Located in Ebetsu, Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine is a historic shrine with roots stretching back to the Meiji era. Long beloved by locals, a stroll through its grounds reveals many interesting discoveries. Let's take a look.

Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine began in 1889 as a spiritual anchor for the Nopporo Tondenhei (pioneer soldiers) who settled here in 1885 and 1886. A divided spirit was enshrined from Ise Kotaijingu (Ise Grand Shrine) to establish the shrine. In 1973, a divided spirit of Sugawara no Michizane was enshrined from Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Kyushu, and the shrine's name was changed from "Nishikiyama Shrine" to its current name, "Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine."


For this reason, when the exam season arrives, it's visited not only by local junior high and high school students but also by students from all over Hokkaido praying for success.


Now, this venerable Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine has several points of interest that are sure to fascinate tourists, so let's introduce them. The first thing to notice is the main hall (honden).


Can you see that bricks are used in the foundation? This is unusual for a shrine. Ebetsu is known as the city of bricks, and this is one place where its unique character shines through. To the right of the main hall is a plum grove, which adds beautiful color to the grounds during the plum blossom season.


Furthermore, the building in front of the plum grove has a sign that reads "Ebetsu City Tonden Museum." This is actually the oldest existing Tondenhei headquarters building. It was built using a technique called "balloon frame" construction and is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Hokkaido.


In the lush green grounds, you can also see a sign for "Nishikiyama Ryokuchi (Green Space)." As I was enjoying the forest atmosphere and gazing at the trees...


An Ezo squirrel was busily scurrying about. I was able to spot this adorable resident in various places around the shrine grounds.


Last but not least, Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine offers "Ezomikuji." This is a series of local Hokkaido fortune slips (omikuji) themed around various local specialties and famous products. Each shrine has its own unique twist, and here, you get to operate a remote-controlled crane to draw your fortune.


Being a shrine in Ebetsu, what local specialty do you think is the theme for the Ezomikuji?


The answer is the "Sairo Mikuji," themed after bricks! The name is a pun, as "Sairo" sounds like the English word "silo," but the Japanese characters mean "Path of Fortune." This subtle wordplay is part of the charm of Ezomikuji.

Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine is full of delightful discoveries. Please visit and pay your respects. You're sure to find charms that we couldn't cover here.

＜Nishikiyama Tenmangu Shrine＞
Location: 38-1 Yoyogicho, Nopporo, Ebetsu, Hokkaido
Phone: 011-383-2467
Official Website: https://www.nishikiyama.or.jp