Kotohira Shrine — Attraction in Nemuro

This is one of the easternmost manned shrines in Japan with more than 200 years of history. The origin of the shrine is when Kahei Takadaya, a pioneer of northern sea fishing, worshiped the shrine while managing the fishing grounds in 1806. The shrine was transported to the current spot in 1881. After visiting and praying at the shrine, it is recommended you have a look at the other buildings and facilities such as the Festival Museum (Omatsuri Shiryokan) in the shrine office. Here you can see documents and displays like the gorgeous portable shrine (Omikoshi). It is also worth checking out the Goshuin (the letter bearing the shogun’s scarlet seal), amulets (omamori), or written oracles and fortunes (omikuji) which are distributed and sold there.   ＜Amulets (Omamori)＞ This is a small object or charm, it is a someone’s wish for protection against evil, blessing(good luck / better fortune) and guardianship. Omamori are Japanese amulets, talismans and charms. ＜Written Oracles (Omikuji)＞Written Oracles, Omikuji, are distributed at the shrine to tell someone’s luck. Omikuji should be tied to Mikujikake (the rod or rope to hang Omikuji fortunes between two pillars). ＜Votive Picture of Horse (Ema)＞ Ema are wooden plates with pictures dedicated to temples and shrines used when praying at the shrines or saying thanks for the wish or goal that was achieved. They are hang in specific places, and you can write your wish or name on the back of some of them.   *As of August 2017Pics:Address:1-4, Kotohiracho, Nemuro, Hokkaido, JapanGoogle Map:Access１．BUS 【From Nemuro City Area】 Take the “Hanasaki Line” bus from the Nemuro Station Bus Terminal and get off at the “Shiomicho” stop. The shrine is 3 minutes walk from the bus stop. ２．RENTAL CAR（Recomended） 5 minutes walk from JR...

A small, beautiful and informative shrine with many photographs of past festival celebrations on the walls all around the very grand portable shrine. I fished for a sanma fish omikuji (proudly and happily hanging on my souvenir wall at home now) and got a 大吉 (very good) predictions that accurately predicted an unexpected surprise “go Shiretoko National Park and you might see a brown bear 🐻 “ and we...

This is a very famous shrine in the area. Here you can draw a fortune slip in the shape of a sanma (saury fish), which predicts your future luck. It is very special. There is also a unique architectural design of the port, and you can also enjoy the sea view from a distance. If you happen to come to this place, you can come here to experience the...