Located in the heart of Hokkaido, 鹿追神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami known as Usagi-yu-hime, the 'Fox Goddess' or 'Vixen'. According to local legend, the shrine was founded by a samurai who was accompanied by a fox spirit that brought him good luck in battle. The shrine's architecture reflects its rural Hokkaido setting, with a simple yet elegant design featuring traditional materials such as wood and stone. Visitors can experience the tranquility of the shrine during cherry blossom season, when the surrounding forests are filled with vibrant pink blooms.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Usagi-yu-hime
- Kami enshrined
- Fox Goddess, Vixen
- Coordinates
- 43.0992416, 142.9839547
Visitor tip
For a unique perspective on the shrine, visitors can hike to the nearby Seshogahara Waterfall, which is said to be the fox goddess's sacred spring.
Cultural notes
As a Shinto shrine located in rural Hokkaido, 鹿追神社 embodies the traditional Japanese values of respect for nature and the spirits that inhabit it. The shrine's connection to the fox spirit, a common motif in Japanese mythology, highlights the importance of these animals as messengers between humans and the divine.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt in 1896 after being destroyed by a flood in 1885.