Spots & Experiences
Kotohira Shrine
This is Japan’s easternmost manned shrine. It has a history of more than 200 years and is believed to date back to 1806, when Kahei Takadaya , a pioneer of northern sea fishing, opened the shrine to worship the guardian deities while he was managing the fishing grounds in the Nemuro region.
Inside the shrine office is the Festival Museum where you can see exhibits including materials on the Reitaisai, an August festival that is the most important festival of the year, and a gorgeous omikoshi (portable Shinto shrine). You can also pick up a goshuin (seal stamp given to shrine visitors) and original omamori (amulets) and omikuji (fortunes).
*The content of the article is information as of 2023.
Reitaisai Festival
This festival is held on the second Friday of August until the following Sunday. The first day of the festival is the Yoimiya Matsuri (eve of the festival). The second and third days include a divine parade around the city. Powerful cheers fill the air as many young people carry the gorgeous omikoshi through the city, calling out triumphantly as they go.
Paper Cutout Goshuin
This is a limited edition goshuin design featuring a paper cutout picture. Based on the pattern of waves, it features pictures of the Southern Kuril Islands, the morning sun, saury, Hanasaki crab and the big mikoshi, which is the pride of Nemuro.
Mikoshi-Den Hall and the Festival Museum
Here you can see the omikoshi used during the Reitaisai Festival and materials on past festivals. (Free entry. Open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.)
Lucky Saury Omikuji
Here you’ll find a unique omikuji made in the image of Nemuro’s famous saury. Grab the fishing rod and see what kind of luck you can catch.
