Hokumon Shrine
Located on a small hill overlooking Wakkanai Port, Hokumon Shrine is the northernmost shrine in Japan with a resident Shinto priest.
The origins of the shrine date back to 1785. It is said that Denbei Murayama, the third-generation subcontractor under Kyubei Hidaya, who managed the Soya trading post at the time, saw a group of people worshipping the sun on the beach. Inspired by the sight and reminded of Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess, he received a sacred talisman (Jingu Taima) and enshrined Amaterasu Omikami as the guardian deity for safe voyages and bountiful catches. He built a shrine in the Soya region, naming it Soya Daijingu.
In 1896, the shrine was relocated to its current location and renamed "Hokumon Shrine."
Today, the shrine is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, especially during New Year’s visits (Hatsumode) and major festivals. It is also a well-loved spot for visitors collecting goshuin (temple and shrine stamps).
A scenic path from the shrine grounds leads into Wakkanai Park. This trail, known as the “Path of Tanka Poetry,” offers a peaceful walking experience with poetic views and verses along the way.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
- Travel Inspiration
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General Information
- Postal code
- 〒097-0022
- Address
- 北海道稚内市中央1丁目1-21
- Telephone Number
- 0162-22-2944
- Car Park
- 20 spaces, free
- Directions
- ●By car: About 10 minutes from JR Wakkanai Station
- Website
* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
