Ubun Shrine (雨紛神社) is one of the main shrines in Asahikawa City. It is located at 424 Amemune, Kamuicho in Asahikawa City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Ubun Shrine |
Ubun Shrine Details
Ubun Shrine, a captivating testament to Japan's cultural and spiritual heritage, dates back to the 1890s. Initially established as a small shrine built to protect the area from heavy rain and flooding, it began its journey of reverence in 1893 when the deities Amaterasu Omikami, Oonamuchi no Okami, and Sukunahikona no Okami were enshrined here. Over the years, with unwavering support from the local community, the shrine has evolved and been meticulously improved, making it a significant spiritual site in the region.
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| Ubun Shrine - Asahikawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
The current structure of Ubun Shrine is a stunning example of Shinmei-zukuri architecture, characterized by its simple yet elegant style. Officially ranked as an unmanned "village shrine," it serves approximately 2,700 households today, reflecting its deep-rooted connection to the local populace.
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| Ubun Shrine's torii gate |
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| The shrine grounds |
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| 雨紛神社 |
Cultural Legacy: Ame-mi-bayashi Festival Music
One of Ubun Shrine's unique features is its link to the traditional performing art Ame-mi-bayashi, which originated in 1945. This cultural gem was introduced by settlers from Tokyo, who brought with them the festival music of Owada Village, Saitama Prefecture (now Niiza City). They passed down this cherished tradition to their children, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Ubun Shrine Main Hall
Things I saw in the Main Hall
Visitor Amenities
While Ubun Shrine is uninhabited, visitors will appreciate its thoughtful amenities, including a water station and a toilet, making it a convenient stop for pilgrims exploring the area.
Things to See in Ubun Shrine's Grounds
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| Kamuy Village Dokou Association Memorial Monument |
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| Ubun Shrine's chozuya |
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| Ubun Shrine's chozubachi |
Ubun Shrine's Komainu Pair
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| Ubun Shrine's komainu pair |
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| Ubun Shrine's un-gyo |
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| Ubun Shrine's a-gyo |
Collecting the Goshuin Stamp
For those collecting goshuin (shrine stamps), you can obtain the Ubun Shrine stamp at Kamikawa Shrine in Kaguraoka. This adds a delightful touch to your spiritual journey and commemorates your visit to this historic site.
Team Nicerio visits Ubun Shrine
My daughter and I visited Ubun Shrine for the first time on June 10, 2023, marking my 586th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Initially, our plan was to visit the Former Ubun Junior School as part of a “pilgrimage” to the filming locations of our favorite drama series, "First Love". However, after exploring the school, we found ourselves with extra time and noticed a historic shrine nearby. Drawn to it, we decided to visit, pay our respects, and offer prayers. What I particularly loved about Ubun Shrine was its serene atmosphere, surrounded by nature, which made the experience even more peaceful.
Ubun Shrine Admission Fee
It’s FREE to enter and explore Ubun Shrine grounds.
Ubun Shrine Operating Hours
Ubun Shrine grounds are open 24/7.
Why visit Ubun Shrine?
Ubun Shrine is a symbol of resilience and community spirit. Its serene atmosphere and well-maintained grounds reflect the dedication of local residents. Visiting the shrine allows you to experience a quieter, authentic side of Asahikawa City, away from the more tourist-heavy spots. Although there is nothing much to do here as it is an unmanned shrine, it’s still one of the places worth visiting if you want to offer prayers or simply escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Getting to Ubun Shrine
From Asahikawa Station, board the Furano Line (Local Biei) of the JR Hokkaido Company. Board down at Midorigaoka Station. Once there, you need to walk for about 2.6 kilometers to reach Ubun Shrine.
Travel time: 41 minutes
Fare: 250 yen
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