Perched on a plateau 300 meters above sea level overlooking Lake Shikotsu, one of Hokkaido’s most powerful spiritual sites awaits. Tarumaesan Jinja Shrine venerates the active volcano Mount Tarumae as its sacred deity, drawing approximately 400,000 visitors annually to this revered sanctuary of the Dooh region.
Upon entering the shrine grounds, visitors are enveloped by pristine mountain air as panoramic views of Lake Shikotsu and Mount Tarumae unfold before them. On clear days, the volcano’s distinctive lava dome can be seen releasing wisps of steam, a visceral reminder of the raw natural power that infuses this sacred space.
Here, the mountain deity Oyamatsumi no Kami and other gods of mountain worship are enshrined, particularly renowned for blessings of good fortune, matchmaking, and business prosperity. This shrine, which has witnessed Hokkaido’s pioneering history, overflows with energy that encourages bold new beginnings.
Tarumaesan Jinja is particularly known for the following blessings:
Good Fortune and Protection: The powerful purifying energy of the active volcano is said to dispel misfortune and improve one’s fate. Many people visit during their unlucky years, with over 5,000 purification rituals performed annually.
Matchmaking: Oyamatsumi no Kami, who gave his daughter Konohanasakuya-hime in marriage to the deity Ninigi, is also revered as a god who brings good relationships.
Business Prosperity: Having watched over Tomakomai—a center of Hokkaido’s development—the shrine is believed to bless business success and commercial prosperity. Many local business owners are regular worshippers.
The Unique Energy of This Site
Tarumaesan Jinja is said to possess energy of “rebirth and restart.” The active volcano symbolizes cycles of destruction and creation, and this energy is believed to help visitors “release the old and embrace the new.”
This shrine’s energy resonates particularly strongly with those at life’s turning points, or those seeking to clear away the past and make a fresh start.
Visitor Testimonials
“I visited when I was deciding to change jobs. Looking at Mount Tarumae from the grounds, I felt courage welling up—’Let’s do this.’ Now I’m living fulfilling days at my new workplace.” (Man in his 40s, Sapporo)
“I came here when I was uncertain about marriage, on a friend’s recommendation. On the way home, I found the resolve to accept the proposal.” (Woman in her 30s, Chitose)
Visitor’s Guide
Basic Worship Etiquette
1. Bow at the torii gate: Compose your mind before entering the sacred grounds
2. Walk along the sides: The center path is reserved for the deities
3. Purify at the temizuya: Rinse left hand, right hand, mouth, then left hand again
4. Two bows, two claps, one bow: At the worship hall, bow deeply twice, clap twice, then bow once
5. Exit quietly: Bow again when passing through the torii gate
Special Points of Interest
Main Hall and Worship Hall: Magnificent shrine buildings from 1983. The fragrance of cypress pervades the solemn atmosphere.
Mount Tarumae Viewing Platform: A spot within the grounds offering direct views of Mount Tarumae. “Distant worship” facing the mountain is popular here.
Sacred Tree: An Ezo spruce estimated at 300 years old. Many visitors touch the trunk to receive its power.
Inari Shrine: An auxiliary shrine within the grounds, popular among those praying for business prosperity.
Goshuin (Temple Seal) Information
Fee: ¥500
Hours: 9:00-17:00
Standard version plus seasonal limited editions (cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, snow scenes) are popular with collectors
Original goshuin books (¥1,500) feature designs of Mount Tarumae and Lake Shikotsu
Dress Code and Etiquette
Comfortable walking shoes recommended due to gravel paths throughout
Non-slip shoes or attachable spikes essential in winter
Bring a light jacket even in summer—mountain winds can be cool
Insect repellent useful, especially June-August
Basic Information
Access
Address: 6-49 Takaoka, Tomakomai, Hokkaido
By Car:
15 minutes from Dooh Expressway “Tomakomai-Higashi IC”
30 minutes from New Chitose Airport
Free parking for approximately 300 vehicles
By Public Transportation:
From JR Tomakomai Station, Donan Bus to “Tarumaesan Jinja” (approximately 25 minutes), alight at terminus
Taxi from JR Tomakomai Station approximately 15 minutes (around ¥2,000)
Facility Information
Visiting Hours: Grounds open freely (Shrine office 9:00-17:00)
Closed: Open year-round
Admission: Free
Suggested Duration: 30 minutes for worship only; 60-90 minutes including grounds exploration
Parking: Approximately 300 spaces (free)
Official Website: https://tarumaesan.jp/
Phone: 0144-36-6661
Area Information
Nearby Attractions
Lake Shikotsu (25 minutes by car): A caldera lake boasting Japan’s highest water transparency. Canoeing and SUP experiences are popular. Glass-bottom boats reveal underwater scenery.
Northern Horse Park (20 minutes by car): A theme park offering horseback riding and horse shows, popular with families.
Mount Tarumae (40 minutes by car + 1-hour hike): The sacred mountain itself. Drive to the 7th station, then approximately 1 hour to the summit. The views of the crater area are breathtaking.
Recommended Restaurants
Marutoma Shokudo
Cuisine: Seafood rice bowls, set meals
Specialty: Hokki Curry (¥1,200), Marutoma Don (¥1,800)
Address: Minatomachi, Tomakomai
Hours: 5:00-14:00 (closed Sundays)
*Popular restaurant near Tomakomai Port serving fresh seafood*
Butaichi Tomakomai
Cuisine: Pork rice bowl
Specialty: Charcoal-grilled Pork Don (regular ¥880)
Address: Omotemachi, Tomakomai
Hours: 11:00-21:00
*Famous Obihiro-style pork bowl available in Tomakomai*
*5 minutes by car from the shrine—perfect for post-worship relaxation*
Souvenirs and Local Products
Yoitomake: Tomakomai’s signature confection—a roll cake made with haskap berries
Hokki Clam Products: Tomakomai boasts Japan’s largest hokki clam catch
Shrine Original Sweets: “Tarumae Monaka” available only within the grounds
Model Itineraries
Half-Day Course (Approximately 4 hours)
9:00 Tarumaesan Jinja worship
10:00 Grounds exploration and goshuin
10:30 Rest at Coffee House
11:30 Seafood lunch at Marutoma Shokudo
13:00 Souvenir shopping near Tomakomai Station
Full-Day Course (Approximately 8 hours)
8:00 Tarumaesan Jinja worship
9:30 Drive to Lake Shikotsu
10:00 Lake Shikotsu walk and glass-bottom boat
12:00 Lunch at lakeside
14:00 Northern Horse Park
16:30 Dinner in Tomakomai city
18:00 Return journey
Visitor Reviews and Experiences
“I felt the energy of the active volcano” (Man in his 50s, Tokyo)
“On my first visit, I was overwhelmed by Mount Tarumae’s presence from the grounds. When I faced the mountain and pressed my palms together, I felt energy surging from the core of my body.”
“Visiting at a turning point was the right choice” (Woman in her 30s, Asahikawa)
“I came to worship when I decided to start my own business. I felt as if the pioneering gods were pushing my back. Now my business is on track, and I return every year to give thanks.”
“The autumn colors were magnificent” (Couple in their 40s, Hakodate)
“We visited in mid-October and the autumn colors were at their peak—absolutely moving. Being able to overlook Lake Shikotsu and Mount Tarumae together, we truly experienced Hokkaido’s magnificent nature.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does worship take?
A: About 30 minutes for worship only; 60-90 minutes including grounds exploration. Lines for goshuin can be long during busy seasons, so allow extra time.
Q: Is the shrine open in winter?
A: Yes, it’s open year-round. However, be sure to wear non-slip footwear as paths can be slippery with snow and ice.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Pets are not permitted within the shrine grounds.
Q: Should I climb Mount Tarumae before visiting the shrine?
A: If time permits, climbing Mount Tarumae is recommended, but the shrine alone offers sufficient sacred energy. For those concerned about physical ability, worshipping from the distant worship platform within the grounds is said to be equally effective.
Summary
Tarumaesan Jinja Shrine, venerating the active volcano Mount Tarumae as its sacred body, stands as one of Hokkaido’s premier power spots.
This shrine, which has walked alongside the pioneering history of Hokkaido, overflows with powerful energy that encourages new challenges. Approximately 400,000 visitors come annually seeking blessings for good fortune, matchmaking, and business prosperity.
The spectacular views of Mount Tarumae and Lake Shikotsu from the grounds purify visitors’ hearts and grant courage to move forward. For those at life’s turning points, or those wanting to begin something new, this shrine offers special power to support your journey.
With easy access from Lake Shikotsu and New Chitose Airport, please consider visiting during your Hokkaido travels. You’re certain to feel the earth’s energy born from the active volcano and receive the blessings of the pioneering deities.
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*Information in this article is current as of December 2025. Please verify the latest details on official websites before visiting.*
