🗺️ Hokumen Shrine北門神社

On a small hill overlooking Wakkanai Port stands the northernmost shrine in Japan with a resident priest. In 1785, a contractor from the Matsumae Domain, Murayama Denbee, built a small shrine in Souya, dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami as the guardian deity of the northern gate, naming it "Souya Daijingu." The deities enshrined include Amaterasu Omikami, Takeminakata, and Kotoshironushi. It is said to bestow blessings for abundant harvests, safe sea voyages, prosperous business, good relationships, and smooth childbirth. Locally, there is a unique type of omikuji (fortune slip) designed with Hokkaido specialties called "Ezo Omikuji," and the one from Hokumon Shrine is crab-shaped, named "Crab Ezo Omikuji." The method of drawing lots using a net is quite rare. The fortunes are written in the Hokkaido dialect, making it very special. A crab-shaped omikuji made of washi paper as a souvenir is sure to be well-loved. The goshuin (shrine stamp) printed with "The northernmost shrine in Japan" is a must-buy souvenir. There are also original goshuincho (shrine stamp books) and goshuin bags for sale, and it is recommended to take this opportunity to purchase them all at once. Additionally, the "Hokumon Shrine Grand Festival" is held every year on July 5th.

It is the northernmost shrine in Japan with priests stationed there. You can also draw the local Hokkaido fortune slip, "Ezo Omikuji." It offers a view of Wakkanai Port. You can purchase a goshuin (temple seal) that says "The Northernmost Shrine in Japan." The "Hokumon Shrine Grand Festival" is held every year on July 5th.