Iwanai Shrine has long been a favorite of the local people in Iwanai Town. In addition to its history, there are many other points of interest, such as the seasonal scenery along the long approach to the shrine and the monthly design of the red seal. There is also a fun Ezomikuji fortune!

Visitors to Iwanai Shrine will first be surprised by the long approach to the shrine. Visitors to Iwanai Shrine will first be surprised by the long, winding path up and down the hill and through several torii (gateways).

When you finally reach the shrine and look back, you will be amazed at the length of the approach.

Incidentally, during the cherry blossom season, a pink archway is formed, and just passing along the approach makes one feel very festive.

Photo courtesy of Iwanai Shrine

Iwanai Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Ojin, Ichikishima Himejin, and Hoshokujin, and was originally named Hachiman Shrine in 1789. In 1928, the shrine was listed as a prefectural shrine, and celebrated its 230th anniversary in 2019.

The history of Iwanai Shrine can be learned at the archives. The museum is located in the shrine office, so if you are interested, ask to be allowed to visit.

Incidentally, the portable shrine that sits in the center of the archives was built in 1896 and used for the annual festival parade for about 100 years. It is truly a mikoshi that has accompanied the development of the town of Iwanai.

Photo courtesy of Iwanai Shrine

In addition to the main shrine, there is also a magnificent Kaguraden (music hall) on the shrine grounds. The hall is used as a stage for kagura (Shinto music and dance) and gagaku (court music and dance) dedicated to the gods, and is said to be "the place where the gods dwell.

Recently, more and more people are collecting red seals, and Iwanouchi Shrine has a monthly red seal. The upper right in the photo is the regular design. The bottom three are the monthly designs, from left to right: November, May, and February. This is fun! You will definitely want to complete all the months.

Another fun part of visiting the shrine is the omikuji. Iwanai Shrine has an Ezomikuji. The Ezo-mikuji is a series of "Hokkaido's Local Mikuji Series," which are fortunes based on local specialties and other motifs that are full of entertainment value.

At Iwanai Shrine, they are suspended from a pole like this. Just drawing the omikuji is a thrilling experience! Here is the hanging up.

Photo courtesy of Iwanai Shrine

The Ezomikuji of Iwanai Shrine is the Tarafuku-mikuji, a cute papier-mâché of a Alaska Pollack. The key point of the mikuji is that it is made of tarako (cod roe). Incidentally, the wording of the omikuji is written in the Hokkaido dialect, which is also interesting.

Iwanai Shrine moved to its current location in 1920. Since then, it has been watching over the town of Iwanai and marking its history. The shrine will continue to be a spiritual center for the local people, with modern touches such as fun red seals and ezomikuji.