Omu Shrine - Hokkaido

Omu Shrine (雄武神社) is the main shrine of the town of Omu. It is located at 1485 Omu, in the town of Omu, Mombetsu District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

雄武神社
Omu Shrine

Omu Shrine Details

Omu Shrine's story began in 1885 when settlers from Aomori Prefecture built a small shrine on a hill overlooking the beach. As they operated fishing grounds in the Sea of Okhotsk, they prayed for bountiful catches and safe waters, marking the shrine's humble beginnings.

Omu Shrine - Omu town, Hokkaido Prefecture
Omu Shrine - Omu town, Hokkaido Prefecture

A New Era: The Shrine’s Transformation in 1935

In 1935, with the support of local villagers, the shrine was relocated to its current site to symbolize a broader purpose. It became a place of prayer for the growth of Omu's forestry, fishing, and dairy farming industries, while also cultivating reverence for gods and ancestors. 

Omu Shrine
Omu Shrine's torii gate

Omu Shrine's info board
The shrine's information board

雄武神社
雄武神社

Omu Shrine's chozuya
Omu Shrine's chozuya

Omu Shrine's chozubachi
Omu Shrine's chozubachi

The main deity, Amaterasu Omikami, revered throughout Japan, was enshrined alongside Ichikishimahime, a secondary deity tied to Omu’s origins, to foster unity and harmony within the community.

Omu Shrine's Main Hall

Omu Shrine's Main Hall

Omu Shrine's Main Hall



Omu Shrine's Komainu Set

Omu Shrine's Komainu Set

Omu Shrine's un-gyo
Omu Shrine's un-gyo

Omu Shrine's a-gyo
Omu Shrine's a-gyo

A Hub of Tradition and Community

Today, Omu Shrine spans 112.4 square meters and serves as a spiritual anchor for around 2,100 households. The shrine is not just a place of worship but a cultural landmark that reflects the resilience and faith of its people.

Team Nicerio visits Omu Shrine

Team Nicerio visits Omu Shrine

On July 16, 2023, my daughter and I visited Omu Shrine for the first time during the second day of our Father and Daughter Road Trip #5. This special stop coincided with my 622nd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. As part of our mission to visit all 179 municipalities in Hokkaido, we made sure to include this shrine in our itinerary. During our visit, we offered prayers and paid respects to the deity of the town.

Omu Shrine Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter and explore Omu Shrine grounds. If you collect goshuin, make sure to bring cash as you can obtain the goshuin of Omu Shrine and Okoppe Shrine here.

Omu Shrine Operating Hours

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

Why visit Omu Shrine?

Omu Shrine offers a serene escape, perfect for reconnecting with your spiritual side. Despite its location near the town center, the shrine maintains a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to unwind and reflect.

Getting to Omu Shrine

 

From Monbetsu City, board the (Monbetsu - Okoppe - Omu) Hokumon Bus. Board down at the Omu Town National Health Insurance Hospital bus stop. Once there, walk to Omu Shrine. 

You can see the bus schedule by clicking this LINK

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