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Cute Fortunes and Goshuincho! Find Peace at the Lush Obihiro Shrine
For the residents of Obihiro, Obihiro Shrine is a place everyone has visited at least once. It's much like what Hokkaido Jingu is to the people of Sapporo. Tourists visiting Obihiro might not immediately think of going to the shrine, but it actually has several points of interest that make it a perfect stop during your travels. You're sure to find it a soothing experience.
The history of Obihiro Shrine dates back to the Meiji era. Records show that festivals were held in front of a small shrine called Obihiro Jinja shortly after the area was developed. In 1910, it received a divided spirit from Sapporo Shrine (now Hokkaido Jingu) and was designated as a Beppyo Jinja, a shrine of special status. The current main building was constructed in 1979.
What's truly surprising when you visit is its vastness. It boasts the fifth-largest grounds among shrines in Hokkaido, with a total area of about 33,000 square meters (approx. 10,000 tsubo). In 1974, it was designated as a protected green area in Hokkaido. The lush, green precincts feel purifying just by standing there.
Rich in nature, Obihiro Shrine is home to large, native trees like Japanese elms, walnuts, and katsura trees. It's also a habitat for many wild birds and small animals. If you're lucky, you might even spot the popular Shima Enaga (long-tailed tit). But don't be disappointed if you don't see one! In that case, we recommend the shrine's Goshuincho (stamp book). It features an adorable Shima Enaga design.
Also popular is the original Omikuji (paper fortune) that comes with a cute Shima Enaga mascot.
Speaking of fortunes, the "Ezo Mikuji," a series of local Hokkaido fortunes, is another great choice. These unique fortunes are written in the Hokkaido dialect and are popular as souvenirs. Here at Obihiro Shrine, they come with a mascot modeled after salmon, a specialty of Obihiro.
Beloved by locals since the Meiji era and growing alongside the city of Obihiro, the shrine offers a wonderfully refreshing experience as you worship amidst its rich nature. It's the perfect place for tourists to unwind from their travels. And of course, don't forget the delightful souvenirs like the cute Omikuji and Goshuincho!
Obihiro Shrine
Location: Higashi 3-jo Minami 2-chome 1, Obihiro, Hokkaido
Phone: 0155-23-3955
Official Website: http://www.obihirojinja.jp
The history of Obihiro Shrine dates back to the Meiji era. Records show that festivals were held in front of a small shrine called Obihiro Jinja shortly after the area was developed. In 1910, it received a divided spirit from Sapporo Shrine (now Hokkaido Jingu) and was designated as a Beppyo Jinja, a shrine of special status. The current main building was constructed in 1979.
What's truly surprising when you visit is its vastness. It boasts the fifth-largest grounds among shrines in Hokkaido, with a total area of about 33,000 square meters (approx. 10,000 tsubo). In 1974, it was designated as a protected green area in Hokkaido. The lush, green precincts feel purifying just by standing there.
(Photo courtesy of Obihiro Shrine)
Rich in nature, Obihiro Shrine is home to large, native trees like Japanese elms, walnuts, and katsura trees. It's also a habitat for many wild birds and small animals. If you're lucky, you might even spot the popular Shima Enaga (long-tailed tit). But don't be disappointed if you don't see one! In that case, we recommend the shrine's Goshuincho (stamp book). It features an adorable Shima Enaga design.
Also popular is the original Omikuji (paper fortune) that comes with a cute Shima Enaga mascot.
Speaking of fortunes, the "Ezo Mikuji," a series of local Hokkaido fortunes, is another great choice. These unique fortunes are written in the Hokkaido dialect and are popular as souvenirs. Here at Obihiro Shrine, they come with a mascot modeled after salmon, a specialty of Obihiro.
Beloved by locals since the Meiji era and growing alongside the city of Obihiro, the shrine offers a wonderfully refreshing experience as you worship amidst its rich nature. It's the perfect place for tourists to unwind from their travels. And of course, don't forget the delightful souvenirs like the cute Omikuji and Goshuincho!
Obihiro Shrine
Location: Higashi 3-jo Minami 2-chome 1, Obihiro, Hokkaido
Phone: 0155-23-3955
Official Website: http://www.obihirojinja.jp
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Hokkaido Sightseeing Camera-Writer
Team Buchineko
We are "Team Buchineko," a group with many connections to sightseeing spots and facilities in Hokkaido. Even things that seem ordinary to those of us living in Hokkaido are wonderful resources. We are dedicated to sharing the charms of this amazing prefecture.
