Esashi Itsukushima Shrine - Hokkaido

Esashi Itsukushima Shrine (枝幸厳島神社) is the main shrine of the town of Esashi. It is located at 536-1 Shineicho in the town of Esashi, Esashi District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

枝幸厳島神社 - Esashi, Hokkaido
Esashi Itsukushima Shrine

Esashi Itsukushima Shrine Details

Esashi Itsukushima Shrine traces its beginnings to 1829 when Fujino Shirobei, a fishing contractor from Aomori Prefecture, enshrined a branch of the spirit of Itsukushima. This act was deeply connected to the faith of his master, the Fujino family, and led to the establishment of a small shrine, laying the foundation for Esashi's spiritual legacy.

枝幸厳島神社 - Esashi town, Hokkaido Prefecture
Esashi Itsukushima Shrine - Esashi town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Growth and Recognition as a Village Shrine

In 1894, volunteers solidified the shrine's location and appointed Hoshino Jukuichi as the shrine manager. By 1895, after repairs and the addition of a shrine office, Esashi Itsukushima Shrine gained official recognition as a village shrine, cementing its role as a community pillar.

Esashi Itsukushima Shrine's inner torii gate

Esashi Itsukushima Shrine's main torii gate

Esashi Itsukushima Shrine
During our visit, the road going to the shrine was decorated with lanterns

Relocation and Reconstruction

The shrine found its permanent home in 1923, but a devastating fire in 1940 destroyed it. Rebuilt in 1942, Esashi Itsukushima Shrine rose once again as a testament to the resilience and dedication of the local community.

Esashi Itsukushima Shrine's Main Hall





The Merger with Miyoshi Shrine

In 1980, Esashi Itsukushima Shrine merged with Miyoshi Shrine, introducing the revered deity Fujiwara Miyoshi no Mikoto. This merger enriched the shrine’s spiritual importance and deepened its historical roots.

Esashi Itsukushima Shrine Grounds

The shrine's chozuya

Esashi Itsukushima Shrine
The shrine's chozubachi

Loyalty Monument

There is a torii gate leading to the shrine's Loyalty Monument

Treasures and Cultural Significance

The shrine houses two notable treasures:

  • The Torii Gate: Crafted in 1833 (Tempo 4) and designated as a town heritage item.
  • The Wooden Ema Plaque: Made in 1862 (Bunkyu 2) and similarly recognized for its historical significance.

These artifacts stand as enduring symbols of the shrine's rich cultural legacy.

Esashi Itsukushima Shrine's Komainu Pair

Esashi Itsukushima Shrine's Komainu Pair
Esashi Itsukushima Shrine's komainu pair

Esashi Itsukushima Shrine's un-gyo

Esashi Itsukushima Shrine's a-gyo

A Sanctuary for the Community

Today, Esashi Itsukushima Shrine spans 254 square meters and serves approximately 1,700 households. It enshrines Princess Ichikishima, Prince Shotoku, and Fujiwara Miyoshi no Mikoto, offering spiritual solace and a deep connection to Japan's traditions.

Team Nicerio visits Esashi Itsukushima Shrine

Team Nicerio visits Esashi Itsukushima Shrine

Team Nicerio visits Esashi Itsukushima Shrine

On July 16, 2023, my daughter and I visited Esashi Itsukushima Shrine for the first time, marking the second day of our Father and Daughter Road Trip #5. We visited on my 622nd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. 

As part of our goal to visit all 179 municipalities in Hokkaido, we made it a point to include this historic shrine in our journey. During our visit, we offered prayers and paid our respects to the town's revered deity. Although finding a parking spot near the shrine was a bit challenging due to its central location, it didn’t hinder us from experiencing the serene atmosphere and honoring the shrine’s traditions.


Esashi Itsukushima Shrine Admission Fee

Entry to the Esashi Itsukushima Shrine grounds is completely FREE, allowing visitors to explore at their leisure. For those who collect goshuin (shrine stamps), don’t forget to bring cash, as you can obtain one during your visit.

Esashi Itsukushima Shrine Operating Hours

Esashi Itsukushima Shrine’s grounds are open 24/7. However, the shrine office is open from 9 AM to 4 PM.

 

Why Visit Esashi Itsukushima Shrine?

Esashi Itsukushima Shrine is a peaceful place where history, culture, and spirituality come together. Visitors can explore its heritage, view its unique artifacts, and enjoy the calm atmosphere that makes it a special spot in Esashi Town.


Getting to Esashi Itsukushima Shrine

 

From Asahikawa Station Platform 8 in Asahikawa City, board the Limited Express Esashi (Esashi - Asahikawa) of the Soya Bus Company going to Esashi Terminal. This line operates once a day.

Fare:

One way - 5,000 yen
Round Trip - 9,000 yen 

Take note that a reservation is required. You may want to see the updated information on the official website of the Soya Bus Company by clicking this LINK.

Once you reach Esashi Terminal, walk for about 5 minutes to reach the shrine.

Ratings

Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall ratings


Location: 536番地１ Shinsakaechō, Esashi, Esashi District, Hokkaido 098-5825, Japan

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