Nakafurano Shrine - Hokkaido

Nakafurano Shrine (中富良野神社) is the main shrine of the town of Nakafurano. It is located at 2-13 Miyamachi in the town of Nakafurano in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

中富良野神社
Nakafurano Shrine 

Nakafurano Shrine Details

Nakafurano Shrine, with its Nagare-zukuri architectural design, is steeped in a rich history that dates back to 1901 when a wooden pillar was erected at the base of an old tree (Mizumatsu), and Amaterasu Omikami was enshrined.

中富良野神社
Nakafurano Shrine - Nakafurano town, Hokkaido Prefecture

The shrine's rich history stands as a profound testament to its significance among the people of Nakafurano. Over the years, the shrine has faced numerous challenges, particularly from recurrent flood damage, leading to several relocations. However, after persistent efforts, it was finally granted approval for establishment on June 14, 1923, and later designated as a village shrine in 1927.

Nakafurano Shrine's main torii

Nakafurano Shrine's secondary torii

In a significant milestone for the shrine, a momentous event took place in August 1925 when the enshrined deity was transferred from Sapporo Shrine. This pivotal occasion marked the enshrinement of three great deities: Amaterasu Omikami, Okunitama no Kami, and Sukunahikona no Kami. These divine figures brought their blessings to the sacred grounds, reinforcing the shrine's spiritual significance.

Nakafurano Shrine's chozuya

A moment of great unity and consolidation occurred in 1962 when Nakafurano Shrine merged with two other shrines - the Shikatsuki Shrine Hachimanjin and Nishinaka Shrine. By amalgamating these venerable places of worship, the shrine's spiritual reach and influence expanded, connecting and embracing the collective devotion of the community.

Nakafurano Shrine Main Hall



You can also buy charms for your pets here at Nakafurano


The enshrined deities with their rich history have become an integral part of the special rituals and events held at Nakafurano Shrine, such as the Tsugaru deer lion dance, Tawara mikoshi, and the dedication of a Furanui Daishimenawa.

Nakafurano Shrine Komainu

Nakafurano Shrine Komainu

Nakafurano Shrine's a-gyo

Nakafurano Shrine's un-gyo

Monuments and things to see in Nakafurano Shrine

豊受稲荷大神
Toyouke Inari Okami






The shrine area covers 44 tsubos (148.5㎡), and it serves 1,810 households. The shrine celebrates its annual holiday on September 5th. The shrine's 75th anniversary was celebrated in 1975, and the shrine marked the 50th anniversary of its founding by erecting a monument and compiling its history. The year 2000 was a significant milestone, as it marked the 100th anniversary of the shrine's founding.

Team Nicerio visits Nakafurano Shrine





My family and I visited Nakafurano Shrine for the first time last September 10, 2022, as part of our September 9-11 Road Trip. It was my 313th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. I included the Nakafurano Shrine in our itinerary as my daughter and I have a tradition of visiting the main shrines of each municipality that we visit to pay respects and also offer some prayers.

Nakafurano Shrine Fees

It’s FREE to enter and explore Nakafurano Shrine. Parking is also FREE.

Nakafurano Shrine Operating Hours

Nakafurano Shrine is open from 9 AM to 4 PM.

Why visit Nakafurano Shrine?

Nakafurano Shrine is the main shrine of Nakafurano. It’s a good place to go if you want to pay respect to the town’s guardians/protectors. You can also get a goshuin here. Aside from that, the shrine grounds also have a nice view of the town. However, during my visit, the view was obstructed by the foliage.

Getting to Nakafurano Shrine

 

From Asahikawa Station, walk towards the bus terminals and board the Asahikawa Line of the Furano Bus Company. Board down at the Nakafurano bus stop. 

From there, you need to walk for about 1.2 kilometers going to Nakafurano Shrine. 

Travel time: 1 hour and 46 minutes
Fare: 800 yen

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