Tottori Shrine - Hokkaido

Tottori Shrine (鳥取神社) is one of the main shrines of Kushiro City. It is located at 4 Chome-2-18 Tottoriodori in Kushiro City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Tottori Shrine

Tottori Shrine Details

Tottori Shrine, located in the heart of Hokkaido, is more than just a place of worship—it’s a symbol of pioneering spirit, communal faith, and cultural preservation. Established by samurai settlers from Tottori Prefecture, the shrine reflects the determination and devotion of early immigrants who helped shape the region’s history.

Tottori Shrine - Kushiro City, Hokkaido Prefecture

Origins of Tottori Shrine: A Shrine Built by Samurai Settlers

In 1884 and 1885, a group of samurai immigrants from Tottori Prefecture founded Tottori Village in Hokkaido. Recognizing the need for a spiritual guardian to protect and bless the growing settlement, a village meeting was held in February 1886 to propose the construction of a shrine. The plan was approved, and discussions began on the location and deity to be enshrined.

Tottori Shrine's main torii gate

Tottori Shrine grounds

Tottori Shrine's chozuya

A wooden dragon head is displayed in the shrine grounds

Petition to Izumo Taisha and Enshrinement of Ōkuninushi

On April 23, 1891, community leader Furui Yasuto and others submitted a petition to the revered Izumo Taisha Shrine to enshrine Ōkuninushi-no-Ōkami, a deity associated with nation-building, healing, and protection. The petition was accepted, and land was designated at Plot No. 34 in Tottori Village. The villagers constructed a shrine, which they named Tottori Shrine, where regular rituals have been held ever since.

Tottori Shrine's Main Hall

Official Recognition and Growth as a Village Shrine

In 1898, Tottori Shrine received formal approval from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, officially recognizing it as a village shrine. The entire community of Tottori Village embraced it not just as a place of worship but as a symbol of unity, protection, and cultural identity. Unlike many shrines that evolved from individual or isolated devotion, Tottori Shrine was built through collective belief, making it truly unique in its origins.

What to see in the Tottori Shrine grounds

Tottori Shrine's Loyalty Monument

I visited during the year of the rabbit; hence, many of the ema had rabbit designs

Tottori Shrine's shinme

One of Tottori Shrine's chozubachi

Tottori Centennial Hall

Tottori Pioneer 80th Anniversary Monument

Tottori Shrine's komainu pairs

Architectural Style and Modern Role

Tottori Shrine was constructed in the Shinmei-zukuri architectural style, one of the oldest and most sacred styles in Japan. Today, it continues to serve as the spiritual heart of the area, overseeing the religious and cultural life of approximately 13,000 households. Annual festivals, seasonal rites, and local gatherings keep the shrine deeply connected to the community it was built to protect.

Team Nicerio visits Tottori Shrine

My family and I visited Tottori Shrine for the first time on September 18, 2023, during the third day of our “3-Day Respect of the Aged Road Trip,” which happens to be my 686th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. It was the last shrine that we visited during the said road trip. 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.

Tottori Shrine Fees

It’s FREE to park, enter, and explore the Tottori Shrine grounds. However, please bring cash if you plan to avail of the shrine’s goshuin or omamori.

Tottori Shrine Operating Hours

Tottori Shrine grounds are open 24/7. However, the shrine office is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Why Visit Tottori Shrine?

Tottori Shrine offers visitors a meaningful experience that combines historical significance, architectural beauty, and a deep sense of local tradition. Exploring Hokkaido’s cultural landmarks and the legacy of Japan’s early settlers, a stop at Tottori Shrine connects you to a remarkable story of faith and resilience.

Getting to Tottori Shrine

 

The nearest train station to Tottori Shrine is the Shin-Fuji Station. Once there, walk for about 1.3 kilometers to Tottori Shrine.

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