Memuro Shrine - Hokkaido

Memuro Shrine (芽室神社) is the main shrine of the town of Memuro. It is located at 8 Chome-2 Hondori in the town of Memuro, Kasai District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Memuro Shrine

Memuro Shrine Details

Memuro Shrine stands as a testament to the resilience and devotion of the early settlers who shaped this vibrant town. Its rich history, deeply rooted in community spirit, is a reflection of the enduring legacy of Fusakichi Toyama and his contemporaries.

Memuro Shrine - Memuro town, Hokkaido Prefecture

The Origins of Memuro Shrine

The story of Memuro Shrine begins in March 1897 when Fusakichi Toyama, alongside Hanzaemon Takahashi, Shichibei Yajima, Mataemon Ariga, and Heizō Sawada, arrived from Nagano Prefecture. These pioneers laid the foundation of the town of Memuro, working tirelessly to transform the wilderness into a thriving settlement. By 1900, with the establishment of local governance and urban planning on the horizon, Toyama envisioned a spiritual sanctuary for the burgeoning community.

Memuro Shrine's main torii gate

芽室神社

Memuro Shrine's chozuya

Memuro Shrine's chozubachi

In the spring of that year, despite the lingering snow, a modest shrine dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the deity of the sun and universe, was built on a tree stump near Toyama’s house. The shrine quickly became a focal point of village life, hosting spring and autumn festivals. By 1901, votive sumo matches—an enduring tradition—were introduced, uniting residents in celebration and camaraderie.

Memuro Shrine's Main Hall

Relocation and Growth

The early 20th century brought rapid development to Memuro. The opening of the railway line between Asahikawa and Kushiro in 1907 and the establishment of Memuro Station attracted new residents and shifted the town's center of activity. Recognizing the need for a more accessible shrine, Fusakichi Toyama and his peers decided to relocate it.

Memuro Shrine grounds

There are plenty of furin or glass wind chimes on the pathway going to the main hall

Memuro Inari Shrine

In 1911, after careful planning and with land leased from Memuro’s public domain, the shrine found its new home. By April 27, 1912, the new structure was completed, marking a significant milestone for the community.

Modern-Day Memuro Shrine

Over the decades, Memuro Shrine has undergone several renovations. The current shrine building was completed in 1970, and its spacious office, spanning 153.4 tsubo, was finalized in 1980. Today, the shrine serves as the spiritual heart of Memuro-cho, accommodating 6,630 households and continuing to honor Amaterasu Omikami.

Memuro Shrine's Komainu pair

Memuro Shrine's komainu pair

Memuro Shrine's a-gyo

Memuro Shrine's un-gyo

Team Nicerio visits the Memuro Shrine

On August 13, 2023, during my 650th day in Japan as an ALT with the JET Programme, my family and I visited Memuro Shrine for the first time. This visit held special significance as part of our ongoing journey to explore all 179 municipalities in Hokkaido.

In keeping with our family tradition, we made it a priority to visit a prominent shrine in each municipality we explored. At Memuro Shrine, we paused to offer prayers and make a wish, immersing ourselves in the cultural and spiritual significance of the moment while creating treasured memories together.

Memuro Shrine Fees

It’s FREE to enter and explore the Memuro Shrine grounds. You may make some offerings by putting coins inside its saisen after praying.

Memuro Shrine Operating Hours

The Memuro Shrine grounds are open 24/7. However, the shrine office is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. Make sure to visit during those times when you plan to get the shrine’s goshuin.

Why Visit Memuro Shrine?

Memuro Shrine offers visitors a unique glimpse into the historical and cultural fabric of Hokkaido. Its serene environment, coupled with its rich history, makes it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike. Whether you're attending a seasonal festival, exploring its beautifully preserved architecture, or simply seeking a moment of peace, the shrine promises a meaningful experience.

Getting to Memuro Shrine

 

The closest train station to Memuro Shrine is Memuro Station. From there, it’s a walk of approximately 1.1 kilometers to reach the shrine.

For those opting for public transportation, take bus #31 on the Memuro Line, operated by the Tokachi Bus Company, from the Memuro Eki Mae bus stop. Alight at the Memuro Jinja Mae bus stop, then proceed on foot to the shrine.

Travel time: 10 minutes

Fare: 180 yen

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