Obira Shrine - Hokkaido

Obira Shrine (小平神社) is the main shrine of the town of Obira. It is located at 403-24 Obira in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

小平神社
Obira Shrine

Obira Shrine details

An immigrant from Obata Village, Yazu District, Tottori Prefecture named Chikara Takahashi constructed the Kodaira-Shibe Shrine in 1894. The shrine housed the deity from Kotohira Shrine in Kagawa Prefecture. Kodaira Shrine was established in 1936. It was merged 50 years later to create the current Obira Shrine. The former Kodaira Shrine was founded in 1936 as a Mukakusha and in 1946 as a religious company.

Obira Shrine - Obira Town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Through time, more and more deities were enshrined in the Obira Shrine. The following are currently enshrined in the shrine: Amaterasu no Okami, Ookunitama no Kami, Oyamatsumi no Kami, Omononushi no Kami, and Okuninushi no Kami.

Obira Shrine (小平神社)
Obira Shrine (小平神社)

Bow slightly before entering a shrine

Then purify yourself by washing your hands in the chozuya

Obira Shrine
was built using the Shinmei-zukuri shrine architecture. It has a total shrine area of about 16 tsubo or 52.8926
 square meters. It currently serves about 500 households. 

Obira Shrine main torii

Heading up the stairs going to the shrine

The view from Obira Shrine

The altar inside the shrine

My family and I visited Obira Shrine for the first time last August 12, 2022, which was my 41st week here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. It was one of the first destinations that we visited on the 1st day of our 5-day Drive Up North Road Trip. What I noticed with this shrine was that it does not have any komainu guarding it. Regardless, that does not make the shrine less holy than the others. It's still a must-visit if you are on a pilgrimage. 

The Backpack Adventures visits Obira Shrine

My daughter and I got to pay respects at the main shrine of Obira and also offer a prayer in the shrine. 

Obira Shrine Entrance Fee

It's FREE to enter and explore the Obira Shrine grounds.

Obira Shrine Operating Hours

Obira Shrine is open from 9AM - 5PM but the ground is open 24/7.

Why visit Obira Shrine?

Obira Shrine is the main shrine of the town. Locals believe that it offers protection and good fortune to those who pray in it. As for me, I believe that each new shrine that I visit gives me three wishes. Regardless, of its religious nature, this shrine doubles as a historic place and is highly recommended if you are visiting Obira. 

Getting to Obira Shrine 



From Rumoi City, ride the Engan Coastal bus heading to Haboro or Toyotomi. Board down at the Obira yakuba mae and walk towards the shrine. 

Travel time: 15-20 minutes
Travel fare: About 300 yen

Ratings

Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall rating


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