Abashiri Shrine - Hokkaido

Abashiri Shrine (網走神社) is the main shrine of the city of Abashiri. It is located at 2 Chome-1-1 Katsuramachi, in the city of Abashiri in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Abashiri Shrine

Abashiri Shrine details

The historic Abashiri Shrine dates back to 1812. It was founded by Shirobei Fujino, a resident of Omi Province, who constructed a small hall at the mouth of the Abashiri River to safeguard the local fishing grounds. During the Meiji era, as the village grew and flourished, the Fujino family was appointed to worship the shrine as the protector of the Abashiri district. In 1886, the shrine was relocated to its current position at the Abashiri Police Station and subsequently moved to a higher ground in Nikuru in July 1887.

Abashiri Shrine - Abashiri City, Hokkaido Prefecture

In 1909, a new shrine was constructed on the present-day site, and the subsidiary spirit of the Iwaoshima Shrine was enshrined. On August 8, 1946, it was officially established as a prefectural shrine and has since been revered by the coastal residents of Kitami. Throughout history, it has been fondly referred to as Kitami Province Ichinomiya, being a place of great significance.

網走神社

Abashiri Shrine's torii gate

Abashiri Shrine's chozuya

Crushed shells line up from the torii to the main hall

Abashiri Shrine Main Hall

The deities enshrined at Abashiri Shrine include Princess Ichikishima no Mikoto, Tagorihime no Mikoto, and Tagitsuhime no Mikoto. These same deities are also esteemed at Munakata Taisha and the former Kanpei Chusha Iwaoshima Shrine, collectively known as the three gods of Munakata. Numerous shrines along the coast honor these deities, offering blessings of prosperity, good fortune, and protection from the relentless sea.

Abashiri Shrine komainu

Abashiri Shrine komainu set 1

Abashiri Shrine komainu set 2

Constructed using the “forged” architectural style, the Abashiri Shrine covers an impressive area of 181 square meters. It currently serves as a place of worship for approximately 17,000 households, providing solace and sanctuary to visitors near and far.

Team Nicerio visits Abashiri Shrine

My family and I visited Abashiri Shrine for the first time last September 19, 2022, the last day of our September 17-19 Road Trip. It was my 322nd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. It was included in our itinerary as we have a family tradition of visiting the main shrine of the city, town, or village that we have visited for the first time. During our visit, we paid respects and offered some prayers. Before leaving we made some wishes which was also part of our family tradition.

Abashiri Shrine Fees

It’s FREE to enter and explore Abashiri Shrine grounds. However, if you collect goshuin, you need to bring some cash along with you.

Abashiri Shrine Operating Hours

Abashiri Shrine grounds are open 24/7. However, the shrine office is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Why visit Abashiri Shrine?

As mentioned, Abashiri Shrine is the main shrine of the city of Abashiri. The locals visit it to offer prayers and sometimes wish for healing or good luck. If you have the same belief then you should add this shrine to your pilgrimage itinerary. Aside from that, the Abashiri Shrine is also a must-visit if you collect goshuin.

Getting to Abashiri Shrine

 

From Sapporo Station, ride the Okhotsk 3 Limited Express Abashiri of the Okhotsk-Taisetsu JR Line. Board down at Abashiri Station.

You need to walk for about 1.9 kilometers from the station to Abashiri Shrine.


Travel time: 5 hours and 50 minutes
Fare: 10,540 yen

A cheaper option would be to ride the Sapporo - Kitami/Abashiri of the Kitami bus company from Sapporo Eki mae Bus Terminal. Board down at Abashiri Bus Terminal.

You need to walk for about 1 kilometer from the bus terminal to Abashiri Shrine.

Travel time: 6 hours and 16 minutes
Fare: 6,800 yen

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