Koshimizu Shrine - Hokkaido

Koshimizu Shrine (小清水神社) is the main shrine of the town of Koshimizu. It is located at 1 Ku-51-1 Motomachi in the town of Koshimizu, Shari District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Koshimizu Shrine

Koshimizu Shrine details

Koshimizu Shrine, located in Koshimizu Town, Hokkaido, is a revered Shinto site with a history that spans over a century. This shrine not only reflects the spiritual traditions of Japan but also stands as a testament to the cultural and historical development of the region.

Koshimizu Shrine - Koshimizu town, Hokkaido Prefecture

A Journey Through History

The story of Koshimizu Shrine begins in the early Meiji period when Sakuragamori was designated as a sacred site. A wooden monument inscribed with "Amaterasu Omikami Shrine" marked its origins. Over the years, the shrine underwent several developments:

• June 1898: The shrine precincts were established to serve as the general guardian of the region.
• September 17, 1902: The first shrine building was constructed.
• August 28, 1909: A branch of the spirit of Amaterasu Omikami was enshrined, connecting the shrine to its spiritual roots in Mie Prefecture.
• September 10, 1925: The shrine was expanded, and the spirit of Ame-no-Minakanushi was enshrined from Soma Nakamura Shrine in Fukushima Prefecture, officially becoming Koshimizu Shrine.
• April 2, 1927: Recognized by the Ministry of Home Affairs, it achieved official shrine status.
• 1946-1953: Transitioned to affiliation with the Shinto Shrine Main Office and gained certification as a religious corporation.

Koshimizu Shrine's main torii gate

小清水神社

Koshimizu Shrine grounds as seen from the torii gate

Modern-Day Shrine

The main shrine building was reconstructed in 1966 and relocated to flat ground within the precincts in 2010 for easier accessibility. Parishioners planted trees around the grounds, creating a serene forested environment that blends natural beauty with sacred traditions.

Koshimizu Shrine's Main Hall

Visiting Koshimizu Shrine

Today, Koshimizu Shrine serves approximately 2,000 households and remains a hub for spiritual and community activities. Visitors can immerse themselves in the peaceful atmosphere and admire the shrine's architectural elegance, surrounded by nature.

• Goshuin Stamps: Collectors can obtain a goshuin stamp here, but it is recommended to call ahead at 0152-62-2607 as the monk may not always be present.
• Annual Festival: The regular festival day, originally September 17, is now celebrated on August 28, aligning with significant dates in the shrine’s history.

Koshimizu Shrine Grounds

Koshimizu Shrine's Shinme (神馬)

Koshimizu Shrine's chozuya

Koshimizu Shrine's chozubachi

Not a sacred tree but this one looks unique

Koshimizu Shrine's spirit tablet

Koshimizu Shrine komainu pair

Koshimizu Shrine's komainu pair #1 (near the torii gate)

Koshimizu Shrine komainu pair #2 (near the main hall)

A Sanctuary of Nature and Faith

The shrine grounds are enveloped by a natural forest, reflecting the harmony between spirituality and nature. This connection to the land and its people has made Koshimizu Shrine a cherished landmark, preserving the legacy of the town's development and cultural heritage.

Team Nicerio visits Koshimizu Shrine

My family and I visited Koshimizu Shrine for the first time on September 17, 2023, during the second day of our “3-Day Respect of the Aged Road Trip,” which happens to be my 685th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. As part of our Hokkaido 179 journey—a goal to visit all 179 municipalities in the prefecture—we made it a priority to visit at least one of the main shrines in each municipality to pay our respects and offer prayers.

Koshimizu Shrine Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter and explore the Koshimizu Shrine grounds. However, make sure to bring cash if you plan to avail yourself of the shrine’s goshuin.

Koshimizu Shrine’s Operating Hours

Koshimizu Shrine grounds are open 24/7. However, the shrine office is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, so plan your visit if you want to avail of the shrine’s goshuin. Just to be sure, you can call ahead to be sure of the availability of the shrine’s monk, as he is usually out.

Why visit the Koshimizu Shrine?

Koshimizu Shrine is a serene destination that blends rich history, cultural significance, and natural beauty. Established in the Meiji period, it reflects the region’s spiritual heritage while offering a tranquil setting surrounded by a lush forest. Visitors can explore its historical architecture, participate in annual festivals, and collect goshuin stamps as meaningful souvenirs.

Getting to Koshimizu Shrine

 

The closest train station to Koshimizu Shrine is Hama-Koshimizu Station. From there, head to the nearby Hamakoshimizu bus stop and take the Koshimizu Line – Koshimizu bus operated by the Abashiri Bus Company.

Get off at the Shitamachi 2-Ku bus stop, then walk approximately 550 meters along National Route 246 to reach Koshimizu Shrine.

Travel time: 25 minutes

Fare: 640 yen

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