Kamikawa Shrine Revisited Winter 2023

Kamikawa Shrine - Asahikawa City
Kamikawa Shrine Revisited 2023

I visited Kamikawa Shrine during my solo Asahikawa day trip on November 21, 2021, which was my third weekend in Hokkaido Prefecture. It also marked my 20th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. During the visit, I made sure to collect Kamikawa Shrine's goshuin for my collection. I had the chance to revisit the shrine on February 11, 2023, while attending the 2023 Asahikawa Winter Festival with the Tomamae Gang. By then, it was my 467th day here. Since I already got the goshuin of Kamikawa Shrine, I didn’t get another one during my visit.

Kamikawa Shrine details

WINTER

Kamikawa Shrine - Asahikawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture
Kamikawa Shrine - Asahikawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture

For those who missed my earlier article, Kamikawa Shrine (上川神社 頓宮) is a significant Shinto shrine situated in the heart of Tokiwa Park, located in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. Locally known as Kamikawa Jinja, the shrine’s origins trace back to July 1881 when the founders of what was then the town of Asahikawa enshrined Amaterasu (天照皇大御神) on Yoshitsunedai Hill—now Miyashitadori 4-7 Chome, near Asahikawa Station. Amaterasu is revered as the protector of both Asahikawa and the Kamikawa region’s development.

上川神社 頓宮 鳥居
Kamikawa Shrine's torii gate

上川神社 頓宮
上川神社 頓宮

Kamikawa Shrine - Tokiwa Park, Asahikawa City

Kamikawa Shrine's chozuya
Kamikawa Shrine's chozuya

Kamikawa Shrine's ema or prayer boards
Some of the Year of the Rabbit ema or prayer boards on Kamikawa Shrine

Kamikawa Shrine's komainu
Kamikawa Shrine's komainu

In addition to Amaterasu, the shrine is also dedicated to several other deities, including Ōkuninushi (大己貴大神), Sukunabikona no Ōkami (少彦名大神), Toyoukebime (豊受姫神), Ōmononushi (大物主神), Ame-no-Kaguyama-no-Mikoto (天乃香久山神), Takeminakata (建御名方神), and Emperor Ōjin, worshiped as Hondawake no Mikoto (譽田分命).

Kamikawa Shrine Main Hall

Kamikawa Shrine Main Hall

Kamikawa Shrine Main Hall

Kamikawa Shrine Main Hall
Kamikawa Shrine's main hall

Kamikawa Shrine was relocated to 6-7 Jodori Chome in 1891 following the establishment of the railway and the town's growth. It was moved once more in June 1918 to its current location in Kaguraoka. Following this, the main shrine and the Tongu shrine were constructed. 

Tomamae gang visits Kamikawa Shrine

Tomamae gang visits Kamikawa Shrine

Tomamae gang visits Kamikawa Shrine

Since then, Kamikawa Shrine has attracted not only local and international visitors but also members of the Imperial family. The shrine’s annual festival takes place every July 21.

Kamikawa Shrine Entrance Fee

It's FREE to enter and explore Kamikawa Shrine grounds. However, you need to pay 300 yen for the goshuin.

Kamikawa Shrine Operating Hours 

The shrine grounds are open 24/7 but the Kamikawa Shrine office is open from 9 AM - 4 PM. 

Why visit Kamikawa Shrine?

Visiting Kamikawa Shrine offers a rich cultural and spiritual experience, combining history, tradition, and natural beauty. Established in 1881, the shrine holds great significance in the development of Asahikawa and the Kamikawa region. Located in the scenic Tokiwa Park, it provides a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into Japan's Shinto traditions. The shrine is known for its stunning architecture, spiritual importance as it enshrines the goddess Amaterasu and other deities, and its vibrant annual festival held every July 21. Visitors can also collect the unique goshuin seal, making it a worthwhile stop for both spiritual seekers and cultural enthusiasts.


Getting to Kamikawa Shrine

 

From Asahikawa Station, you can walk for about 15-20 minutes through Heiwa Shopping Street to reach Tokiwa Park. Kamikawa Shrine is inside the park. 

Ratings

Crowd

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Overall rating


Location: Japan, 〒070-0044 Hokkaido, Asahikawa, Tokiwakōen, １９７１−３４ 上川神社頓宮

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