Shari Shrine (斜里神社)
is one of the main shrines of the town of Shari. It is located at 44-2 Honmachi
in the town of Shari, Shari District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Shari Shrine |
Shari Shrine Details
Shari Shrine stands
as a testament to the town's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Founded on
August 21, 1795, by Murayama Denbei, a sushi restaurant contractor, the shrine
has been a symbol of protection and prosperity for the community.
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| Shari Shrine - Shari town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
A Shrine Rooted in Maritime Tradition
Initially revered as a guardian deity for bountiful catches
and maritime safety, Shari Shrine’s significance grew alongside the town’s
development. In 1836, stone lanterns were donated by Mikami Banshichi and
Sumiyoshimaru Seiroku, subordinates of Tonoju, further solidifying the shrine's
place as a spiritual anchor for the fishing community.
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| Shari Shrine's main torii gate |
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| 斜里神社 |
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| One of Shari Shrine's chozuya |
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| Shari Shrine's chozubachi |
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| The other chozuya in the shrine grounds |
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| The chozubachi of the other chozuya |
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| The steps that lead to Shari Shrine's main hall |
As Shari expanded, the shrine evolved into the guardian
shrine of the entire region. It was officially designated as a village shrine
on November 12, 1927. In 1936, the shrine building was repositioned to face the
town instead of the sea, symbolizing its growing role in the broader community.
Shari Shrine's Main Hall
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| Inside Shari Shrine's Main Hall |
Architectural Significance and Deity Worship
Currently constructed in the traditional Shinmei-zukuri
style, the shrine has undergone several restorations over the years. It was
officially recognized as a religious corporation in 1946. Today, Shari Shrine houses the
deity Amaterasu Omikami and serves over 2,500 households in the area.
Shari Shrine grounds
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| Shari Shrine's Loyalty Monument |
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| Myoken Shrine |
Shari Shrine's komainu pair
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| Shari Shrine's komainu pair |
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| Shari Shrine's un-gyo |
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| Shari Shrine's a-gyo |
Shari Shrine's Goshuin Info
While Shari Shrine is a captivating destination steeped in
history, it does not offer goshuin (temple or shrine stamps), a detail to note
for stamp collectors and enthusiasts.
Team Nicerio visits Shari Shrine
My family and I visited Shari 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.
Shari Shrine Admission Fee
It’s FREE to enter and explore the Shari Shrine grounds.
Shari Shrine Operating Hours
Shari Shrine grounds are open 24/7.
Why Visit Shari Shrine?
Shari Shrine isn’t just a place of worship—it’s a link to
the town’s maritime roots and a symbol of its enduring community spirit.
Whether you're exploring Shari’s history or seeking a peaceful retreat, this
historic site offers a glimpse into the town’s soul.
Getting to Shari Shrine
The nearest train station to Shari Shrine is the Shiretokoshari Station. From there, Shari Shrine is 700 meters away.
If you want to ride a bus from the Shiretokoshari Station, then from the Shari Bus Terminal outside the train station, hop on the Shiretoko Line - Utoro Onsen Bus Terminal operated by Shari Bus Company. Board down at Hokuyo Ginko mae [Mitani mae] and walk for about 350 meters to the shrine.
Travel time: 6 minutes
Fare: 150 yen
Ratings
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.jpg "Team Nicerio visits Shari Shrine")
.jpg "Team Nicerio visits Shari Shrine")
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