Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine (蘭越 目名八幡神社) is the main shrine of the town of Rankoshi. It is located at 551 Menamachi in the town of Rankoshi, Isoya District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine |
Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine details
Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine, a testament to the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Rankoshi Town, was officially established on November 27, 1906, by a group of 127 founders. Notable representatives such as Kataoka Gen and Masuda Kichigoro spearheaded the application for its construction, gaining approval from the Hokkaido Prefectural Government on December 17, 1907.
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| Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine - Rankoshi town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Construction of the shrine began in July 1908 and was completed on December 18 of the same year, marking its formal recognition as a registered shrine by December 28, 1908.
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| Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine's main torii |
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| 蘭越 目名八幡神社 |
In October 1915, the shrine’s status was elevated to that of a village shrine, and it was officially added to the list on February 17, 1916. Later that year, on August 2, it gained the designation of a shrine that offers sacred offerings.
Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine's Main Hall
The shrine showcases Ryuzo architectural design, reflecting traditional Japanese craftsmanship and cultural values. It enshrines Emperor Ojin, Okuninushi-no-kami, and Ukemochi-no-kami, deities revered for their protection and blessings. Today, Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine serves as a spiritual home to approximately 250 households, fostering a sense of community and devotion.
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| Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine's chozuya |
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| There were only a few wooden ema or prayer boards displayed in the shrine grounds |
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| Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine's mikoshi house |
Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine's Komainu Statues
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| Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine's komainu statues |
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| Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine's un-gyo |
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| Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine's a-gyo |
Visitors to the shrine can explore its serene precincts, admire its historic architecture, and immerse themselves in the rich traditions it preserves.
Team Nicerio visits Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine
On April 2, 2023, during the second day of our three-day Birthday Road Trip, my family and I visited Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine. This visit marked my 517th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. I made it a point to include this shrine in our itinerary as part of our Hokkaido 179 challenge to visit a shrine in every municipality that we visited in the prefecture. During our visit, my daughter and I did our tradition of paying respects by offering prayers. Aside from that, we also made a wish before leaving the shrine grounds.
Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine Admission Fee
It’s FREE to enter and explore Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine grounds. However, be sure to bring cash if you plan to avail of the goshuin stamp or get charms.
Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine’s Operating Hours
Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine grounds are open 24/7, but the shrine office is usually open from 9 AM to 4 PM. It might be closed during the winter. Please contact their office at ☏ 0136-55-3666.
Why visit Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine?
Visiting Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine provides a serene escape into Hokkaido’s cultural core while offering insight into Rankoshi’s rich spiritual history. For goshuin enthusiasts, you can also obtain the goshuin stamp of Otori Shrine from the neighboring town of Kuromatsunai here.
Getting to Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine
There are several ways to get to Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine here’s the route I’m most familiar with:
From Niseko Station, take the Local Oshamambe train on the Hakodate Line and get off at Mena Station. From there, it’s about an 800-meter walk to reach Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine.
Travel time: 40 minutes
Fare: 540 yen
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