Shintoku Shrine (新得神社)
is the main shrine of the town of Shintoku. It is located at 3 Chome-11 Nishi 1
Jokita in the town of Shintoku, Kamikawa District in Hokkaido Prefecture,
Japan.
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| Shintoku Shrine |
Shintoku Shrine Details
Shintoku Shrine offers visitors a glimpse into the history
and spirit of the pioneering families who settled this region. This sacred
site, enshrining Amaterasu Omikami, carries a legacy of resilience, devotion,
and community effort that has endured for over a century.
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| Shintoku Shrine - Shintoku town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
A Rich History Rooted in Community
The origins of Shintoku Shrine date back to 1899 when 13
families from Yamagata Prefecture braved the Shintoku wilderness to establish
their new home. By 1903, volunteers, including Tamagawa Hanbei, Ota Saitaro,
Harada Kumagoro, Okada Zenzo, and Seino Chuzo, erected a wooden pillar near the
southeast of the current Shintoku Elementary School to honor Amaterasu Omikami,
the Shinto sun goddess.
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| Shintoku Shrine's main torii gate |
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| The bridge over Pankeshintoku River leading to Shintoku Shrine |
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| Shintoku-yama Town Natural Park Guide Map |
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| The steps leading up to Shintoku Shrine |
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| Shintoku Shrine grounds |
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| Shintoku Shrine's chozuya |
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| Shintoku Shrine's chozubachi |
In 1904, a granite monument was placed atop Jinjayama,
solidifying the community's devotion. By 1916, a proper shrine was built and
relocated to higher ground at the eastern end of Shintokuyama. However,
accessibility concerns led to its move in 1919 to its current location, where a
bridge, torii gate, and approach were constructed. The worship hall was
completed in 1922, marking a significant milestone in the shrine’s development.
Shintoku Shrine grounds
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| The vermilion bridge in the shrine grounds |
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| One of the stone lanterns is displayed inside the shrine grounds |
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| One of the monuments inside the shrine grounds |
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| Ito Dengoro Monument |
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| Sarutahiko Okami |
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| Yahiko Shrine |
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| Yahiko Shrine's chozuya |
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| A bear warning sign has been installed in the shrine grounds, as bears sometimes venture into the shrine grounds |
The original granite monument from Jinjayama was eventually
moved to the shrine grounds in 1931 and relocated several times before settling
at its current location on Mt. Shintoku in 1975. Shintoku Shrine was designated
a village shrine in 1929 and a local shrine in 1938, with renovations taking
place in 1942, 1975, and 1984 to preserve its structure and significance.
Shintoku Shrine's Komainu Pair
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| Shintoku Shrine's komainu pair |
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| Shintoku Shrine's agyo |
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| Shintoku Shrine's ungyo |
Present-Day Shintoku Shrine
Today, Shintoku Shrine serves approximately 2,500
households, remaining a steadfast spiritual center for the local community.
Dedicated solely to Amaterasu Omikami, it continues to embody the values of
unity and reverence instilled by the early settlers.
Shintoku Shrine's Main Hall
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| Shintoku Shrine's saisen |
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| Inside Shintoku Shrine's main hall |
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| This appears to be a sumo ring located inside the Shintoku Shrine grounds |
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| Wooden ema boards are hung near the shrine |
Visitors to Shintoku Shrine can admire its serene
surroundings, beautifully maintained grounds, and traditional architecture.
Don’t miss the chance to acquire a Sakura-themed goshuin, a treasured keepsake
of your visit.
Team Nicerio visits Shintoku Shrine
On August 13, 2023, my family and I made our first visit to
Shintoku Shrine, coinciding with my 650th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. I intentionally included this sacred site in our itinerary, as
visiting the main shrines of municipalities we explore for the first time is a
meaningful tradition in our journey to visit all 179 municipalities in Hokkaido.
Shintoku Shrine Admission Fee
It’s FREE to enter and explore the Shintoku Shrine grounds.
However, it’s better if you bring cash if you plan to avail of the shrine’s
goshuin or omamori.
Shintoku Shrine Operating Hours
Shintoku Shrine grounds are open 24/7. However, the shrine
office is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Why visit Shintoku Shrine?
Shintoku Shrine is a place of historical and cultural
significance, offering visitors a chance to connect with the rich heritage of
Hokkaido's early settlers. Its serene atmosphere, fascinating history, and
dedication to Amaterasu Omikami make it a meaningful stop for those seeking
spiritual reflection or a deeper understanding of local traditions. Don’t miss
the opportunity to admire its timeless beauty and collect a unique
Sakura-themed goshuin as a memento of your visit.
Getting to Shintoku Shrine
From Sapporo Station, board the Ozora - Ozora 7 Limited Express to Kushiro train operated by the Hokkaido Railway Company. Board down at Shintoku Station.
Once there, walk for about a kilometer to Shintoku Shrine.
Travel time: 2 hours and 17 minutes
Fare: 6,690 yen
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