Tobetsu Shrine (当別神社) is the main shrine of the town of Tobetsu. It is located at 51-12 Motomachi, in the town of Tobetsu in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Tobetsu Shrine |
Tobetsu Shrine Details
In the fifth year of the Meiji era, Lord Kuninao Date and his retainers relocated from Atsuta Village to Tōbetsu. There, they established a small shrine next to a commemorative tree dedicated to land development, naming it Aso Shrine and designating August 15 as its annual festival day.
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| Tobetsu Shrine - Tobetsu town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Lord Kuninao passed away on January 12 the 24th year of the Meiji era at the age of 58. In the following year, moved by the deep respect of his former retainers, a proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs to officially establish Tobetsu Shrine. This request was approved in the 29th year, and the shrine was consecrated on August 15 of that year.
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| Tobetsu Shrine's main torii gate |
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| Tobetsu Shrine's secondary torii gate |
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| Tobetsu Shrine's inner torii gate |
On July 20 the fifth year of the Taisho era, Tobetsu Shrine was recognized as a village shrine. In its ninth year, coinciding with its 50th anniversary, a new shrine building was constructed. The shrine was renamed Tōbetsu Shrine in the 42nd year of the Showa era, and in the 44th year, another building was erected in the Shinmei zukuri architectural style, just one year before the town's 100th anniversary.
Tobetsu Shrine's Main Hall
In the eighth year of the Heisei era, a grand festival celebrated the centennial of Lord Kuninao's enshrinement. By the 18th year, in honor of the 110th anniversary, the shrine's office was renovated. This office continues to operate to this day.
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| Tobetsu Town Development Memorial Protected Tree |
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| Shotoku Shrine |
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| Tobetsu Shrine's chozuya |
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| Lord Kuninao Date Monument |
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| Tobetsu Shrine's ema |
Tobetsu Shrine's Komainu
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| Tobetsu Shrine's komainu |
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| Tobetsu Shrine's un-gyo |
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| Tobetsu Shrine's a-gyo |
Currently, the shrine serves around 1,500 households and houses the deity Date Kuninao no Mikoto, along with significant artifacts such as pioneer paintings and the pioneer water pine.
Team Nicerio visits Tobetsu Shrine
My family and I visited Tōbetsu Shrine for the first time on March 19, 2023, marking my 503rd day in Japan as an ALT with the JET Programme. As part of our family tradition, we offered prayers and made a wish during our visit. Although it was the second shrine we stopped at that day, we found Tsukigata Shrine to be in ruins upon arrival, making Tōbetsu the first shrine we truly explored that day.
Tobetsu Shrine Entrance Fee
It’s FREE to enter and explore Tobetsu Shrine grounds. However, bring cash if you plan to avail of the shrine’s goshuin or omikoji.
Tobetsu Shrine Operating Hours
Tobetsu Shrine grounds are open 24/7 but the shrine’s office is only open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Why visit Tobetsu Shrine?
Visiting Tōbetsu Shrine offers a unique opportunity to connect with Japan's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Nestled in a serene environment, the shrine is not only a place for reflection and prayer but also a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture. Guests can participate in local customs, such as making wishes or offering prayers, which fosters a deeper understanding of the local culture. Additionally, the shrine is surrounded by scenic landscapes, making it an ideal spot for leisurely walks and photography. Whether you're seeking spiritual solace or simply looking to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the area, Tōbetsu Shrine provides a memorable experience that resonates with both locals and visitors alike.
Getting to Tobetsu Shrine
To get to Tobetsu Shrine from Sapporo, here’s a convenient route you can follow:
Take a JR Train from Sapporo Station: Start by boarding the JR Gakuentoshi Line (also called the Sassho Line) from Sapporo Station. You’ll be heading towards Ishikari-Tobetsu Station, which takes around 40–45 minutes. A one-way ticket costs about JPY 640.
Transfer to a Local Bus: Once you arrive at Ishikari-Tobetsu Station, take a local bus heading towards Tobetsu. Buses typically depart every 20–30 minutes and the ride to Tobetsu Shrine takes around 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can also walk; the shrine is approximately a 20–25 minute walk from the station if you prefer a stroll through the town.
Taxi Option: If you’re in a hurry, taking a taxi from Ishikari-Tobetsu Station is also an option, with a travel time of about 5 minutes and a fare of around JPY 1,000.
Once there, you can enjoy the serene environment of Tobetsu Shrine, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and traditional architecture.
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