Otofuke Shrine - Hokkaido

Otofuke Shrine (音更神社) is the main shrine of the town of Otofuke. It is located at 3 Motomachi, Otofuke, Kato District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Otofuke Shrine

Otofuke Shrine Details

In the quiet town of Otofuke in Tokachi, Hokkaido, stands a shrine with more than a century of history. Otofuke Shrine is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the town’s spirit, resilience, and connection to nature.

Otofuke Shrine - Otofuke town, Hokkaido Prefecture

A Journey Through Time

The story of Otofuke Shrine began in September 1900, when a shrine dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess, was first established on Otohoro Farm, which was managed by Viscount Nirei. It was originally called Otohoro Shrine, but in September 1901, when Otofuke Village was founded, the shrine was renamed Otofuke Shrine and moved to its present home in Motomachi.

Otofuke Shrine's torii gate

From then on, it became the heart of the community, growing and evolving alongside the people of Otofuke.

Otofuke Shrine's Main Hall

A Shrine That Grew With Its Town

Otofuke Shrine has witnessed many milestones in its history:

• In 1922, a concrete staircase was built to honor the visit of Emperor Showa.
• In 1933, the shrine was elevated to the rank of a village shrine.
• In 1946, it was recognized as a religious corporation, strengthening its role as the guardian of the town.
• In 1987, a shrine assembly hall was built.
• In 1989, the sacred pond was reconstructed in commemoration of the Emperor’s enthronement.
• The 100th anniversary project from 1999 to 2009 brought many improvements, including a new shrine building, the renovation of the shrine office, the reconstruction of the 200-meter approach, the installation of 20 stone lanterns, and the dedication of a massive shrine sign that stands 5 meters tall and weighs 9 tons.

Some of the ema displayed in the ema rack of Otofuke Shrine

Otofuke Shrine grounds

Each step of growth reflected not only the development of the shrine but also the devotion of the community that continues to support it.

The Forest of Otofuke Shrine

One of the most captivating features of Otofuke Shrine is the Otofuke Forest others refer to it as the Senjojiki Park. Within its grounds are sacred trees that are believed to be more than 500 years old. Walking among these trees gives a sense of timelessness, as if the forest itself has been guarding the shrine for centuries. The air is calm, and the surroundings feel sacred, making it a peaceful place to reflect.

Senjojiki Park

Senjojiki Park Chashi Remains

Enshrined Deities

Over time, several other shrines were merged with Otofuke Shrine, all dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami:

• Kaishin Shrine in 1963
• Kita Showa Shrine in 1965
• Otohoroomareki Shrine in 1973
• Fukuhira Shrine in 1979

Otofuke Shrine's komainu pair

Otofuke Shrine's komainu pair

Otofuke Shrine's un-gyo

Otofuke Shrine's a-gyo

Today, Otofuke Shrine serves as the guardian deity for over 2,000 households, making it a vital place of worship and a cornerstone of community life.

Team Nicerio visits Otofuke Shrine

My family and I visited Otofuke Shrine for the first time on November 3, 2023, the opening day of our three-day Culture Day Road Trip. This marked my 732nd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. As part of our Hokkaido 179 travel goal, we made it a point to visit the main shrine of every municipality we explored for the first time. During our visit, we offered prayers and paid our respects, taking a moment to connect with the local culture and spiritual traditions.

Otofuke Shrine Admission Fees

It’s FREE to park, enter, and explore Otofuke Shrine. However, it is advisable to bring cash if you plan to collect goshuin or omamori.

Otofuke Shrine’s Operating Hours

Otofuke Shrine grounds are open 24/7. However, the shrine office is open from 9 AM to 4 PM.

Why Visit Otofuke Shrine?

For travelers in Tokachi, a visit to Otofuke Shrine is both meaningful and refreshing. It is not just a historical landmark but also a sanctuary where nature and tradition come together. The shrine grounds are beautifully maintained, the ancient trees provide a serene backdrop, and the atmosphere invites you to pause and reflect.

Its location also makes it easy to combine with nearby attractions such as Tokachigawa Onsen, Obihiro City, and Tokachi Hills, which add more depth to your journey through the region.

Getting to Otofuke Shrine

From Obihiro Station, head out and walk to platform 6 of the Obihiro-eki Bus Terminal. Once there, board bus #61 Kamshihoro (via Kino, Otofuke Yakuba, Shihoro) operated by Taku Bus Company. 

Get off at Otofuke Yakube-mae (Town Hall). Once there, the shrine is just a stone's throw away. 

Travel time: 24 minutes

Fare: 400 yen

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