Urausu Shrine - Hokkaido

Urausu Shrine (浦臼神社) is the main shrine of the town of Urausu. It is located at 186 Kinau Nai, in the town of Urausu in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

浦臼神社
Urausu Shrine

Urausu Shrine

Urausu Shrine, nestled in the enchanting town of Urausu, Hokkaido, carries with it a profound history that dates back to the early 20th century. As we delve into the origins and significance of this sacred site, we uncover a tale of resilience, reverence, and the power of community.

浦臼神社
Urausu Shrine - Urausu town, Hokkaido Prefecture

In 1892, after the land was reclaimed, Tsukigata Village became the rightful owner of this picturesque area. By 1899, the villages of Osatsunai, Kousu, and Gansei had thrived, with a remarkable 600 houses dotting the landscape. During this time, Bunmura Maemura Shrine Park, which would later be named Tsurunuma, emerged as a cherished location. Recognizing the area's breathtaking beauty, Jutaro Tomonari generously donated 30,000 tsubos of land atop the lofty hills on the west bank.

Urausu Shrine
浦臼神社

Urausu Shrine's main torii

Urausu Shrine's chozuya

Monument commemorating the 90th anniversary of the founding of Urausu Shrine

Stairs going up to Urausu Shrine main hall


Urausu Shrine 2nd torii gate

The chozubachi near the shrine


On September 1, 1909, the inaugural ceremony took place at the newly established shrine, devoted to the worship of Hondawake-no-Mikoto and Okuninushi-no-Mikoto

Urausu Shrine Main Hall




The villagers of Urausu witnessed the completion of Urausu Shrine on June 20, 1910. Over time, further enhancements were made, with the Nihonden Heiden, a two-story main hall, being erected on September 10, 1917. Urausu Shrine was built using the Shinmei-zukuri style, which is a common traditional Japanese shrine architecture in Hokkaido.

Urausu Shrine komainus




Today, Urausu Shrine has a total ground area of 79.2 square meters. Its serene and sacred ambiance serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit that has defined the village and its people for generations. As visitors step onto the shrine grounds, they are enveloped by tranquility and reverence, allowing them to reflect upon the past and embrace the harmony that this sacred space represents.


Team Nicerio visits Urausu Shrine





My family and I visited Urausu Shrine for the first time last September 11, 2022, as part of our September 9-11 Road Trip. It was my 314th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Like our shrine visits, my daughter and I paid respects and offered our prayers before making a wish. Urausu Shrine is located on top of a hill. In a way, it gave me and my daughter a good exercise to reach it. 

Urausu Shrine Fees

It’s FREE to enter and explore Urausu Shrine grounds.

Urausu Shrine Operating Hours:

Urausu Shrine grounds are open 24/7. However, visiting during the morning is safer because the area is not well-lit.

Why visit Urausu Shrine?

Urausu Shrine stands not only as a physical testament to the village's history but also as a symbol of resilience and unity. Through its construction, the shrine provided a means to uplift the spiritual and social community. This place is a must-visit if you aim to visit all the main shrines of Hokkaido. Aside from that, Urausu Shrine is a place to visit every late April - early May as hundreds of Corydalis and dogtooth violet bloom creating a magical scenery. 


Getting to Urausu Shrine

 

There are no trains and buses that can take you directly to Urausu Shrine. If you wish to take public transportation, then rent a taxi in Takikawa City to bring you directly to Urausu. 

The best way to reach Urausu Shrine is by private vehicle. From Takikawa City, drive along Route 275. You can park at Urausu Roadside Station and walk several meters to reach Urausu Shrine. 

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