Kamifurano Shrine (上富良野神社) is the main shrine of the town of Kamifurano. It is located at 1 Chome-4-26 Miyamachi in the town of Kamifurano, Sorachi District of Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Kamifurano Shrine |
Kamifurano Shrine Details
When the Tokachi Railway—now known as the Furano Line—opened in 1899 and the town of Kamifurano was established, the area was filled with farmland, ranches, and small settlements, but curiously, no shrine stood in the heart of the town. The local residents deeply felt this absence of a spiritual center. The surrounding farms and villages had their own shrines, but the heart of the new town was left without a dedicated place of worship or protection.
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| Kamifurano Shrine - Kamifurano town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
The story of Kamifurano Shrine’s founding is rooted in the vision of one man: Yokoyama Jotaro. At the time, Yokoyama was the head of Furano village, and he took it upon himself to address the spiritual void. In 1902, after a series of discussions with the village leaders, Yokoyama gathered volunteers at the village office to begin the long-awaited construction of a shrine.
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| Kamifurano Shrine's main torii |
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| 上富良野神社 |
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| Kamifurano Shrine's inner torii gate |
Furano village, which then stretched to what is now Minamifurano, lacked a guardian deity to oversee the local governance. Yokoyama saw this as a pressing issue and worked with local farmers from the Mie group, Shimazu Farm, and Nagayama Farm, among others, to make the dream a reality. A shrine would serve as a central point of spiritual connection for the growing community.
Kamifurano Shrine's Main Hall
Through his efforts, Yokoyama secured the support of prominent figures like Sakai Ryusuke and Kaneko Kozo, who were appointed as committee members to organize the shrine's construction and the associated festival. By the summer of 1902, the first festival was celebrated on July 25th and 26th, marking a key milestone in the history of Kamifurano.
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| Kamifurano Shrine's chozuya |
The shrine, initially named Furano Shrine, was not only a place of worship but also a symbol of unity for the residents of Furano village. The name would evolve over time, however. Following Furano village's division and Shimofurano village's creation, the shrine became known as Kamifurano Shrine to reflect the new administrative boundaries.
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| A cute cat ema board |
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| Check out how many omikuji there are |
In 1920, the Ministry of Home Affairs officially approved the shrine’s foundation, and in 1923, it was formally listed as a village shrine. Built using the Shinmei-zukuri architectural style, the structure stands as a testament to the dedication of the early community members who helped establish it.
Monuments and buildings inside Kamifurano Shrine grounds
Kamifurano Shrine enshrines the deity Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess, and continues to serve as the spiritual center for more than 5,000 households in the region. It is not only a place of worship but a living part of the town’s history and identity, drawing both locals and visitors who seek to connect with the area's roots and the divine protection it offers.
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| Kamifurano Shrine's komainu pair |
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| Kamifurano Shrine's un-gyo |
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| Kamifurano Shrine's a-gyo |
Today, Kamifurano Shrine stands as a beloved symbol of the community’s resilience and faith, a place where the past and present meet, and where the spirit of the region’s founders still watches over the town. Whether visiting during one of its lively festivals or on a quiet day, the shrine offers a peaceful sanctuary for reflection, history, and connection to the land.
Team Nicerio visits Kamifurano Shrine
My family and I visited the Kamifurano Shrine for the first time last March 21, 2023, during our Vernal Equinox Holiday Road Trip. It was my 505th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Like always, my family and I did our family tradition of offering prayers and making a wish whenever we visited a shrine or temple for the first time. Kamifurano Shrine has a relaxing atmosphere, and like most shrines in Hokkaido, it is not crowded, so you’d definitely find solace when you visit. You may also get a goshuin here if you collect them.
Kamifurano Shrine Admission Fee
It’s FREE to enter and explore Kamifurano Shrine. If you’re planning to buy an omamori or get a goshuin, make sure to bring cash as they don’t accept credit cards.
Kamifurano Shrine Operating Hours
Kamifurano Shrine grounds are open 24/7 but the shrine office is open from 9 AM to 6 PM only.
Why visit Kamifurano Shrine?
Kamifurano Shrine is a peaceful and historically rich site located in the heart of Kamifurano town. Founded in 1902, it serves as a spiritual center for the community, enshrining Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess. The shrine, built in the traditional Shinmei-zukuri style, offers visitors a tranquil place for reflection while also connecting to the area's history and early settlers. Whether visiting during the lively summer festivals or on a quiet day, Kamifurano Shrine is a meaningful destination for both spiritual connection and historical exploration. Aside from that, if you collect goshuin then don't forget to visit this shrine when you are in Kamifurano.
Getting to Kamifurano Shrine
To get to Kamifurano Shrine from Sapporo Station, here’s a step-by-step guide:
By Train (Recommended for Comfort and Scenic Views)
From Sapporo Station, take the JR Limited Express (Furano Line) bound for Asahikawa or Furano.
- Duration: ~1.5 to 2 hours to Kamifurano Station.
- Cost: ~¥3,000-¥4,500 one way (with a reserved seat).
Alight at Kamifurano Station.
- Kamifurano Shrine is about a 10-15 minute walk from the station.
By Car (Ideal for Exploring Nearby Spots)
- Rent a car from Sapporo.
- Drive via the Hokkaido Expressway and Route 237 toward Furano.
- Distance: ~130 km.
- Duration: ~2.5 hours.
- Note: You’ll pass through beautiful rural scenery and can make stops at famous spots like Farm Tomita.
By Bus (Cheaper but Longer)
From Sapporo Station, take a highway bus to Furano.
- Duration: ~2.5 hours.
- Cost: ~¥2,000-¥3,000.
From Furano, transfer to a local bus heading to Kamifurano.
- Duration: ~15-20 minutes.
- Alight near the shrine.
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