Takinoue Shrine - Hokkaido

Takinoue Shrine (滝上神社) is the main shrine of the town of Takinoue. It is located at 33, Sakuru Genya in the town of Takinoue, Monbetsu-gun in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

滝上神社
Takinoue Shrine

Takinoue Shrine Details

Takinoue Shrine was established in September 1913 on the old Shibetsu Street, with Amaterasu Omikami and Toyoukehime Okami enshrined as the guardian deities of development. In 1918, Oyamazumi Okami was included, further enriching the shrine’s sacred significance.

Takinoue Shrine - Takinoue town, Hokkaido Prefecture
Takinoue Shrine - Takinoue town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Relocation to a Scenic Highland

In 1933, plans were proposed to establish a central village shrine. By 1937, the shrine was relocated to its current location on the highlands of Takinoue Town. This picturesque site, where the Shogutsu and Sakuru Rivers meet at the base of Mt. Teshio, was chosen for its natural beauty and central location within the town.

Takinoue Shrine's Main Torii Gate
Takinoue Shrine's Main Torii gate

Shibazakura Takinoue Park as seen from the Takinoue Shrine grounds
Shibazakura Takinoue Park as seen from the Takinoue Shrine grounds

Takinoue Shrine's chozuya
Takinoue Shrine's chozuya

Takinoue Shrine's Inner torii gate
Takinoue Shrine's Inner Torii gate

Post-War Growth and Renewal

After World War II, the shrine became an official religious corporation in 1946, ensuring its place as a cornerstone of the community’s spiritual life. In 1993, Takinoue Shrine celebrated two significant milestones: its 80th anniversary and the 55th anniversary of its relocation. To commemorate these events, the Shrine Construction Promotion Committee led efforts to rebuild the structure.

Takinoue Shrine's Main Hall

Takinoue Shrine's Main Hall

Takinoue Shrine's Main Hall

Takinoue Shrine's Main Hall

Takinoue Shrine's Main Hall

A New Chapter with National Support

In October 1994, a new Shinmei-style shrine was completed, thanks to the generous support of worshippers from across Japan. In January 1995, the Ise Grand Shrine bestowed sacred materials, including katsuogi, the Inner Shrine’s main hall, and torii gates, which were erected later that year.

Other Things to See in Takinoue Shrine Grounds

Takinoue Shrine's bulletin board


Other Things to See in Takinoue Shrine Grounds

Other Things to See in Takinoue Shrine Grounds

Other Things to See in Takinoue Shrine Grounds

Konpira Shrine
Konpira Shrine

Shotoku Taishi Shrine
Shotoku Taishi Shrine

A Center for Faith and Community

Today, Takinoue Shrine still houses Amaterasu Omikami, Toyoukehime no Mikoto, and Oyamatsumi no Mikoto as its deities. It serves approximately 1,200 households, acting as both a spiritual haven and a cultural landmark.

Takinoue Shrine's Komainu Pair

Takinoue Shrine's komainu pair
Takinoue Shrine's komainu pair

Takinoue Shrine's un-gyo
Takinoue Shrine's un-gyo

Takinoue Shrine's a-gyo
Takinoue Shrine's a-gyo

Sankeitenmangu

Sankeitenmangu
Sankeitenmangu

Sankeitenmangu

Sankeitenmangu

Sankeitenmangu

Inside Takinoue Shrine grounds is a small red shrine called Sankeitenmangu. What makes this small shrine eye-catching is its drum bridge that crosses a manmade pond with koi fish.  You can also get the goshuin of this shrine in Takinoue Shrine. 

Team Nicerio visits Takinoue Shrine

Team Nicerio visits Takinoue Shrine

Team Nicerio visits Takinoue Shrine

My family and I visited Takinoue Shrine for the first time on May 28, 2023. It marked my 573rd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. We made it a priority to include the shrine in our itinerary as part of our mission to visit all 179 municipalities in Hokkaido. Like our shrine visits, we made sure to pay respects and offer prayers.

Takinoue Shrine Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter and explore Takinoue Shrine grounds. However, it’s better to bring cash in case you intend to avail of the shrine’s goshuin stamp.

Takinoue Shrine Operating Hours

Takinoue Shrine grounds are open 24/7. However, the shrine office is only open from 9 AM to 4 PM.

Why visit Takinoue Shrine?

Takinoue Shrine is not only a place of deep historical and spiritual significance but also a destination surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Whether you seek reflection, cultural insight, or a peaceful retreat, this shrine offers an experience that resonates with heritage and faith. Aside from that, if should also include this place in your itinerary if you collect goshuin or shrine stamps. 

Getting to Takinoue Shrine

The most convenient way to reach Takinoue Shrine is by private or rental car. This allows you to explore the shrine at your own pace without the hassle of bus schedules, particularly during the busy Shibazakura season.

However, if you prefer public transportation, here's a guide: From Asahikawa Station, make your way to the Asahikawa Eki Mae bus stop and board the Sapporo/Asahikawa – Mombetsu bus, operated by JR Hokkaido Bus Company. Alight at the Asahimachi [Takinouecho] bus stop. From there, it’s about an 11-minute walk to the shrine.

Travel time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Fare: 3,000 yen

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