Nakagawa Shrine - Hokkaido

Nakagawa Shrine (中川神社) is the main shrine of the town of Nakagawa. It is located at 67 Homare in the town of Nakagawa, Nakagawa District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Nakagawa Shrine

Nakagawa Shrine Details

Nakagawa Shrine stands as a historical and spiritual landmark that reflects the determination and faith of its early settlers. Founded in 1910 by a dedicated group of pioneers, the shrine has evolved over time, serving as a beacon of hope and community for over a century.

Nakagawa Shrine - Nakagawa town, Hokkaido Prefecture

A Shrine Born from Determination

The story of Nakagawa Shrine began with settlers in Hobeira, driven by a vision to develop the village of Kitakan. Leaders like Miyoshi Seiichi and Kawakami Komatsugu enshrined Amaterasu Omikami, the Sun Goddess, in a modest structure atop Hobeira Hill. Here, they conducted ceremonies to pray for the success of their pioneering efforts, the safety of their families, and the prosperity of their new hometown.

Nakagawa Shrine's main torii gate

The shrine grounds

Nakagawa Shrine's chozuya

In 1919, the shrine expanded its spiritual significance when the Hokkaido Shrine (then known as Sapporo Shrine) added the enshrinement of three additional deities:

• Okunitama-no-Mikoto – A guardian of the land and its people.
• Okuninushi-no-Mikoto – A deity associated with nation-building and medicine.
• Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto – Revered for his connection to healing and medicine.

Architectural Evolution and Recognition

By 1933, the shrine’s significance grew with the construction of a new building designed in the Ryuzo architectural style, reflecting traditional elegance and durability. The shrine achieved village shrine status in 1934 and became a religious corporation in 1946. In 1995, a modern shrine office was added, blending the site’s historical charm with contemporary functionality.

Nakagawa Shrine's Main Hall

Mergers and Expanding Legacy

Nakagawa Shrine has also incorporated the deities and spiritual legacies of other smaller shrines through mergers, including Otomi Shrine, Kokufu Shrine, Kyowa Shrine, Yasukawa Shrine, Kotohira Shrine, and Yamato Shrine. These mergers have enriched the shrine’s cultural and spiritual heritage, fostering a deeper connection to the local community.

Nakagawa Shrine Grounds

Nakagawa Shrine's Centennial Monument

A Hotei Buddha and other figures are displayed in the grounds of the shrine

Nakagawa Shrine's Komainu Pair

Nakagawa Shrine's komainu pair

Nakagawa Shrine's ungyo

Nakagawa Shrine's agyo

Present-Day Nakagawa Shrine

Today, Nakagawa Shrine spans 150 square meters and serves 1,050 households. Despite its modest size, it remains a cherished spiritual hub for residents and visitors alike. The shrine offers a peaceful retreat, where visitors can explore its history, admire its architecture, and connect with its enduring legacy of faith and perseverance.

Team Nicerio visits Nakagawa Shrine

My daughter and I visited Nakagawa Shrine during our Father and Daughter Road Trip #5, coinciding with my 623rd day in Japan as an ALT with the JET Programme. This was the only shrine on our itinerary for the day, but it held special significance as part of our Hokkaido 179 travel goal to visit key shrines in every municipality we explore for the first time. During our visit, we took a moment to pay our respects and offer prayers. Before leaving, we upheld our family tradition of making three wishes whenever we visit a sacred or religious site for the first time—a meaningful way to end our day.

 

Nakagawa Shrine Admission Fee

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

Nakagawa Shrine Operating Hours

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

Why Visit Nakagawa Shrine?

Nakagawa Shrine isn’t just a place of worship—it’s a window into Hokkaido’s pioneering history and a testament to the resilience of its settlers. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich stories of the shrine’s founding, admire the intricate architectural details, and pay homage to the deities that have guided the community for over a century.

Getting to Nakagawa Shrine

 

From Nayoro Station

From Nayoro Station, board the Soya-Sarobetsu Sarobetsu 1 Limited Express Wakkanai train operated by the Hokkaido Railway Company. Board down at Teshio-Nakagawa Station. Once there, walk for 2.3 kilometers to Nakagawa Shrine, located on the outskirts of town.

Travel time: 1 hour and 55 minutes

Fare: 3,920 yen

From Wakkanai Station

From Wakkanai Station, board the Soya-Sarobetsu Soya Limited Express Sapporo operated by the Hokkaido Railway Company. Board down at Teshio-Nakagawa Station. Once there, walk for 2.3 kilometers to Nakagawa Shrine, located on the outskirts of town.

Travel time: 2 hours

Fare: 4,160 yen

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