Rishirizan Shrine - Hokkaido

Rishirizan Shrine (利尻山神社) is the main shrine of the town of Rishirifuji. It is located at Honcho-153 Oshidomari in the town of Rishirifuji, Rishiri District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Rishirizan Shrine

Rishirizan Shrine Details

Rishirizan Shrine, a cherished village shrine on Rishiri Island, has a rich history that dates back to the Bunsei era. It is said that Genbei, a former contractor and manager of Ebisu-ya, was the one who originally enshrined the shrine. Over the years, it has grown into a spiritual center serving the local community, currently supporting around 700 households.

Rishirizan Shrine - Rishirifuji town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Historical Timeline and Key Developments

Rishirizan Shrine, a beloved village shrine on Rishiri Island, boasts a rich history that reflects the island’s spiritual heritage. According to tradition, the shrine was originally enshrined by Genbei, a contractor and manager of Ebisu-ya, during the Bunsei era. It was officially designated as a village shrine on March 1, 1876. 

Rishirizan Shrine's main torii late in the afternoon, before our hike.

Rishirizan Shrine's main torii gate as seen after our Mt. Rishiri hike

On May 25, 1895, permission was granted to relocate the shrine from Nihondomari Village to its present location, and the main shrine building was completed on May 4, 1899.

The small shrine near the main torii of Rishirifuji Shrine

利尻山神社

Rishirizan Shrine grounds as seen from the main road

Rishirizan Shrine grounds as seen from the shrine area

In 1920, two additional deities, Owatatsumi and Toyoukehime, were enshrined alongside the original deity Oyamatsumi on May 21. The shrine building was later rebuilt and completed on November 11, 1929. Over the decades, several expansions and renovations have enhanced the shrine. 

Rishirizan Shrine's Main Hall

Inside Rishirizan Shrine

A portable shrine storehouse was built in 1952, followed by renovations to the shrine building and office in 1976. The current shrine office was completed in April 1994. Significant upgrades between 1983 and 1995 included the construction of a temizuya (purification fountain) in 1983, the rebuilding of Inari Shrine in 1985, the reconstruction of the portable shrine storehouse in 1989 after it collapsed, and the relocation of the temizuya in 1995.

Things to See in Rishirizan Shrine Grounds

Rishirizan Shrine's chozuya

Rishirizan Shrine's chozubachi

The Inari Shrine in the Rishirizan Shrine grounds

Rishirizan Shrine's Komainu Pair

Rishirizan Shrine's komainu pair

Rishirizan Shrine's un-gyo

Rishirizan Shrine's a-gyo

Merger with Hokkai Fuji Shrine

Rishirizan Shrine also incorporates the enshrined deity Hokkai Fuji Shrine, which was merged with the shrine in 1941. The shrine building underwent further renovation in 2001. Today, Rishirizan Shrine remains an active village shrine, serving the spiritual needs of around 700 local households.

The Backpack Adventures visits Rishirizan Shrine

The Backpack Adventures with Matsushita-sensei

I was able to visit Rishirizan Shrine with the Tomamae Gang during the first day of our 2-day Rishirifuji Hike. This was during my 718^th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. We visited the shrine the day before we hiked the mountain. We made sure to pay respects to the deity of the town and also offered prayers for a safe hike.

Rishirizan Shrine Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter and explore the Rishirizan Shrine grounds.

Rishirizan Shrine Operating Hours

Rishirizan Shrine grounds are open 24/7. However, most of the grounds are not well-lit, so it would be better to visit during the day.  The shrine's office is open from 9 AM to 4 PM, or depending on the availability of the priest.

You can get a goshuin from this shrine, but it’s a pre-made goshuin that you need to paste on your goshuincho.

Why visit Rishirizan Shrine?

Visitors can explore the tranquil grounds, admire the historical architecture, and participate in traditional Shinto rituals. With its rich history, cultural significance, and serene atmosphere, Rishirizan Shrine is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both heritage and peaceful reflection on Rishiri Island.

Getting to Rishirizan Shrine

Once you get to Oshidomari Port Ferry Terminal. Head out and follow the Rishiri Fantastic Road northwards. Follow the directions to the trailhead of Mt. Rishirifuji.

Rishirizan Shrine is about 1.2 kilometers away from the ferry terminal. 

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