Nishiokoppe Shrine - Hokkaido

Nishiokoppe Shrine (西興部神社) is the main shrine of the village of Nishiokoppe. It is located at 102 Nishiokoppe village, Mombetsu District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Nishiokoppe Shrine

Nishiokoppe Shrine Details

Nishiokoppe Shrine is a historic and culturally significant shrine in the heart of Nishiokoppe Village, Hokkaido. This shrine, a testament to the village's rich history and spiritual heritage, has witnessed various stages of development since its establishment in the early 20th century.

Nishiokoppe Shrine - Nishiokoppe village, Hokkaido Prefecture

The Origins of Nishiokoppe Shrine: A Journey Through Time

The history of Nishiokoppe Shrine dates back to 1921 when Abe Tokido led discussions on constructing a shrine worship hall. That same year, in September, a branch of the Sapporo Shrine was enshrined at this location, and the shrine was initially named Setoushi Shrine. As the guardian deities, Rokuko and Shinobu were worshipped, and a festival was held on the 14th of September to honor them.

Nishiokoppe Shrine's torii gate

During our visit, there was a bear warning sign displayed near the torii gate

The steps going up to Nishiokoppe Shrine

The steps going up to Nishiokoppe Shrine

By 1933, calls for the shrine’s reconstruction gained momentum. Under the leadership of Mayor Yanagida, a committee was formed for the shrine's reconstruction, with the design being entrusted to the Saroma Village Office. Construction began on July 1, 1934, and was completed by September 3, 1934. The total construction cost was 2,350 yen, with 1,700 yen contributed by the village and 650 yen donated by local parishioners.

Transformation and Rebuilding: A Testament to Community Effort

In November 1935, Setoushi Shrine was elevated to the status of a village shrine. The following year, in 1936, it was officially designated as a shrine for offerings of sacred food. However, by 1964, the shrine building began to show signs of decay, prompting the decision to rebuild it.

Nishiokoppe Shrine's Main Hall

Thanks to the support of Shinji Miura and other community members, all building materials were made from yew (Japanese yew). A generous donation from Shinji Miura, which included one of the building materials, played a pivotal role in the rebuilding process. The project was completed in September 1964, with a budget of 700,000 yen for construction costs, although the value of the donated yew materials exceeded this amount at approximately 750,000 yen.

The rebuilt shrine was constructed in the Shinmei style, a traditional architectural style that can still be admired in the shrine today.

Nishiokoppe Shrine Grounds

The chozubachi of the shrine

Probably the shrine's mikoshi storage hut

Nishiokoppe Shrine's Loyalty Monument

The shrine steps as seen from the top step

The view from the main hall

Nishiokoppe Shrine's Komainu Pair

Nishiokoppe Shrine's Komainu Pair

Nishiokoppe Shrine's un-gyo

Nishiokoppe Shrine's a-gyo

The Deities of Nishiokoppe Shrine

Today, Nishiokoppe Shrine houses the deities Okunitama-no-Okami, Oonamuchi-no-Okami, and Sukunahikona-no-Okami, who are revered by the local community. Serving approximately 200 households, the shrine remains a central part of the village’s spiritual life, hosting various festivals and ceremonies throughout the year.

Team Nicerio visits Nishiokoppe Shrine

On July 16, 2023, my daughter and I visited Nishiokoppe Shrine very early in the morning, marking the beginning of the second day of our Father and Daughter Road Trip #5. It also coincided with my 622^nd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. As part of our Hokkaido 179 travel goals, my family and I made sure to visit at least one of the main shrines of the municipality that we visited. During our visit, we offered prayers and paid respects to the deities of the shrine, and as part of our family tradition, we would make 3 wishes before leaving the shrine.

During our visit to Nishiokoppe Shrine, a light drizzle greeted us, making the steps leading up to the shrine a bit slippery and challenging to climb. Fortunately, the rain paused just as we reached the main hall, allowing us to fully enjoy our short but memorable time at the shrine.

 

Nishiokoppe Shrine Admission Fees

It’s FREE to enter and explore the Nishiokoppe Shrine grounds. If you brought your car, you can park in the parking area of Nishiokoppe Forest Park.

Nishiokoppe Shrine Operating Hours

Nishiokoppe Shrine is open 24/7. However, you should visit in the morning as the shrine is not well-lit at night. There are also times when there are bears seen on the shrine grounds so take extra precaution when visiting.

 

Why Visit Nishiokoppe Shrine?

Nishiokoppe Shrine holds significant historical value, offering a deep dive into the journey of Nishiokoppe Village, from its humble beginnings in 1921 to its current form. The shrine is a prime example of Shinmei-style architecture, showcasing traditional building methods and materials that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the area. As a long-standing spiritual center in the community, Nishiokoppe Shrine serves as a hub for locals, providing valuable insight into Japanese Shinto practices. Its serene surroundings further enhance its appeal, making it a peaceful destination for visitors interested in both history and natural beauty. Sadly, the shrine does not have a goshuin stamp.

 

Getting to Nishiokoppe Shrine

From Nayoro Station, board the Okoppe Sen bus of the Meishi Bus Company. Board down at Nishiokoppe bus stop and walk for about 200 meters to Nishiokoppe Shrine.

Travel time: 1 hour and 12 minutes

Fare: 1,190 yen

You can use this Meishi Bus timetable for your visit: 

To Okoppe from Nayoro - LINK

To Nayoro from Okoppe - LINK

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