Niseko Kaributo Shrine (ニセコ狩太神社) is the main shrine of the town of Niseko. It is located at 218 Hondori in the town of Niseko in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Niseko Kaributo Shrine |
Niseko Kaributo Shrine details
Niseko Kaributo Shrine is a historical and spiritual landmark with deep roots in the region’s past. Originally dedicated in 1896 by Matsuoka Rikuzo, a native of Iwate Prefecture, during the development of the area, the shrine has since grown into a significant religious site. In 1904, a main building was constructed after the donation of 23,000 m² of land, further solidifying the shrine’s importance to the local community.
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| Niseko Kaributo Shrine - Niseko town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
The journey of Niseko Kaributo Shrine took a crucial step in 1915 when an application was submitted for its official establishment. By May 1916, permission was granted, leading to its formal founding. The shrine continued to grow, and in 1925, approval was granted for the reconstruction of the main building. On September 7, 1925, the shrine’s current Shinmei-zukuri style main building was completed, a beautiful structure that reflects the traditional Shinto architectural style.
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| Niseko Kaributo Shrine's Torii gate |
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| Niseko Kaributo Shrine's chozuya |
The dedication and hard work of the local villagers were instrumental in the shrine’s development. They expanded the grounds year by year, and by 1926, Niseko Kaributo Shrine was officially ranked as a village shrine. Two years later, it earned the designation of a shrine for sacred offerings, further cementing its status as a spiritual center. After World War II, the shrine was removed from state control and, in 1953, became a religious corporation, a status it maintains today.
Niseko Kaributo Shrine's Main Hall
Niseko Kaributo Shrine's komainu
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| Niseko Kaributo Shrine's komainu statues |
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| Niseko Kaributo Shrine's un-gyo |
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| Niseko Kaributo Shrine's a-gyo |
The shrine is home to several deities, with a rich history of mergers and additions over the years. The main deity is Sugawara no Michizane, who was enshrined in September 1942, along with other revered gods such as Oonamuchi-no-Mikoto, Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto, Ukemochi-no-Kami, Haniyasu-hime-no-Kami, and Sugawara no Michizane.
Team Nicerio visits Niseko Kaributo Shrine
On April 1, 2023, my family and I visited Niseko Kaributo Shrine for the first time during our 3-Day 2023 Birthday Road Trip. It marked my 516th day in Japan as an ALT with the JET Programme. As part of our #Hokkaido179 travel goals and our family’s travel tradition, we made sure to include the shrine in our itinerary while in the village. During our visit, we paid our respects and offered prayers to the village's deity. Before leaving, we followed our customary tradition of making three wishes, a ritual we always perform when visiting a sacred place for the first time. Niseko Kaributo Shrine was the last destination that we visited for the day.
Niseko Kaributo Shrine Admission Fee
It’s FREE to enter and explore the Niseko Kaributo Shrine grounds. However, bring cash if you plan to avail of the shrine’s unique goshuin stamp.
Niseko Kaributo Shrine Operating Hours
Niseko Kaributo Shrine grounds are open 24/7 but the shrine office is open from 9 AM to 4 PM. Plan your trip accordingly if you want to avail yourself of its goshuin stamp.
Why visit Niseko Kaributo Shrine?
Niseko Kaributo Shrine offers visitors not only a chance to connect with the divine but also an opportunity to experience a significant part of Hokkaido’s cultural and religious heritage. Whether you’re interested in its rich history, beautiful architecture, or serene natural surroundings, this shrine is a must-visit for those exploring the spiritual heart of Niseko. Also, if you collect goshuin, then don't forget to visit Niseko Kaributo Shrine when you are in town.
Getting Niseko Kaributo Shrine
There are multiple ways to get to Niseko Kaributo Shrine from Otaru Station, but this is the route I’m familiar with:
From Otaru Station, go to the Otaru Eki Mae Bus Terminal and take the Chuo Bus on the Sapporo - Niseko Niseko Ikoi no Yuyado Iroha route. Get off at the Jinja Mae [Nisekocho] bus stop.
From there, it’s a short 350-meter walk to reach Niseko Kaributo Shrine.
Travel time: 1 hour and 57 minutes
Fare: 1840 yen
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