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| Ebetsu Shrine |
Ebetsu Shrine (江別神社) is the main shrine of Ebetsu City, located at 1-1 Hagigaoka in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
Ebetsu Shrine Details
Winter
Ebetsu Shrine has a storied history that dates back to 1885. It was originally established as a guardian deity for the Tondenhei soldiers, who journeyed from Kumamoto Prefecture to help develop Hokkaido. The shrine honors Lord Kato Kiyomasa, a key figure in the region's early history.
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| Ebetsu Shrine - Ebetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
In 1891, the shrine housed the deity Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, enshrined from Izumo Taisha, and by 1895, it was relocated to its current site in Hagigaoka. A significant milestone occurred in 1915 when a new shrine building and office were constructed as part of a memorial project for the enthronement of Emperor Taisho. On this occasion, a branch of the spirit of Amaterasu Omikami was brought from Ise Jingu Shrine and enshrined as the main deity.
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| Ebetsu Shrine's main torii gate |
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| 江別神社 |
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| Ebetsu Shrine secondary torii |
Ebetsu Shrine officially gained recognition on June 7, 1917, when it was approved for establishment by the Minister of Home Affairs. By 1926, it was promoted to a village shrine, further solidifying its importance in the community. After World War II, following the Shinto Directive, it was re-established as a religious corporation, continuing its legacy.
Ebetsu Shrine's Main Hall
In 1984, a new shrine building was constructed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Ebetsu Shrine, ensuring its historical and cultural significance would continue for generations to come.
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| Ebetsu Shrine's ema |
Ebetsu Shrine komainu
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| Ebetsu Shrine komainu |
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| Ebetsu Shrine a-gyo |
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| Ebetsu Shrine un-gyo |
Ebetsu Shrine is also known for hosting vibrant annual festivals that bring the community together. The Yoimiya Festival takes place every September 8, followed by the Annual Festival on September 9, and a later festival and portable shrine procession on September 10. The portable shrine procession, a cherished tradition since 1952, has evolved to include both day and night events since 1994, with a particular emphasis on making the nighttime procession a festive highlight throughout the city.
Team Nicerio visits Ebetsu Shrine
My family and I made our first visit to Ebetsu Shrine on March 19, 2023, which happened to be my 503rd day in Japan as an ALT with the JET Programme. Ebetsu Shrine was the first destination that we visited in the city during our weekend road trip. We made sure to do our family tradition of offering prayers and making a wish. Since it was late winter when we visited, we weren’t able to admire the foliage on the shrine grounds. Regardless, the shrine is easily accessible as it is just beside one of the city's main roads.
Ebetsu Shrine Admission Fee
It’s FREE to enter and explore the shrine grounds. Make sure to bring cash if you are planning to avail of the goshuin for your collection.
Ebetsu Shrine Operating Hours
Ebetsu Shrine grounds are open 24/7 but the shrine office is open from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Why visit Ebetsu Shrine?
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a goshuin collector, or just eager to experience local culture, Ebetsu Shrine provides a unique window into the heritage of Ebetsu City. It's a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich traditions and celebrations the shrine holds. For goshuin collectors especially, a visit here is not to be missed!
Getting to Ebetsu Shrine
To get to Ebetsu Shrine from Sapporo, here’s a simple guide:
By Train:
From Sapporo Station: Take the JR Hakodate Main Line toward Ebetsu.
Get off at Ebetsu Station. The ride takes about 15 minutes.
From Ebetsu Station, you can either walk (around 15–20 minutes) or take a local bus or taxi for a short ride to the shrine.
By Bus:
At Sapporo Station, head to the bus terminal and look for a bus heading toward Ebetsu. Check the exact route details on arrival, as bus routes can vary.
Buses take longer than the train (about 30–40 minutes), but this can be an option if you prefer it.
By Car:
If you’re driving, it’s a quick 20-minute drive from central Sapporo via Route 12.
Parking options are usually available near the shrine.
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