EDITORIALS
There is also a fortune shaped like a "squid" from Hakodate! Yugura Shrine is the guardian deity of Yunokawa Onsen
Yugura Shrine is located at the entrance to the hot spring resort area of Hakodate's popular Yunokawa Hot Springs. While it is a historic shrine built in the birthplace of hot springs, it also has many innovations to make it more accessible to younger visitors! Let's take a peek at the curious Yugura Shrine.
More than 360 years ago, Takahiro, a feudal lord of the Matsumae domain, who suffered from an incurable illness as a child, was healed after taking a bath in the hot spring according to his mother's wishes. According to legend, Yugura Shrine was officially founded when a crocodile mouth was dedicated to him in thanks for his kindness. However, according to legend, the origin of the shrine is more than 500 years old, and there is no doubt that it is a shrine with a very long history.
As you enter the shrine grounds, you will come upon an eye-catching large tree. It is said to be 370 years old and is the oldest yew tree in Yukawa. Just by approaching the tree, you can feel the power of the tree.
The "rabbit" sitting in front of the shrine is also somewhat eye-catching. Okuninushi no Mikoto, the deity of Yugura Shrine, and the rabbit have a deep connection, as is well known in the myth "Inaba no Shirousagi (White Rabbit of Inaba). The sacred rabbit installed in 2014 to commemorate the 360th anniversary of the shrine's founding is affectionately known as the "Nade-Usagi" and visitors pet it to receive blessings.
Now, Yugura Shrine has "Ezomikuji," a series of local mikuji of Hokkaido. Ezomikuji are unusual and fun fortunes featuring local specialties. What is Hakodate's specialty ......?
Yes, it is squid. The name of the game is "Ikasu Omikuji". Ezo-mikuji is written in Hokkaido dialect and is funny to read. And since it comes with such a cute mascot, you can't help but want to draw it!
Another popular item at Yukura Shrine is the adorable "Goshin-en amulet," which comes in a choice of five different bags and string colors, with up to three talismans inside. Each amulet has a single kanji character that represents a wish for fulfillment, and there are a total of 12 different types.
You will surely be excited to be able to customize the omamori to your own liking. It will be a great gift for yourself or as a souvenir.
You may be intimidated by the idea of a venerable shrine, but Yukura Shrine is a very enjoyable power spot! Why not add it to your Hakodate sightseeing plans?
＜Hakodate's oldest and most famous shrine.
Location: 2-28-1 Yukawa-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
Tel: 0138-57-8282
Official website: https://www.yukurajinja.or.jp
More than 360 years ago, Takahiro, a feudal lord of the Matsumae domain, who suffered from an incurable illness as a child, was healed after taking a bath in the hot spring according to his mother's wishes. According to legend, Yugura Shrine was officially founded when a crocodile mouth was dedicated to him in thanks for his kindness. However, according to legend, the origin of the shrine is more than 500 years old, and there is no doubt that it is a shrine with a very long history.
As you enter the shrine grounds, you will come upon an eye-catching large tree. It is said to be 370 years old and is the oldest yew tree in Yukawa. Just by approaching the tree, you can feel the power of the tree.
The "rabbit" sitting in front of the shrine is also somewhat eye-catching. Okuninushi no Mikoto, the deity of Yugura Shrine, and the rabbit have a deep connection, as is well known in the myth "Inaba no Shirousagi (White Rabbit of Inaba). The sacred rabbit installed in 2014 to commemorate the 360th anniversary of the shrine's founding is affectionately known as the "Nade-Usagi" and visitors pet it to receive blessings.
Now, Yugura Shrine has "Ezomikuji," a series of local mikuji of Hokkaido. Ezomikuji are unusual and fun fortunes featuring local specialties. What is Hakodate's specialty ......?
Yes, it is squid. The name of the game is "Ikasu Omikuji". Ezo-mikuji is written in Hokkaido dialect and is funny to read. And since it comes with such a cute mascot, you can't help but want to draw it!
Another popular item at Yukura Shrine is the adorable "Goshin-en amulet," which comes in a choice of five different bags and string colors, with up to three talismans inside. Each amulet has a single kanji character that represents a wish for fulfillment, and there are a total of 12 different types.
You will surely be excited to be able to customize the omamori to your own liking. It will be a great gift for yourself or as a souvenir.
You may be intimidated by the idea of a venerable shrine, but Yukura Shrine is a very enjoyable power spot! Why not add it to your Hakodate sightseeing plans?
＜Hakodate's oldest and most famous shrine.
Location: 2-28-1 Yukawa-cho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido
Tel: 0138-57-8282
Official website: https://www.yukurajinja.or.jp
Writer Profile
Hokkaido Sightseeing Turtle Writer Bubu-Neko
I am "BUCHINEKO" who has many connections to sightseeing spots and tourist facilities in Hokkaido. There are many wonderful resources, even the ones we take for granted when we live in Hokkaido. I will be sharing these wonderful attractions of Hokkaido with you.
