Tarumaeyama Shrine / Mt. Tarumae Shrine, officially known as Tarumaeyama Okumiya Shrine (樽前山神社 奥宮), is a small mountaintop shrine situated at the summit of Mt. Tarumae, on the Tomakomai City side of the volcano in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Tarumaeyama Shrine |
Tarumaeyama Shrine Details
Located at the peak of the iconic Mt. Tarumae, Tarumaeyama Shrine holds a profound spiritual and historical significance. Revered as a sacred mountain since ancient times, Mt. Tarumae is believed to house a deity within its breathtaking volcanic landscape, making it a place of deep reverence and spiritual connection.
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| Tarumaeyama Shrine - Tomakomai City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
The shrine's origins date back to 1928, when a wooden structure was built on the mountain ridge to commemorate the Imperial Enthronement. On August 10, 1952, it was reconstructed into a durable concrete structure, ensuring the deity continues to be enshrined in this sublime spiritual area. Today, Tarumaeyama Shrine serves as a subshrine to Tarumaesan Shrine in Tomakomai City, embodying its rich cultural heritage.
Festivals That Celebrate Nature and Faith
The shrine is at the heart of two major annual events:
⮚ Mountain Opening Festival (Second Sunday of June): This vibrant celebration marks the start of the climbing season, bringing climbers together to pray for the town's prosperity, the well-being of its people, and safe journeys on the mountain.
⮚ Mountain Closing Festival (First Sunday of October): As the season ends, the festival honors the mountain's peace and expresses gratitude for a safe climbing season.
These festivals draw numerous visitors, blending tradition, community, and a love for nature.
Photos of Tarumaeyama Shrine
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| Tarumaeyama Shrine as seen from a distance |
Inside Tarumaeyama Shrine
A Landmark and Safety Refuge for Hikers
Beyond its spiritual role, Tarumaeyama Shrine is a key landmark for hikers navigating Mt. Tarumae's trails. It also serves as a safety refuge, providing shelter in emergencies, making it both a practical and symbolic haven for adventurers.
Team Nicerio visits Tarumaeyama Shrine
On July 22, 2023, my siblings and I visited Tarumaeyama Shrine during our hike up Mt. Tarumae as part of our Siblings Road Trip 1. It was a particularly special day for me as it marked my 628th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. It was one of our stops during the hike, and we made sure to offer prayers and make a wish as part of our family tradition of visiting sacred places.
Tarumaeyama Shrine’s Admission Fee
It’s FREE to enter and visit Tarumaeyama Shrine. You can leave a coin as an offering if you want to.
Tarumaeyama Shrine’s Operating Hours
Tarumaeyama Shrine is open 24/7.
Why visit Tarumaeyama Shrine?
Tarumaeyama Shrine is one of the landmarks when you hike Mt. Tarumae. If you plan to walk around the rim of the volcano, you would definitely see the shrine. Although there’s nothing much to see in the shrine, you can offer a prayer here or rest in its vicinity.
Getting to Tarumaeyama Shrine
Public transportation does not provide access to the jump-off point of Mt. Tarumae. The most convenient way to reach the trailhead is by renting a car. Once there, hike to the crater of Mt. Tarumae, and when you reach the fork, take the southwestern path.
The shrine is a little over 800 meters away from the fork.
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Interesting shrine on top of the mountain.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely is.
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