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Nemuro Kotohira Shrine
The setting for the “Kotohira Shrine Annual Grand Festival,” considered one of Hokkaido’s three major festivals.
This shrine is said to have been founded in 1806 by Kahei Takadaya, a merchant and pioneer of northern fisheries who opened up Nemuro’s fishing grounds. It enshrines Omomonushi-no-Kami, Kotoshironushi-no-Kami, and Ukatama-no-Kami. As settlement expanded, it drew deep devotion as the local guardian shrine, and today it is worshipped as a protector deity for household safety, family prosperity for generations, fisheries, and the promotion of industry and commerce.
Held every year for three days from the second Friday to Sunday in August, the annual grand festival is so lively it’s counted as one of Hokkaido’s three major festivals. The biggest highlight is the festive parade, with dazzling portable shrines and creatively crafted floats moving through town, and many food stalls lining the streets. In 2020, it was also designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Hokkaido.
At the “Mikoshi Hall & Festival Museum” on the grounds, you can see the portable shrine and tools actually used in the annual grand festival. You can also watch powerful scenes from the festival parade through photos and videos. Hours are 8:30 am–5:00 pm, and admission is free.
Highlights
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A historic shrine founded by Kahei Takadaya, who opened up Nemuro’s fishing grounds.
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The annual grand festival held every August is famous across Hokkaido.
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Feel the festival energy at the “Mikoshi Hall & Festival Museum” on the grounds.
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Try drawing the “Fuku-Zanmai Omikuji,” one of Hokkaido’s local “Ezo Omikuji” fortunes.
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You can purchase popular amulets and goshuin, including travel-protection stickers.
Photos
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The current shrine building was constructed in 1942
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“Mikoshi Hall & Festival Museum” attached to the shrine office
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A majestic, lavish portable shrine on display at the museum
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you offer goshuin?
A
Yes (standard: 500 yen, clear: 500 yen, kirie: 1,500 yen).
Q
Is there parking?
A
Yes.
Q
Are there coin lockers?
A
No.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 金刀比羅神社
- Postal Code
- 087-0055
- Address
- 1-4 Kotohira-cho, Nemuro, Hokkaido
- Phone
- 0153-23-4458
- Closed on
- Open daily
- Hours
- Grounds always open (shrine office and Mikoshi Hall & Festival Museum: 8:30 am–5:00 pm; winter: 9:00 am–4:30 pm)
- Admission
- Free (grounds)
- Access
- Approx. 5 minutes by car from JR Nemuro Station
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
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