Wassamu Shrine (和寒神社) is the main shrine of the town of Wassamu. It is located at 326 Nishimachi in the town of Wassamu in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Wassamu Shrine |
Wassamu Shrine details
The town of Wassamu was established as a separate municipality from Kenbuchi Village in March 1919. After which, discussions of building a new shrine started but it was only in the 1930s when the shrine building itself was constructed in 1930 as a commemorative project to honor the enshrining of the sacred purpose of His Majesty the Emperor during his visit to the shrine in the fall of that year. On November 6th, a memorial service was held and an enshrinement ceremony took place, making it an important milestone for the shrine.
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| Wassamu Shrine - Wassamu town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
In the following year, on July 25, 2013, Wassamu Shrine obtained permission for establishment as a village shrine. Subsequently, on December 1 of the same year, it was officially recognized as a village shrine. Later, on March 17, 1939, it was designated as a shrine designated for offering divine offerings. It became a part of the Shrine Headquarters on June 5, 1945, and remains under their jurisdiction to this day.
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| Wassamu Shrine's Torii gate |
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| Wassamu Shrine (和寒神社) |
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| Wassamu Shrine's chozuya |
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| Wassamu Shrine's chozubachi |
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| The beautiful pathway inside the shrine grounds |
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| Yoshio Ogawa Memorial Monument (小川義雄翁顕彰碑) |
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| The Torii gate as seen from the shrine grounds |
Wassamu Shrine's Main Hall
Wassamu Shrine was built using the Shinmei-zukuri architectural style and its current shrine area covers a total of 146.2 square meters. It serves approximately 1750 households in the area.
Wassamu Shrine's Komainu
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| Wassamu Shrine's Komainu |
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| Wassamu Shrine's un-gyo |
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| Wassamu Shrine's a-gyo |
The shrine is home to three important deities: Amaterasu Okami, Kasuga Okami, and Hachiman Okami. Additionally, Wassamu Shrine houses several precious treasures, including the Mikagami from the "Kodaijingu Bekku Tsukiyomi Aramitamagu Shrine" and fifteen masks from Hiroshima Kamishiro Kagura.
Team Nicerio visits Wassamu Shrine
My family and I visited Wassamu Shrine for the first time last September 25, 2022, the last day of our September 24-25 Road Trip. It was my 328th 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.
Wassamu Shrine Entrance Fee
It’s FREE to enter and explore Wassamu Shrine grounds. However, make sure that you bring cash if you collect goshuin.
Wassamu Shrine Operating Hours
Wassamu Shrine grounds are open 24/7. The shrine office is open from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Why visit Wassamu Shrine?
Wassamu Shrine is where locals go to pray for safety and healing. You are welcome to visit and pay respects or offer your prayers. If you collect goshuin, then please don't miss the chance to get this shrine's goshuin for your collection.
Getting to Wassamu Shrine
From Asahikawa Station, board the Rapid Nayoro of the Soya Line and board down at Wassamu Station.
From there, walk for about 850 meters to Wassamu Shrine.
Travel time: 46 minutes
Fare: 860 yen
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Beautiful shrine!
ReplyDeleteIndeed! Wassamu Shrine is a beautiful shrine.
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