Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine (錦山天満宮) is one of the main shrines of Ebetsu City. It is located at 3 8-1 Yoyogicho, Nopporo in Ebetsu City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine |
Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine Details
Winter
Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine boasts a rich history that reflects the spirit of resilience and community. Established in 1885 and 1886, the shrine was founded by the Nopporo Tondenhei soldiers, who journeyed from regions such as Kyushu, Yamaguchi, Hiroshima, Okayama, and Tottori to cultivate the untouched wilderness. By 1889, the shrine had become a spiritual haven for these settlers, housing a branch of the deity from the Ise Grand Shrine, symbolizing hope and protection.
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| Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine - Ebetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Originally known as Kinzan Shrine, it was revered as the guardian of the Nopporo area and the deity of bountiful harvests. In 1973, a branch of Sugawara no Michizane was enshrined, coming from the renowned Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Kyushu, leading to the shrine’s renaming as Kinzan Tenmangu Shrine. Since then, the shrine has been a place where visitors seek the blessings of "Tenjin-sama," the deity associated with education and success.
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| Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine's main torii gate |
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| Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine's inner Torii gate |
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| A prayer for things that we should be thankful for |
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| 錦山天満宮 |
Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine's Main Hall
The shrine celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1987, marking a century of spiritual guidance and community support. In 1990, it received a generous gift of plum saplings, which led to the establishment of a beautiful plum garden within the shrine grounds. This garden has since become a beloved spot, especially during the exam season when students from nearby junior and senior high schools, as well as those from across Hokkaido, flock to pray for academic success.
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| Inside the shrine grounds |
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| Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine's chozubachi |
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| The ema or prayer boards inside Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine grounds |
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| Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine's chozuya |
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| Knife Mound (?) - 包丁塚 |
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| Chureito Tower |
Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine's komainu
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| Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine's komainu |
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| Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine's a-gyo |
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| Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine's un-gyo |
Today, Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine continues to be a popular destination not only for students seeking good fortune during exams but also for visitors wanting to experience the breathtaking beauty of Sakura blossoms in spring. With its blend of historical significance and natural beauty, this shrine is a must-visit for anyone exploring Ebetsu City.
Team Nicerio visits Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine
My family and I made our first visit to Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine on March 19, 2023, which happened to be my 503rd day in Japan as an ALT with the JET Programme. Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine was the second shrine 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. Hopefully, we get to revisit in spring so that we would be able to admire the beautiful Sakura trees on the shrine grounds.
Nishikiyama Tenmangu 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.
Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine Operating Hours
Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine grounds are open 24/7, but the shrine office is open from 9 AM to 4 PM only.
Why visit Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine?
Visiting Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine in Ebetsu City offers a rich experience of history, spirituality, and nature. Founded by Nopporo Tondenhei soldiers in the late 19th century, this historical shrine is a popular destination for students seeking academic success. The serene plum garden, established in 1990, and the blooming Sakura in spring create a peaceful setting for relaxation. The shrine also hosts community events year-round, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in local traditions. Collecting goshuin, or shrine stamps, adds a unique cultural element, making Nishikiyama Tenmangu a must-visit for history, spirituality, and nature enthusiasts alike.
Getting to Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine
To reach Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine in Ebetsu City from Sapporo Station, follow these steps:
Take the JR Hakodate Line from Sapporo Station to Ebetsu Station. The train ride takes about 15–20 minutes.
From Ebetsu Station, you can either:
Take a taxi directly to Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine, which is around a 10–15 minute ride from the station.
Walk for about 30–40 minutes if you prefer a more leisurely journey.
Alternatively, check for any local buses from Ebetsu Station that may stop near the shrine, as some routes occasionally serve popular sites in the area.
This route combines a short train ride with an easy final leg, allowing you to explore the serene setting of Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine.
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