Rikubetsu Shrine (陸別神社)
is the main shrine of the town of Rikubetsu. It is located at 78 Rikubetsu in
the town of Rikubetsu, Ashoro District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Rikubetsu Shrine |
Rikubetsu Shrine Details
Rikubetsu Shrine stands as a symbol of resilience, faith,
and community spirit. With roots tracing back to 1902, when Katayama Juzo, the
caretaker of Seki Farm, first settled in the Tomamu wilderness, this shrine’s
history mirrors the development of the town itself.
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| Rikubetsu Shrine - Rikubetsu town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
A Legacy of Faith and Community Effort
By 1906, the influx of Japanese settlers gave rise to a
growing community. In 1909, the residents united to build a small temple
dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the revered sun goddess, marking the shrine's
humble beginnings. Much of the early construction relied on generous local donations and
the volunteer efforts of community members.
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| Rikubetsu Shrine's main torii gate |
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| The shrine's chozuya |
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| The shrine's chozubachi |
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| Rikubetsu Shrine's infoboard |
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| The stairway leading up to the shrine |
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| The view from the top of the stairway |
The shrine underwent significant transformations over the
years. In 1927, Kurihara Yasumaru’s generous donation funded the leveling of
the grounds and the construction of the shrine and worship hall. By 1929,
Rikubetsu Shrine received official permission to establish itself, achieving
recognition as a village shrine by 1930.
Modern Developments and Dedication
In the early 1990s, further renovations brought new life to
Rikubetsu Shrine. The Construction Support Association, established in 1992,
spearheaded the development of the main shrine, Kagura Hall, purification
fountain (Chozuya), and approach to the shrine. Completed in 1995, the shrine
held a grand dedication ceremony on November 5th to honor its legacy and the
enshrined deities.
Rikubetsu Shrine's Main Hall
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| You can get an omikuji at the main hall. It's pure trust basis. You should just drop the 300 yen payment in the payment slot beside it. |
A Shrine of Merged Histories
Rikubetsu Shrine honors a unique lineage of merged deities,
reflecting the area’s rich spiritual tapestry.
- Kawakami
Shrine’s Amaterasu Omikami: Founded in June 1913 and merged in
November 1981.
- Kunbetsu
Shrine’s Amaterasu Omikami: Founded in April 1917 and merged in
October 1983.
Rikubetsu Shrine's komainu pair
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| Rikubetsu Shrine's komainu pair |
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| Rikubetsu Shrine's un-gyo |
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| Rikubetsu Shrine's a-gyo |
Serving the Community Today
Currently ranked as a village shrine, Rikubetsu Shrine
serves approximately 1,100 households, remaining a vital spiritual and cultural
hub for the community.
Team Nicerio visits Rikubetsu Shrine
My family and I visited Rikubetsu Shrine for
the first time on September 16, 2023, during the first day of our “3-Day
Respect of the Aged Road Trip,” which happens to be my 684th 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 significant shrine in each municipality to pay our respects
and offer prayers.
Rikubetsu Shrine Admission Fee
It’s FREE to enter and explore the Rikubetsu Shrine grounds.
However, make sure to bring cash if you plan to avail yourself of the shrine’s goshuin.
Rikubetsu Shrine’s Operating Hours
Rikubetsu 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.
Why visit Rikubetsu Shrine?
Rikubetsu Shrine is a destination that offers a captivating
blend of history, culture, and spirituality. It stands as a testament to the
journey of Rikubetsu from its early settlement to the thriving community it is
today. Visitors can admire the shrine’s architectural beauty, including its
meticulously crafted main hall, Kagura Hall, and tranquil purification
fountain. The shrine also serves as a cultural landmark, showcasing the
dedication of early settlers and the unique merging of local deities that shaped
its identity.
Getting to Rikubetsu Shrine
The best way to get to Rikubetsu Roadside Station is by rental car, as you won't need to worry about bus schedules during your visit, but if you plan to use public transportation, here's what I'm familiar with:
From Kitami JR Station in Kitami City, walk to platform 5 of the bus stop outside the station. Board the Kunbetsu, Okito, Katsuyama Onsen, Rikubetsu Line Katsuyama Onsen (via Kunbetsu and Okito) operated by the Kitami bus company.
Board down at Rikubetsu bus stop. From there, walk for about 400 meters to reach Rikubetsu Shrine.
Travel time: 1 hour and 43 minutes
Fare: 1,580 yen
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