Located in the northern island of Hokkaido, Tokai Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Odo-yama-oki, who is revered as a guardian deity of fishermen and sailors. The shrine's architecture reflects its location on the coast, with a traditional Japanese-style torii gate and a vermillion-colored shrine building. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which feature a beautiful garden and a tranquil pond.
- Denomination
- shinto
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Odo-yama-oki
- Kami enshrined
- Odo-yama-oki, Shishido-no-kami
- Coordinates
- 41.466249, 140.0294807
Visitor tip
For a unique visitor experience, try the Tokai Shrine's special 'Seafood Vessel' boat ride, which offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline while learning about the shrine's history and significance.
Cultural notes
As a coastal shrine, Tokai Shrine is closely tied to the mythology of Amaterasu, the Shinto sun goddess, who is believed to preside over the seas. The shrine also participates in the annual 'Matsuri' festival, which celebrates the arrival of spring and features traditional dances and offerings to Odo-yama-oki.
Historical note
The shrine was established in the late Edo period (1868-1877), during the Meiji Restoration, to commemorate the protection of fishermen from storms and rough seas.