Furubira Ebisu Shrine - Hokkaido

Furubira Ebisu Shrine (古平 恵比須神社) is one of the main shrines of the town of Furubira. It is located at 989 Hamacho in the town of Furubira, Furubira District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Furubira Ebisu Shrine

Furubira Ebisu Shrine Details

Furubira Ebisu Shrine is a serene, coastal Shinto shrine with deep historical and cultural roots in the fishing town of Furubira, Hokkaido. Dedicated to Yae Kotoshironushi no Mikoto, a deity associated with good fortune and fishing, the shrine is a spiritual anchor for the local community and an insightful stop for travelers exploring the Shakotan coastline.

Furubira Ebisu Shrine - Furubira town, Hokkaido Prefecture

A Shrine with Over 175 Years of History

Founded in 1847 during the tenure of Shirokawa Chojiro, manager of the Furubira Basho (trading post), the shrine was originally built atop a hill on the ruins of Hamamachi. It was officially recognized as a village shrine in 1875, with August 20 set as its annual festival date. In 1896, five community volunteers raised 300 yen to affiliate the shrine with the nearby Kotohira Shrine, establishing Furubira Ebisu Shrine as its western counterpart. The following year, the aging structure was renovated.

Furubira Ebisu Shrine's torii gate

古平 恵比須神社

Ebisu Statue

In 1925, Miyama Shrine, located in Hamamachi, was merged with Furubira Ebisu Shrine. Along with the merger came a mikoshi (portable shrine) and other ceremonial tools, giving rise to the shrine’s annual mikoshi procession. The festival date was also moved to September 20. In 1946, the shrine became a recognized religious corporation, and by 1968, the Inari Shrine on its grounds was formally integrated and transformed into a mikoshi hall after renovations.

Furubira Ebisu Shrine's Main Hall

Furubira Ebisu Shrine's komainu pair

Furubira Ebisu Shrine's komainu pair

Furubira Ebisu Shrine's ungyo

Furubira Ebisu Shrine's agyo

Unique Rituals and Local Traditions

One of the shrine’s most fascinating customs takes place during the annual festival. Before the mikoshi re-enters the shrine grounds, a purification ritual is performed. The ritual features Sarutahiko (a Shinto deity of guidance) and the mikoshi passing through the flames of a bonfire three times, a tradition inspired by the ritual at Kotohira Shrine. This fiery, symbolic cleansing is a rare and powerful sight for those fortunate enough to witness it.

Team Nicerio visits Furubira Ebisu Shrine

My family and I visited Furubira Ebisu Shrine on October 8, 2023, during the second day of our 3-day “Sports Day 2023” road trip. Coincidentally, it also marked my 706th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. As part of our ongoing adventure to visit all 179 municipalities in Hokkaido, we've made it a personal mission to stop by at least one main shrine in each town to pay our respects and offer prayers.

Furubira Ebisu Shrine is relatively small and situated directly along National Route 229, making the sound of passing cars quite noticeable. There wasn’t much to see within the shrine grounds, so after offering our prayers, we didn’t stay long and continued on with our journey.

 

Furubira Ebisu Shrine Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter and explore Furubira Ebisu Shrine grounds. You can park at the parking space of Furubira Town Hall or the Furubira Roadside Station.

Furubira Ebisu Shrine Operating Hours

Furubira Ebisu Shrine is open 24/7.

Why Visit Furubira Ebisu Shrine?

Furubira Ebisu Shrine is more than just a place of worship—it’s a window into the living traditions of this coastal town. Its tranquil setting and deep historical roots give visitors a rare glimpse into the spiritual life of a Hokkaido fishing community. However, if you’re collecting goshuin stamps, note that this is an unmanned shrine, so stamps are not available.

Getting to Furubira Ebisu Shrine

If you're coming from Yoichi Station, head to the Yoichi Eki-mae bus stop and take the #20 Shakotan Line – Bikuni-bound bus operated by Chuo Bus Company. Get off at Furubira Hamamachi and walk about 350 meters to reach the shrine. Furubira Ebisu Shrine is just a few steps away from the Furubira Yakuba-mae bus stop, making it convenient to catch a ride back after your visit.

Travel time: 38 minutes

Fare: 800 yen

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