Kotanbetsu Shrine (古丹別神社) serves as the main shrine of the Kotanbetsu area of the town of Tomamae. It is located at 243 Kotanbetsu in the town of Tomamae in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Kotanbetsu Shrine |
Kotanbetsu Shrine details
In 1896, during the 29th year of the Meiji era, a significant influx of settlers moved to what is now Kotanbetsu, consisting of 25 households from Mie Prefecture and 10 individual households, collectively known as the individual group.
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| Kotanbetsu Shrine - Tomamae town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
In September of that same year, the individual group established an altar for the deity Amaterasu Ōmikami atop the hill commonly referred to as Kamimakiyama. Concurrently, the settlers from Mie Prefecture honored their hometown deities at Yakiori Shrine and Inari Shrine, situated on land owned by Gunjiro Ito. |
| Kotanbetsu Shrine's main torii |
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| Kotanbetsu Shrine grounds |
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| Kotanbetsu Shrine's chozuya |
By the 2nd year of the Taisho era, both shrines were merged and were relocated several times before finally settling in their present site near the former racecourse, adjacent to Shigetaro Fujita's property, and in proximity to the Forestry Agency.
Kotanbetsu Shrine's Main Hall
As the local population grew, there arose a greater demand for religious ceremonies officiated by Shinto priests. Consequently, in 1968, the 43rd year of the Showa era, the procedures to formalize a religious corporation were finalized and Kotanbetsu Shrine was made the main shrine of the Kotanbetsu area.
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| Kotanbetsu as seen from Kotanbetsu Shrine |
Kotanbetsu Shrine's monuments
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| Ode to Virtue (碑德頌) |
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| Kotanbetsu Shrine's Centennial Memorial Monument |
Kotanbetsu Shrine's Komainu
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| Kotanbetsu Shrine's komainu pair near the main torii |
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| Kotanbetsu Shrine's komainu pair near the main hall |
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| Kotanbetsu Shrine's un-gyo |
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| Kotanbetsu Shrine's a-gyo |
Presently, Kotanbetsu Shrine caters to over 700 households and occupies a total shrine area spanning 39.6 square meters. However, due to the ongoing population decline, the shrine remains unstaffed, meaning visitors are unable to obtain shrine stamps (goshuin) during their visit.
Team Nicerio visits Kotanbetsu Shrine
My family and I had the opportunity to visit Kotanbetsu Shrine for the first time on November 19, 2022, marking my 383rd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. It was one of our stops on our trip to the Sankanbetsu Brown Bear Incident location. As part of our family tradition of visiting a shrine for the first time, we offered our prayers and also paid our respects at Kotanbetsu Shrine. As part of our tradition, we also made a wish before leaving. Hopefully, it comes true.
Kotanbetsu Shrine Fees
It’s FREE to enter and explore Kotanbetsu Shrine grounds.
Kotanbetsu Shrine Operating Hours
Kotanbetsu Shrine is open 24/7.
Why visit Kotanbetsu Shrine?
If you find yourself in the Kotanbetsu area of Tomamae, and you are looking for a quiet place to meditate, then you should visit Kotanbetsu Shrine. It might not have a vast ground but it is enough to give you that solemn atmosphere. Sadly, you won't be able to get a goshuin here.
Getting to Kotanbetsu Shrine.
The best way to reach Tomamae Roadside Station is by car. However, if you plan to visit it by public transportation, the only option is to ride the Horonobe Rumoi Line of the Engan Bus Company. From the bus stop at the former Rumoi JR Station, ride the bus going to either Horonobe Underground Research Center or Haboro Terminal.
The buses run on a strict schedule so you need to be at the bus stop by these times:
AM 6:20, 6:50, 9:30, 10:40
PM 12:40, 1:50, 3:45, 5:05, 6:20
Last bus: 7:25 PM
There are other bus stops where you can ride the bus. You can check out the stations and the timetable HERE.
Board down at the Uehira bus stop and transfer to the bus bound for Kotanbetsu. Board down at Tomamae Shogyokoko Mae bus stop and walk for about 5 minutes going to Kotanbetsu Shrine.
Travel time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Fare: 1,170 yen
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