Kutchan Shrine - Hokkaido

Kutchan Shrine (倶知安神社) is the main shrine of the town of Kutchan. The shrine is located at 476 Yahata in the town of Kutchan in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Kutchan Shrine

Kutchan Shrine Details

Kutchan Shrine is a captivating historical and spiritual site with deep ties to the region’s early development. The shrine’s origins date back to April 2, 1896, when settlers including Nuibe Kenjiro, Bandai Sataro, Yamamoto Yasujiro, and Yamamoto Yahei gathered in the Kutchan wilderness. They invited a branch of Kondawake no Mikoto from Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine to be enshrined in a small shrine in Buitausu (present-day Toyooka) as the guardian deity of their development project. However, the shrine was moved to its current location in September of the same year, a decision that marked the beginning of the shrine’s enduring presence in the community.

Kutchan Shrine - Kutchan town, Hokkaido Prefecture

In January 1897, the shrine received formal permission to operate. Over the years, Kutchan Shrine underwent significant developments. In 1918, it was promoted to a village shrine and designated a place for offerings, and by 1922, it became a town shrine. However, tragedy struck in 1921 when the shrine office was destroyed by fire. It was swiftly rebuilt in the following year. The shrine continued to grow in both stature and significance, with major developments including the rebuilding of the large stone torii gate in 1942 and the enshrinement of General Abe Hirafu, a key figure in the area’s historical development, based on the fact that he established county territory in the rear Yotei area during the reign of Empress Saimei.

Kutchan Shrine's main torii gate

倶知安神社

Kutchan Shrine's chozuya

The inner torii gate is on top of a small hill

Inner torii gate of Kutchan Shrine

By 1947, a meeting hall for Tonmiya parishioners was established, and the shrine's infrastructure, including the shrine building, was reconstructed by 1955. The shrine’s final move occurred in 1959 when it was relocated to Minami 1 Higashi 2. In 1962, the shrine was officially renamed Kutchan Hachiman Shrine.

Kutchan Shrine's Main Hall

 

Despite the challenges, Kutchan Shrine continued to endure. In 1965, the shrine building was tragically destroyed by another fire, but it was rebuilt in 1973. The shrine’s resilience was further highlighted in 1966 when it received its current name, Kutchan Shrine. Milestones in the shrine’s history were celebrated, including a ceremony on November 5, 1995, to mark its 100th anniversary, and another on November 8, 2015, for its 120th anniversary.

Kutchan Shrine grounds

Ezofujiyoteizan Shrine

Wooden ema or prayer boards in Kutchan Shrine

Kutchan Shrine is not only an important religious site but also a cultural hub. The shrine is home to the Kutchan Akasaka Nuko Shosaku ritual, which is recognized as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the town of Kutchan. This ritual has been part of the local culture since 1933 and is performed by the Kutchan Town Akasaka Nuko Preservation Society. The shrine preserves the props and costumes used in the procession, ensuring the tradition continues to thrive.

Kutchan Shrine's komainu

Kutchan Shrine's komainu statues 1

Kutchan Shrine's komainu statues 2

Kutchan Shrine houses a diverse group of deities, each representing different aspects of Japanese spirituality and history. The deities enshrined here include:

Hondawake no Mikoto, Abe no Hirafu Shogun, Amaterasu Oomikami, Oyamatsumi no Kami, Ukemochi no Kami, Sugawara no Michizane, Okuninushi no Mikoto, Kotoshironushi no Kami, Ame no Uzume no Mikoto, Oyamakui no Kami, Tamahime Inari no Okami

Kutchan Shrine was constructed in the Ryuzo architectural style and serves approximately 6,785 households in the area, making it an important focal point for the local community. For those interested in collecting goshuin (shrine stamps), Kutchan Shrine offers stamps from several affiliated shrines. These include:

• Kutchan Shrine Tonmiya: A sub-shrine outside Kutchan Shrine
• Yotei-san Shrine: A sub-shrine within Kutchan Shrine
• Kyogoku Hachiman Shrine: An affiliated shrine

Team Nicerio visits Kutchan Shrine

My family and I visited Kutchan 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. Like all the shrines that we visited for the first time, my family and I followed our family tradition of paying respects and offering prayers. Kutchan Shrine has a unique architectural design, which, for me, makes it stand out from the others.

Kutchan Shrine Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter and explore the Kutchan Shrine’s grounds. However, if you plan to avail of the goshuin stamp or buy omikuji, then please bring cash.

Kutchan Shrine's Operating Hours

Kutchan Shrine grounds are open 24/7. However, the shrine office is open only from 6 AM to 8 PM.

Why visit Kutchan Shrine?

Kutchan Shrine is not only a place of worship but also a testament to the resilience and growth of the Kutchan community. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or someone seeking spiritual enrichment, this shrine offers a unique experience. Its beautiful location, rich history, and ongoing cultural rituals make it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Hokkaido. Aside from that, Kutchan Shrine is also a must-visit destination for those who are collecting goshuin as it offers the goshuin for three affiliate shrines, including the main shrine of the town of Kyogoku.

Getting to Kutchan Shrine

 

There are several ways to get to Kutchan Shrine from Otaru Station, but this is the route I personally recommend:

From Otaru Station, take the Hakodate Line's Local Kutchan train and get off at Kutchan Station.

After exiting the station, catch the Donan Bus on the Kyogoku Line bound for Kimobetsu (via Kyogoku). Get off at the Kutchan Shrine bus stop. The shrine is just a short walk from there.

Travel time: 2 hours and 37 minutes

Fare: 1,500 yen

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