Shimokawa Shrine - Hokkaido

Shimokawa Shrine (下川神社) is the main shrine of the town of Shimokawa. It is located at 69 Asahimachi in the town of Shimokawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Shimokawa Shrine

Shimokawa Shrine Details

Shimokawa Shrine is more than just a place of worship—it is a spiritual cornerstone with over a century of history, reflecting the town's rich cultural heritage and the unifying spirit of its community.

Shimokawa Shrine - Shimokawa town, Hokkaido Prefecture

A Century-Long Journey of Faith and Unity

The origins of the Shimokawa Shrine can be traced back to 1904, when Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and one of the principal deities in Shinto belief, was first enshrined on Line 23. This marked the founding of the original Shimokawa Shrine. Just two years later, settlers from Shikoku brought with them a devotion to Omononushi, enshrining the deity in the Sannohashi area—thus establishing the Sannohashi Shrine.

下川神社

Shimokawa Shrine's torii gate

the chozuya

chozubachi

In 1924, another significant step occurred with the enshrinement of Hondawake no Mikoto (Emperor Ojin) on 1 North Line 24, the present-day location of the Shimokawa Shrine. This site became known as Hachiman Shrine, dedicated to the god of warriors and protector of Japan.

The pathway to the main hall

The main hall and the chozuya

Recognizing the need for a unified place of worship, the Shimokawa Shrine Founding Promotion Association was established in 1940, commemorating the 2,600th anniversary of Japan's founding. Through community efforts, the three original shrines were merged to form the current Shimokawa Shrine, officially inaugurated in a grand joint ceremony on December 20, 1941.

Postwar Reconstruction and Continuous Development

In 1947, the shrine became a religious corporation, formalizing its role within the Shinto framework. Continued community support led to the founding of the Shimokawa Shrine Construction Support Association in 1967, paving the way for major construction beginning in July 1969. The shrine building was completed on December 14 of the same year.

Shimokawa Shrine's Main Hall

To celebrate its 90th anniversary, a new chapter began with the establishment of the Imperial Ceremony Support Association in 1992. This period saw the construction of a new shrine office, the erection of a large torii gate, and extensive grounds improvement—completed on September 23, 1993.

Inside the Main Hall of Shimokawa Shrine

A decade later, in 2003, Shimokawa Shrine marked its 100th anniversary with the renovation of the main shrine, Kagura Hall, and Mikoshi Hall, giving the entire site a refreshed and reverent appearance.

Shimokawa Shrine Grounds

100th Anniversary of the Founding of the Shrine

The frog statue in the shrine grounds

There is also an owl statue in the shrine grounds

The prayer boards or ema of Shimokawa Shrine feature Emorin, the town's mascot

Enshrined Deities from Merged Shrines

Over time, Shimokawa Shrine has also become the spiritual home for several other deities previously worshipped in smaller local shrines. These include:

• Hankei Shrine – Amaterasu Omikami, founded in 1906, enshrined in 1970
• Ninohashi Shrine – Amaterasu Omikami, founded in 1910, enshrined in 1970
• Shimokawa Mines Shrine – Oyamatsumi Okami, founded in 1959, enshrined in 1983
• Kuwanosawa Shrine – Amaterasu Omikami, founded in 1913, enshrined in 1970
• Sanru Shrine – Onamushi no Kami, Okunitama no Kami, and Sukunahikona no Kami, founded in 1906, enshrined in 1998

This merging of spiritual lineages has made the Shimokawa Shrine a comprehensive symbol of the town’s collective devotion.

Shimokawa Shrine's Komainu Pair

Shimokawa Shrine's komainu pair

Shimokawa Shrine's agyo

Shimokawa Shrine's ungyo

Shimokawa Shrine Today: A Sacred Place for the Community

Currently, the Shimokawa Shrine serves over 1,900 households and spans an area of 168.7 square meters. It continues to play a vital role in local life, hosting seasonal festivals, traditional ceremonies and offering a quiet place for prayer and reflection.

Team Nicerio visits Shimokawa Shrine

On July 15, 2023, my daughter and I visited Shimokawa Shrine for the very first time. It was during the first day of our Father and Daughter Road Trip #5, which was also my 621^st day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Like all municipalities that we visit, we make sure to visit one of its main shrines to offer prayers and also to pay our respects. It is part of our Hokkaido 179 goal. This shrine is near the historic Keirinkan, so visiting it was like hitting two birds with one stone.

I truly enjoyed walking around the grounds of Shimokawa Shrine. While the area isn’t particularly large, it radiates a sacred and calming presence that anyone who has visited spiritual sites before would instantly recognize. If you ever find yourself in town, I highly recommend stopping by—this shrine offers a quiet yet powerful glimpse into Shimokawa’s spiritual heritage.

 

Shimokawa Shrine Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter and explore the Shimokawa Shrine grounds. However, bring cash if you plan to avail of the goshuin.

Shimokawa Shrine Operating Hours

Shimokawa Shrine grounds are open 24/7. However, it is highly suggested that you visit in the morning as the area is not well-lit at night. The shrine office is open from 9 AM to 4 PM.

 

Why visit Shimokawa Shrine?

Visitors will appreciate the serene setting, the beautifully maintained architecture, and the deep-rooted history embedded in every stone and structure. Whether you're a cultural traveler, a history enthusiast, or a spiritual seeker, Shimokawa Shrine offers a unique glimpse into the soul of northern Japan. Aside from that, if you collect goshuin, then this shrine should be in your itinerary.

Getting to Shimokawa Shrine

 

From Nayoro Station's bus stop, board the Okoppe Sen-bound bus operated by the Meishi Bus Company, and get down at the 25 Sen bus stop. Once there, walk for a few meters to reach the Shimokawa Shrine grounds.

Travel time: 32 minutes

Fare: 470 yen

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