines that I visited in Kyoto but it definitely has a long and interesting story to tell. I'm looking forward to visiting this shrine in different seasons to see how its beauty changes with it. 

Rumoi Shrine Entrance Fee

It's FREE to enter and explore Rumoi Shrine. However, you need to pay 300 yen if you are planning to avail of the goshuin.

Rumoi Shrine Operating Hours

Rumoi Shrine is open from 9AM to 4PM.

Why visit Rumoi Shrine?

Rumoi Shrine is the main shrine of Rumoi City. Most of the townspeople would go to it during new year celebrations. It also has a splendid view of the city and the hills north of it. You should come to visit to see its beauty during the different seasons

Getting to Rumoi Shrine


Sadly, there are no buses that go directly to Rumoi Shrine. You can ride the taxi but it's pricey. Your best option is to walk from Rumoi JR Station to Rumoi Shrine which is approximately 15-20 minutes away. 

Ratings

Crowd

Cleanliness
Overall Rating


Comments

  1. What a beautiful shrine! I'd love to visit Rumoi Shrine in the future.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Interesting history.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I went there last summer. I didn't know that it looks that good in fall.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Book your hotel thru KLOOK

Klook.com
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Popular posts from this blog

Imus City Plaza - Cavite

Andres Bonifacio Shrine and Eco-tourism Park - Cavite

Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Cavite

10 Things to Do in Otaru City

Jose Rizal Shrine in Calamba - Laguna

10 More Things to Do in Asahikawa City

Japan Diaries 4: Day 387

First Filipino Family to Visit All 179 Municipalities of Hokkaido: A Memorable Adventure

Japan Diaries 4: Week 56

Iwao Onsen Attamaru - Hokkaido