Shikaoi Shrine - Hokkaido

Shikaoi Shrine (鹿追神社) is the main shrine of the town of Shikaoi. It is located at 1 Motomachi in the town of Shikaoi, Kato District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Shikaoi Shrine

Shikaoi Shrine Details

Autumn

Shikaoi Shrine, founded in 1914, is a must-visit cultural and spiritual site in Shikaoi, Hokkaido. Known for enshrining Japan’s first married deities, Izanagi-no-Kami and Izanami-no-Kami, the shrine is deeply connected to prayers for matchmaking, fertility, and marital harmony. For over a century, this sacred place has been a cornerstone of the town’s identity, drawing both locals and travelers who wish to experience its rich history, spiritual significance, and serene atmosphere.

Shikaoi Shrine - Shikaoi town, Hokkaido Prefecture

The Origins of Shikaoi Shrine

The story of Shikaoi Shrine begins in Taisho 3 (1914) with a modest 30-centimeter wooden monument dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami. At that time, there was no chief priest, yet ceremonies were performed for the deity. By Taisho 10 (1921), a temporary shrine building was constructed, and the site was officially renamed Shikaoi Shrine. Two years later, in Taisho 12 (1923), a branch spirit of Izanagi-no-Kami and Izanami-no-Kami was transferred from Hakusan Nakai Shrine in Gifu Prefecture, making them the main guardian deities of Shikaoi Village.

Shikaoi Shrine's torii gate

The shrine's infoboard

鹿追神社

Growth and Recognition

The shrine’s importance grew steadily over the years. In 1931, the Ministry of Home Affairs approved its establishment, and by 1933, it was promoted to the rank of a village shrine where offerings and prayers became a central part of community life. In 1940, new shrine buildings and offices were constructed to mark the 2600th anniversary of Japan’s founding. Three years later, in 1943, it was elevated to the status of a local shrine.

Shikaoi Shrine's Main Hall

The shrine's saisen-bako

During our visit, there were some Hello Kitty banners displayed on the shrine grounds

Trials and Reconstruction

Shikaoi Shrine faced its most difficult period in 1946 when a fire of unknown cause destroyed the shrine, its portable shrine, and sacred items. Despite this tragedy, the community came together to rebuild, and in 1951, the shrine was restored as part of Shikaoi’s 30th anniversary celebration. Three years later, in 1954, the shrine gained recognition as a religious corporation. When the buildings began to age in the 1980s, a support committee was formed, leading to the construction of new shrine facilities in 1982.

Shikaoi Shrine grounds

Shikaoi Shrine's chozuya

chozubachi closeup

The chozuya

The chozubachi

For goshuin, follow the arrow to the shrine office

Shikaoi Shrine's mikoshiyadori

Loyalty Monument

Martyr's Monument / Soldier's Memorial Monument

Shikaoi Shrine's Komainu Pair

Shikaoi Shrine's komainu pair

Shikaoi Shrine's un-gyo

Shikaoi Shrine's a-gyo

Modern Developments

The most significant modern upgrade came in 1993, the 80th anniversary of the shrine’s founding. During this time, new land was purchased, parking facilities were developed, and a Kagura hall was built to enhance the shrine’s role in both religious and community life. Today, the shrine honors Izanagi-no-Kami, Izanami-no-Kami, and Amaterasu-Omikami, continuing its role as a sacred place for worship and local pride.

Team Nicerio visits Shikaoi Shrine

My family and I visited Shikaoi Shrine on November 3, 2023, the first day of our three-day Culture Day Road Trip. It also happened to be my 732nd day in Japan as an ALT with the JET Programme. As part of our Hokkaido179 travel goal, we make it a tradition to explore the central shrine of every municipality we visit for the first time. During our time at Shikaoi Shrine, we offered prayers and paid our respects, taking the opportunity to connect with the town’s culture and spiritual heritage.

 

Shikaoi Shrine Admission Fee.

It’s FREE to enter and explore Shikaoi Shrine grounds.

Shikaoi Shrine Operating Hours

The Shikaoi Shrine grounds are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing visitors to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at any time. The shrine office, however, is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please note that there may be times when the priest is unavailable, so it might not always be possible to receive a goshuin during your visit.

Why Visit Shikaoi Shrine

Shikaoi Shrine is more than a religious site. It is a place where visitors can pray for love, marriage, and family blessings, or simply enjoy the calm and spiritual atmosphere surrounded by the natural beauty of Tokachi. The shrine is also a symbol of resilience, representing how the people of Shikaoi preserved their cultural identity through rebuilding and renewal.

Getting to Shikaoi Shrine

 

From Shintoku Station, head out and go to the Shintoku Eki-mae (Shintoku Station) bus stop. Once there, board Bus #53 Shikaoi Eigyosho-mae (Via Kuttari Sogo Kaikan-mae) bus operated by  Taku Bus Company. 

Get off at Naka-shigai bus stop and walk for about 350 meters to Shikaoi Shrine. 

Travel time: 33 minutes

Fare: 760 yen

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