Yubari Shrine (夕張神社) is the main shrine of Yubari City. It is located at 6 Sumizome, Yubari City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Yubari Shrine |
Yubari Shrine Details
Yubari Shrine is a historical and spiritual landmark that offers visitors a glimpse into Japan's industrial heritage and the deep-rooted connection between the local community and its industries. Established in 1889, the shrine’s origins are tied to the birth of the Hokkaido Coal Mining and Railway Company and the growth of the Yubari coal mines. This tranquil shrine is not just a place of worship, but a testament to the resilience and prosperity of the Yubari region.
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| Yubari Shrine - Yubari City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
The Origins of Yubari Shrine: A Tribute to Industrial Progress
Yubari Shrine traces its origins back to 1889, during the Meiji era when the Hokkaido Coal Mining and Railway Company was founded. The shrine was originally built in the Shako area of Yubari Coal Mine in Noborikawa Village, serving as a sacred space to pray for the safety of the coal mines and the successful construction of the railway that would transform the region.
However, in 1894, the shrine underwent a significant relocation. The president of Hokutan Coal Co., Ltd., Takashima Kaemon, moved the shrine to a new location, closer to where it stands today. The shrine was renamed Noborikawa Shrine at this time, as the original site was believed to be facing an inauspicious direction known as the “demon’s gate,” a position thought to bring bad luck.
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| The view from the top of the steps |
The Growth and Rebirth of the Shrine
The early 1900s marked a period of significant development for the shrine. In 1902, a worship hall was constructed at its new location, providing a space for visitors and worshippers to gather. Unfortunately, disaster struck in 1921 when the hall was destroyed by fire. However, the community quickly rebuilt the shrine, and in 1923, it was officially renamed Yubari Shrine.Yubari Shrine's Main Hall
One notable chapter in the shrine’s history occurred during this reconstruction. Marshal Togo Heihachiro, a respected military leader and a beneficiary of Hokutan Coal’s high-quality product, was honored with a request to donate a plaque bearing his calligraphy. This gesture cemented the shrine’s ties to the region’s coal industry and the broader cultural history of Hokkaido.Things to See on Yubari Shrine Grounds
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| Yubari Shrine History Board |
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| One of the beautiful stone lanterns on the shrine grounds |
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| There are several vermillion lanterns lined up along the main path to the shrine |
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| Yubari Shrine 100th Anniversary Monument |
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| Ema prayer boards on the shrine grounds |
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| Yubari Shrine's Parking Area and the entrance to the History Village of Coal |
The Deities Enshrined at Yubari Shrine
Yubari Shrine is home to a powerful array of deities, each playing a vital role in the prosperity and well-being of the region:
- Oyamatsumi-no-Kami: The God of coal mine protection and industrial prosperity.
- Okuninushi-no-Kami: The God of development, connections, and success in ventures.
- Kayanohime-no-Kami: The Goddess of commerce and industrial prosperity.
- Sugawara no Michizane: The God of education, revered for his wisdom and guidance.
In 1971, the shrine’s significance was further enhanced with the separate enshrinement of Sugawara Michizane, originally housed at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, highlighting the shrine's evolving role as a center of spiritual and intellectual development.
Yubari Shrine's Komainu pairs
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| Yubari Shrine's komainu pair #1 |
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| Yubari Shrine's komainu pair #2 |
A Spiritual and Historical Landmark
Today, Yubari Shrine stands not only as a place of worship but as a living testament to the growth of the Yubari coal industry and its profound impact on the local community. The shrine’s rich history and connection to the industrial age make it an important cultural site for visitors interested in learning about the region's heritage.
Team Nicerio visits Yubari Shrine
On May 13, 2023, my family and I visited Yubari Shrine for the first time during our "Wedding Anniversary" road trip. It also marked my 558th day in Japan as an ALT with the JET Programme. As part of our personal goal to visit all 179 municipalities of Hokkaido, we made it a point to visit at least one main shrine in each municipality. During our visit to Yubari Shrine, we paid our respects to the local deities and offered prayers. As with every other shrine we visited, we followed our family tradition of making three wishes before leaving. What I particularly loved about Yubari Shrine was its peaceful, quiet atmosphere. I truly enjoyed the soothing sound of birds chirping as we took in the serenity of our brief but meaningful visit.
Yubari Shrine Admission Fee
It’s FREE to enter and explore Yubari Shrine grounds. However, please bring cash if you intend to avail of the shrine’s goshuin or shrine stamp and omamori.
Yubari Shrine’s Operating Hours
Yubari Shrine grounds are open 24/7. However, the shrine office is only open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Why visit Yubari Shrine?
Yubari Shrine is deeply intertwined with the history of coal mining in Hokkaido, serving as a spiritual protector for miners. Established in 1889, it was built by the Hokkaido Coal Mining and Railway Company to pray for the safety of the miners and the success of the coal operations. At present, Yubari Shrine stands as a lasting testament to the resilience and spirit of the mining community, still offering spiritual solace and preserving the region's deep connection to its industrial past. Also, if you collect goshuin stamps, don’t forget to bring your goshuincho when visiting Yubari Shrine.
From Shin-Yubari Station, head to the Shin-Yubari Eki mae bus stop and board the Yubari Shinai Sen (Yubarishi Sekitan Hakubutsukan) bus operated by Yutetsu Bus Company. Board down at the Yubari Jinja bus stop and walk a few meters to the shrine.
Travel time: 46 minutes
Fare: 830 yen
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