Akaigawa Shrine (赤井川神社) is the main shrine of the village of Akaigawa. It is located at 306-3
Akaigawa, Akaigawa Village, Yoichi District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Akaigawa Shrine |
Akaigawa Shrine Details
Akaigawa Shrine is a place steeped in history
and spiritual significance. The shrine’s origins date back to the early 20th
century, rooted in the traditions of local communities who once settled in the
region. These settlers, hailing from various hometowns, brought with them their
unique customs, including the worship of guardian deities. As they cultivated
the land, they honored their ancestral spirits through festivals held on
different dates.
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| Akaigawa Shrine - Akaigawa village, Hokkaido Prefecture |
The shrine's establishment was a
significant moment in local history. On February 11, 1905, following Japan’s
victory in the Russo-Japanese War, it was decided that the shrines of these
communities would be enshrined on the summit of Kitamaruyama. With the help of
five volunteers, a shrine building was constructed for just 2 yen and 50 sen,
and the revered Emperor Ojin was enshrined there.
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| Akaigawa Shrine's main torii gate |
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| Akaigawa Shrine's chozuya |
The decision to build the shrine atop
Kitamaruyama came from a topographical surveyor who, in November 1895,
identified the site as “a place where a shrine should be built in the future.”
The summit was considered an ideal location for spiritual activities, but over
time, the challenging terrain made it difficult for the elderly to visit. In
1913, a group of young people led the effort to move the shrine’s site to the
foot of Kitamaruyama.
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| Akaigawa Shrine's distinct yellow color stands out from the forest around it |
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| Loyalty Monument |
However, the shrine’s journey was not
without hardships. In May 1914, a devastating forest fire ravaged the shrine
building, leaving only the sacred object untouched. The object was temporarily
relocated to a remote worship site until the shrine could be rebuilt. A new
structure was completed in 1942 in 405 Akaigawa, but this
too was destroyed by fire in 1958.
Akaigawa Shrine's Main Hall
Akaigawa Shrine underwent another transformation
in 1943 when it was officially promoted from an unranked shrine to a village
shrine, further cementing its importance to the community. The current
building, constructed in the traditional Shinmei-zukuri style, was completed on
August 30, 1961, at 306-3 Akaigawa. While the shrine office was eventually
demolished in 1994 due to deterioration, the main structure stood strong,
offering a space for reflection and reverence.
Akaigawa Shrine's Komainu
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| Akaigawa Shrine's komainu |
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| Akaigawa Shrine's ungyo |
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| Akaigawa Shrine's a-gyo |
Today, Akaigawa Shrine is a vibrant and
bustling spiritual center that serves the 263 households of the region. Its
bright yellow exterior is a striking feature, and the shrine houses a revered
trio of deities: Amaterasu Oomikami, the sun goddess; Toyouke no Okami, the
goddess of agriculture; and Hondawake no Mikoto, the protector of the land.
Visitors can experience a sense of peace and connection with the past as they
explore this sacred space, which continues to play an integral role in the
spiritual life of the local community.
Team Nicerio visits Akaigawa Shrine
My family and I visited Akaigawa Shrine for
the first time last April 1, 2023, during our 2023 Birthday Road Trip. It was
my 516th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme.
Although we went to Akaigawa with our Japanese family last year, we only
visited its roadside station, so this time we made sure to visit the shrine to
pay respects and offer prayers. What I like about the shrine is that it is
surrounded by tall trees, so when I was there, I felt not only the energy of the
shrine but of nature as well.
Akaigawa Shrine Admission Fee
It’s FREE to enter and explore Akaigawa
Shrine. Parking is also FREE.
Akaigawa Shrine Operating Hours
Akaigawa Shrine is open 24/7, but if you
plan to avail of the goshuin stamp, you should contact the shrine’s monk at ☏ 090-5226-3983
or 0135347805.
Why visit Akaigawa Shrine?
Whether you're drawn to its historical
significance, its architectural beauty, or its serene atmosphere, Akaigawa
Shrine offers a unique opportunity to connect with Japan's deep-rooted
traditions and rich cultural heritage. Also, if you’re collecting goshuin, then
make sure to bring your goshuincho when you visit.
Getting to Akaigawa Shrine
Akaigawa Shrine is conveniently located
just 25 minutes by car from Yoichi Station, a key stop on the JR Hakodate Line.
If you prefer public transportation, you can take the Chuo Bus, which offers a
comfortable and scenic route to the shrine. The bus ride takes approximately 32
minutes, and you'll disembark at the Jinja-dori stop.
From there, it’s a short,
leisurely 3-minute walk to the shrine, allowing you to enjoy the surrounding
landscape as you approach this tranquil spiritual site. Whether traveling by
car or bus, the journey to Akaigawa Shrine is an accessible and pleasant one,
providing an easy connection to this sacred destination nestled in the heart of
nature.
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