Okuni Shrine (大國神社) is one of the main shrines of Fukagawa City. It is located at 2400
Ichimicho Ichimi, Fukagawa City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Okuni Shrine |
Okuni Shrine Details
Okuni Shrine, located in the heart of the Honmura area of Fukagawa City, has a fascinating history that
dates back to the late 19th century. The shrine was founded in 1897 when a
commemorative marker was erected and a religious ceremony was held to honor the
site. The following year, in 1900, officers from the First Battalion of the
village’s Tonden Infantry, inspired by the picturesque hill to the east of
Honmura 6-chome (present-day location), built a small shrine dedicated to
Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess.
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| Okuni Shrine - Fukagawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
As the years passed, the shrine began to
grow. In 1907, the construction of the main hall, offering hall, worship hall,
and office marked a significant expansion. By August 1912, Okuni Shrine became
a designated site for offering silk, and just a month later, it was officially
ranked as a village shrine.
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| Okuni Shrine's main torii gate |
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| 大國神社 |
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| Okuni Shrine's inner wooden torii gate |
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| Okuni Shrine's chozuya |
The same year, on September 24, Izumo Taisha, one
of Japan's oldest and most revered shrines, approved enshrining a
branch of its deity. With the branch in hand, Okuninushi no Mikoto, the deity
of good fortune and prosperity, was enshrined, and the shrine was renamed Okuni
Shrine in honor of this sacred addition.
Okuni Shrine's Main Hall
The shrine’s status continued to grow, and
on June 24, 1922, Okuni Shrine was officially ranked as a local shrine. It
continued to flourish in both spiritual and cultural significance. In 1953, it
was officially registered as a religious corporation known as "Daikoku
Shrine," a title it still holds today.
Monuments and Memorials on Okuni Shrine grounds
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| Loyalty Monument |
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| Pioneer Monument |
Okuni Shrine's komainu
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| Okuni Shrine's komainu |
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| Okuni Shrine's un-gyo |
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| Okuni Shrine's a-gyo |
Today, Okuni Shrine remains a place of deep
reverence and a popular destination for visitors seeking spiritual solace and a
connection to the region's rich traditions.
Team Nicerio visits Okuni Shrine
My family and I first visited Okuni Shrine
last March 25, 2023, which was my 509th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. It was the first day of our 2-day W73 Road Trip, and it
was also the first shrine that we visited. During our visit, we did our family
tradition of paying respects and offering prayers. There was still snow in most
parts of the shrine, so it made me wonder what the shrine looks like in another
season. Hopefully, we get to revisit Okuni Shrine when all the snow already
melted.
Okuni Shrine Admission Fee
It’s FREE to enter and explore Okuni
Shrine. Parking is also FREE but limited. Regardless, the shrine never gets
crowded like those in Kyoto and Nara unless it is a shrine festival.
Okuni Shrine Operating Hours
The shrine grounds are open 24/7, but the
shrine office is open only from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Why visit Okuni Shrine?
Okuni Shrine in Fukagawa, Hokkaido, is a
significant historical and spiritual site, founded in 1897 and enriched with
cultural heritage. The shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami and Okuninushi
no Mikoto, deities of the sun and prosperity. Visitors can explore its peaceful
setting, connect with Japan’s spiritual traditions, and appreciate its
traditional architecture. With its rich history, serene atmosphere, and
spiritual significance, Okuni Shrine offers a meaningful experience for those
seeking tranquility and a deeper connection to Japanese culture. If you collect goshuin stamps then this place is a must-visit.
Getting to Okuni Shrine
From Asahikawa Station, take the Kamui 6 Limited Express Sapporo on the Lilac-Kamui Line and disembark at Fukagawa Station.
From Fukagawa Station, walk approximately 2 minutes to the Fukagawa Eki Mae bus stop and catch the Akebono Danchi Homen bus on the Junkansen route (Fukagawa City Community Bus). Get off at the Shido Samban Dori bus stop.
Okuni Shrine is located about 550 meters from the bus stop, an easy walk away.
Fare: 2,100 yen
Travel Time: 1 hour and 11 minutes
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