Chichibu Shrine (秩父神社), also known as Chippu Shrine, is the main shrine of Chippubetsu. It is located at 4103 Chippubetsu Town, Uryu District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Chichibu Shrine |
Chichibu Shrine Details
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| Chichibu Shrine - Chippubetsu Town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Chichibu Shrine stands as a testament to the cultural evolution of its region. The shrine's story begins on May 15, 1895, when a modest structure was erected on a hill in the northwest corner of the old parade ground.
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| Chichibu Shrine's main torii gate |
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| 秩父神社 |
This small shrine was dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami who was venerated as the area's guardian during the relocation of the Tondenhei soldiers. As the settlement developed and grew, so did the number of worshippers. In response, the shrine was moved to its current location in 1903, and a worship hall was built in April the following year.
Chichibu Shrine's Main Hall
In July 1905, Chichibu Shrine officially gained recognition as an unranked shrine. Later that same year, a branch deity of Okunitama no Mikoto, from the revered Kanpei Taisha Sapporo Shrine, was added, increasing the total number of deities to four. By November 1913, the shrine was elevated to the status of a village shrine, and shortly after, it earned the prestigious title of Shinsenhei Hakuryokyushin Shrine. Over the years, various renovations took place, including the construction of a Shinmei-style worship hall and offering hall in 1915, and the rebuilding of the main hall in 1944, thanks to generous contributions from local philanthropists.
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| Chichibu Shrine's second torii gate |
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| Chichibu Shrine's inner torii gate |
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| Chichibu Shrine's chozuya |
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| Chichibu Shrine grounds in winter |
Today, Chichibu Shrine continues to preserve its historical charm. Behind the shrine, visitors will find towering trees planted in 1904 and 1905, serving as a living memory of the post-war victory celebrations. The majestic elm trees near the shrine and sacred grounds transport visitors back to the early days of the shrine's development, maintaining a connection to its past.
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| Chichibu Shrine's komainu |
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| Chichibu Shrine's a-gyo |
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| Chichibu Shrine's un-gyo |
The deities enshrined at Chichibu Shrine today include Amaterasu Omikami, Ominatomo no Okami, Okunitama no Okami, and Sukunahikona no Okami. The shrine remains a spiritual haven, offering visitors a peaceful retreat steeped in history and tradition, and continues to be an important cultural landmark since its establishment and the additions made over the years, including in 1997.
Team Nicerio visits Chichibu Shrine
My family and I visited Chichibu Shrine for the first time during our March 11, 2023, "Weekend 71 Road Trip". It was my 495th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. During our visit, we did our family tradition of offering prayers and paying respects. Aside from that, we also made a wish before leaving. I just wanted to share that most of the things that I wished for during these shrine visits have already been answered.
Chichibu Shrine’s Admission Fee
It’s FREE to enter and explore the Chichibu Shrine grounds. However, if you collect goshuin, make sure to bring cash with you.
Chichibu Shrine Operating Hours
Chichibu Shrine grounds are open 24/7.
Why visit Chichibu Shrine?
For those seeking to experience Japan’s rich Shinto heritage, Chichibu Shrine is a must-visit destination, blending ancient history with a serene spiritual atmosphere. Aside from that, the shrine is also a must-visit if you are collecting goshuin.
Getting to Chichibu Shrine
To get to Chichibu Shrine in Chippubetsu from Asahikawa City, here’s a step-by-step guide:
Starting from Asahikawa Station, take the JR Hakodate Main Line towards Takikawa Station. The trip to Takikawa takes about 30–45 minutes by train, depending on the service.
At Takikawa Station, transfer to the JR Nemuro Main Line headed towards Fukagawa and Chippubetsu Station. The train ride to Chippubetsu Station takes approximately 10–15 minutes.
From Chippubetsu Station, you can either walk or take a local taxi to Chichibu Shrine. The walk is about 1.5 kilometers and takes around 15–20 minutes on foot.
Alternatively, for a more convenient trip, you can consider renting a car in Asahikawa if you prefer a direct drive. The car journey from Asahikawa to Chichibu Shrine takes about an hour, depending on traffic.
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