Taiki Shrine - Hokkaido

Taiki Shrine (大樹神社) is the main shrine of the town of Taiki. It is located at 47-1 Higashihondori in the town of Taiki, Hiroo District in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Taiki Shrine

Taiki Shrine Details

Discover the rich history and cultural significance of Taiki Shrine, a must-visit Shinto site in Hokkaido that has served the local community for over a century.

Taiki Shrine - Taiki town, Hokkaido Prefecture

History of Taiki Shrine

Taiki Shrine was founded in 1908 by Nishida Enzo, a settler from Ama Village in Hyogo Prefecture, along with several pioneers. They brought a branch of the deity from Kamegaoka Hachiman Shrine and built the original shrine on the current site, naming it Taiki Hachiman Shrine.

Taiki Shrine's torii gate

大樹神社

In 1928, when Taiki Village separated from Hiroo Village, the shrine became the central place of worship for the entire village. A new branch of the deity from Iwashimizu Hachiman Shrine in Kyoto was enshrined in 1934, and in 1935, it was officially recognized as an unranked shrine called Taiku Shrine.

Shrine Construction and Renovation

The main shrine building was completed in 1939, though plans to upgrade it to a village shrine were postponed due to incomplete stone fences and World War II. In 1946, Taiki Shrine became a recognized religious corporation.

Taiki Shrine's Main Hall

Between 1989 and 1991, Taiki Shrine underwent extensive renovations as part of the Imperial Enthronement Commemoration Project. Over 230 million yen was invested to refurbish the shrine building, chozuya (water purification fountain), and shrine office, with the grand enthronement ceremony held on November 21, 1991.

Taiki Shrine Grounds

Statue of Mr. Kaneo Imamura, Governor of Hokkaido

さざれ石

Taiji Shrine's chozuya

Taiji Shrine's chozubachi

The town proper as seen from Taiki Shrine grounds

Sazare Ishi

Taiki Shrine's ema

Taiki Shrine's history marker

Deities Enshrined at Taiki Shrine

Taiki Shrine houses several revered Shinto deities:

• Hondawake no Mikoto
• Okinagatarashihime no Mikoto
• Ashinakahiko no Mikoto
• Oosasagi no Mikoto
• Hime Okami
• Ujinowakiiratsuko

Taiki Shrine's komainu pair

Taiki Shrine's komainu pair 1

Taiki Shrine's komainu pair 2

Serving around 1,800 households, the shrine remains a central spiritual and cultural hub for Taiki Village.

Team Nicerio visits Taiki Shrine

My family and I visited Taiki Shrine for the first time on November 4, 2023, which was the second day of our three-day Culture Day Road Trip. This marked my 733^rd 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.  It was the first shrine that we visited for the day.

Taiki Shrine Admission Fee

It’s FREE to enter and explore Taiki Shrine grounds. However, if you plan to avail of the shrine’s goshuin, please bring cash. You can also get the goshuin of Churui Shrine here.

Taiki Shrine Operating Hours

Taiki Shrine is open from 8 AM to 5 PM.

Why visit Taiki Shrine?

Taiki Shrine is more than just a religious site; it’s a window into the history, culture, and traditions of Taiki Village. Its rich past, beautifully maintained grounds, and spiritual significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring eastern Hokkaido.

Getting to Taiki Shrine

 

From Obihiro Station, head to platform 11 of the Obihiro Station Bus Terminal and board bus #60 Hiroo Line operated by the Tokichi Bus Company. Board down at Taikikashiwagicho bus stop. 

From there, walk for about 350 meters to the shrine. 

Fare: 1730 yen

Travel time: 1 hour and 50 minutes

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