Asahikawa Shrine (旭川神社) is one of the main shrines of Asahikawa City. It is located at 6 Chome-8-14 Higashiasahikawa Minami 1 Jo, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Asahikawa Shrine |
Asahikawa Shrine details
In 1892, the settlement of 400 Asahikawa Tonden households marked a pivotal moment in the history of Asahikawa. This settlement, initiated as part of the Tonden Company project, aimed to establish a thriving community in the region. As part of their ambitious plans, the residents resolved to construct a village shrine to foster unity and spiritual connection within their burgeoning community.
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| Asahikawa Shrine - Asahikawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
The following year, in 1893, the construction of the main shrine commenced, dedicated not only to the revered deity Amaterasu Omikami but also to enshrine Konohana Sakuyahime no Mikoto. This sacred site took on the name of Asahikawa Shrine, paying homage to the village from which it emerged. To commemorate the completion of the migration to Tonden, a significant festival has been held annually on August 15th, drawing locals and visitors alike to celebrate this auspicious occasion.
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| 旭川神社 |
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| Asahikawa Shrine's torii gate |
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| Asahikawa Shrine's chozuya |
By 1897, Asahikawa Shrine's complex had expanded, with the addition of a shrine office alongside the main structure. Furthermore, the precincts of the shrine were designated as a windbreak forest, playing a vital role in the ecological landscape of the area and serving as a connection to the nearby Tonden Drill Ground.
Asahikawa Shrine's Main Hall
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| Some of the ema or prayer boards are written by kids |
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| The Omokaru Stone |
The official recognition of the shrine came in 1898 when the Hokkaido Government approved its establishment. In a significant moment for the community, Isao Ashihara, hailing from Ehime Prefecture, was appointed as the inaugural full-time Shinto priest, further solidifying the shrine's place as a focal point of spiritual and communal life for the Tondenhei and the wider Asahikawa community.
Monuments and Shrines inside Asahikawa Shrine grounds
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| Asahikawa Shrine's Zen garden |
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| Chuochi Shrine (中央地神社) |
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| Inadama Stone and White Snake Stone (稲魂石・白蛇石) |
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| Wakamiya Hachiman Atago Shrine (若宮八幡愛宕神社) |
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| Asahikawa Shrine's old chozuya |
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| The building that houses the Great Mikoshi |
By 1930, the settlers built a worship hall and shrine office, and in 1931, the government officially approved its establishment. In 1944, it became a village shrine. A few years later the prefectural government designated it as a Shinto shrine and ranked it as Gosha. The shrine building we see today was completed in 1987 during the Showa era.
Asahikawa Shrine's komainu
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| Asahikawa Shrine's komainu |
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| Asahikawa Shrine's un-gyo |
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| Asahikawa Shrine's a-gyo |
On October 24, 1992, a memorial service marked the Asahikawa Shrine's 100th anniversary of enshrinement, with a history book distributed to those involved. In 2002, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the enshrinement, major renovations were carried out, including re-roofing the main building, restoring the Katsuo tree, cleaning the interior and exterior walls, and installing decorative metal fittings. The Great Mikoshi, a portable shrine, was also repaired and painted, with a dedication ceremony held later that year.
Team Nicerio visits Asahikawa Shrine
My family and I visited Asahikawa Shrine for the first time on November 20, 2022, marking my 384th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. It was our last stop after visiting Asahiyama Zoo. We offered our prayers and paid our respects at Asahikawa Shrine. As part of our tradition, we also made a wish before leaving. Hopefully, it comes true.
Asahikawa Shrine Fees
It’s FREE to enter and explore Asahikawa Shrine grounds. However, you may want to bring cash if you are interested in collecting goshuin or if you want to buy omikuji.
Asahikawa Shrine Operating Hours
Asahikawa Shrine grounds are open 24/7. However, the shrine office is open from 9 AM to 5 PM only.
Why visit Asahikawa Shrine?
Asahikawa Shrine is one of the main shrines and also one of the most popular shrines in the city. It usually is crowded during the New Year. Although the shrine grounds aren’t that big, it is still covered with trees making it a relaxing place to unwind and meditate. You can also get a goshuin here for your collection. This shrine is best partnered with a trip to the nearby Asahikawa Hyomura Memorial Museum.
Getting to Asahikawa Shrine
Depart from JR Asahikawa Station, exit the building, and catch bus #41 (bound for Toyooka 4-3 via Asahiyama Zoo) operated by Asahikawa Electric Orbit bus company.
Alight at the Higashiasahikawa 1-jo 6-chome bus stop. From there, proceed on foot for approximately 230 meters to reach Asahikawa Shrine.
Travel time: 32 minutes
Fare: 400 yen
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Asahikawa Shrine is very beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIt is. =) Please come visit Asahikawa Shrine when you are in Hokkaido.
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