Minamifurano Shrine (南富良野神社)
is the main shrine of the town of Minamifurano. It is located at 1210 Ikutora
in the town of Minamifurano, Sorachi District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Minamifurano Shrine |
Minamifurano Shrine Details
Minamifurano Shrine is a testament to the region's
rich history, cultural resilience, and enduring community spirit. Though its
origins are uncertain, it is believed that the shrine was first established
around 1904, a time when patriotism soared following the Russo-Japanese
War.
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| Minamifurano Shrine - Minamifurano town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
The Early Beginnings of Minamifurano Shrine
Legend has it that during the pioneering era, a man named Ozaki
Toshiro carved a square pillar from Ezo pine on land owned by Naito Farm.
He inscribed "Amaterasu Omikami" on it and enshrined it there. Two
years later, the shrine was relocated to Nishimachi. As the town expanded, it
was moved again to public land on the west bank of the Ikutorashibetsu River.
The original shrine building stood there until it collapsed in 1957, a
testament to the enduring challenges of time and nature.
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| Minamifurano Shrine's main torii as seen from the shrine grounds |
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| Minamifurano Shrine's main torii |
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| Minamifurano Shrine's inner torii gate |
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| Minamifurano Shrine's chozuya |
Building a Permanent Shrine During Wartime
In 1940, spurred by a wave of national pride, village
mayor Sasaki Yukio proposed the establishment of the Minamifurano
Shrine Construction Support Association. Community members from Ikutora and
neighboring areas, including Ochiai, Shikagoe, Kanayama, and Shimokanayama,
joined forces to support the initiative.
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| You can see the town from the Minamifurano Shrine grounds |
On June 19, 1941, the founding of the shrine was officially approved, and the land was donated by Naito Akiyoshi. Donations poured in, including a generous contribution of 6,000 yen from Oji Paper Co., a prominent company operating a limestone mine in Shikagoe. Despite the challenges of World War II, construction began in 1943, led by Hirayama from Asahikawa City. By the end of the year, the shrine building and a magnificent wooden torii gate—a reflection of the village's lumber heritage—were completed.
Minamifurano Shrine's Main Hall
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| Inside the Minamifurano Shrine's Main Hall |
Post-War Developments and Modern-Day Shrine
In 1946, Nishikawa Jinnoshin, the chief priest of Furano Shrine, became the concurrent chief priest of Minamifurano Shrine, providing spiritual guidance and leadership. The shrine underwent significant renovations in 1995, including the re-roofing of its deteriorated structure and the construction of a new office, giving it a refreshed appearance.
Today, the wooden torii gate has been replaced with a large steel-pipe torii, symbolizing the village's adaptation to modernity while honoring its past.
Minamifurano Shrine's Komainu Pair
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| Minamifurano Shrine's komainu pair |
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| Minamifurano Shrine's agyo |
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| Minamifurano Shrine's ungyo |
Features of Minamifurano Shrine
Although Minamifurano Shrine remains unranked and does not offer a goshuin stamp, it is deeply cherished by the local community. The shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, a central deity in Shinto belief, and is renowned for the Ikutora Lion Dance, a vibrant tradition that celebrates the area’s cultural heritage.
Team Nicerio visits Minamifurano Shrine
On August 13, 2023, my family and I visited Minamifurano Shrine for the first time, marking a significant milestone—my 650th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. This visit was particularly meaningful as it was our very first stop in Minamifurano, part of our ongoing journey to explore all 179 municipalities in Hokkaido.
As part of our family tradition, we made it a point to visit at least one major shrine in each municipality we explored. At Minamifurano Shrine, we took a moment to offer prayers and make a wish, embracing the cultural and spiritual essence of our travels while creating cherished memories together.
Minamifurano Shrine Fees
It’s FREE to enter and explore the grounds of Minamifurano Shrine. You may donate a coin in its saisen.
Minamifurano Shrine Operating Hours
Minamifurano Shrine grounds are open 24/7.
Why visit Minamifurano Shrine?
Minamifurano Shrine stands as a quiet yet profound reminder of Hokkaido’s historical roots, cultural evolution, and the collective efforts of its people. Whether you're exploring the nearby scenic landscapes or delving into the region’s history, this shrine is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a deeper connection with Hokkaido's spirit.
Getting to Minamifurano Shrine
With the closure of the station in 2024, getting to Minamifurano Shrine became a bit of a challenge. It is highly recommended that you visit it by rental car if you are not coming from Furano City. If you plan to use public transportation, this is what I'm familiar with:
In Furano City, go to Jinjamae bus stop and board the Nishitappu Line - To Ikutora Station Mae bus operated by Furano Bus Company. Board down at Ikutora Station Mae bus stop. Once there, walk for about 200 meters to reach Minamifurano Shrine.
Travel time: 1 hour and 14 minutes
Fare: 1,200 yen
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