Maruseppu Shrine - Hokkaido

Maruseppu Shrine (丸瀬布神社) was the main shrine of the former town of Maruseppu until it merged with the town of Ikutahara and the village of Shirataki in 2005 to form the present-day town of Engaru. It is located at 1 Marusepputenjinmachi in the town of Engaru in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

丸瀬布神社
Maruseppu Shrine

Maruseppu Shrine details

According to historical records, the first wooden monument at the shrine was erected in April 1902 and enshrined in honor of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kitano Village, Toyama Prefecture. In 1914, a wooden statue of Michizane Sugawara was added, and a shrine measuring 2 x 3 shaku was built on the hill. The beautiful shrine style, shinmei-zukuri, is a traditional architectural style that has been in use in Japan for many years. The buildings are characterized by a short, thatched roof and beautiful wooden supports.

Maruseppu Shrine - Engaru town, Hokkaido Prefecture

The shrine was officially named "Maruseppu Shrine" on October 6, 1952, and the shrine office was built the same year. This also served as the chief priest's residence. Since then, the shrine has undergone several renovations and relocations, with the bronze-covered torii gate being erected on December 25, 1973. Maruseppu Shrine has a total shrine area of 176 square meters.

Maruseppu Shrine's torii gate

丸瀬布神社

The Omikuji 

Maruseppu Shrine's lone komainu


Maruseppu Shrine's chozuya


At present, the deities,
 Michizane Sugawara and Amaterasu Omikami are enshrined in Maruseppu Shrine. It also serves around 1750 households.

Maruseppu Shrine Main Hall








Maruseppu Shrine provides an excellent location to go on a pilgrimage and also admires the traditional architecture of Japan. It is also possible to get the goshuin or a red seal stamp of both Maruseppu Shrine and Ikutahara Shrine if you visit. The shrine is open throughout the year, so you can visit at any time of the year. However, it is worth noting that the shrine celebrates its annual holiday, September 15th so there might be a shrine festival at that time.

Team Nicerio visits Maruseppu Shrine




My family and I visited Maruseppu Shrine on the second day of our September 17 – 19, 2022 Road Trip. It was my 321st day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Maruseppu Shrine was our first destination for the day after packing up our camp at Maruseppu Ikoinomori Camping Grounds. Like our shrine visits, my daughter and I paid respects and offered our prayers before making a wish. The shrine is unique in a way that it only has one komainu.

Maruseppu Shrine Fees

It’s FREE to visit and explore Maruseppu Shrine grounds. However, if you want to avail of the goshuin then prepare 500 yen. This also includes the goshuin of the Ikutahara Shrine.


Maruseppu Shrine Operating Hours

Maruseppu Shrine grounds are open 24/7. However, it is not wise to visit late at night as the area is not well lit and there are instances of wild animals being seen in its grounds.


Why visit Maruseppu Shrine?

If you wish to go on a pilgrimage around the eastern of Hokkaido, then Maruseppu Shrine is an essential site on your itinerary. You can offer your prayers here and also get a goshuin for your collection.

Getting to Maruseppu Shrine

 

From Asahikawa JR Station, board the Taisetsu 3 Limited Express Abashiri of the JR Okhotsk-Taisetsu Line. Board down at Maruseppu Station. 

From there, walk for about 750 meters to Maruseppu Shrine.

Travel time: 1 hour and 43 minutes
Fare: 4780 yen

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