Located in Nemuro City, Konpira Shrine is dedicated to prayers for safe voyages and prosperous fishing, and has long been cherished by the local community.
The shrine stands on a hill overlooking Nemuro Port, offering a serene view of the sea.
During the annual festival, the grounds come alive with visitors, making it one of the liveliest summer events in Nemuro.
Getting to Konpira Shrine
Address: 1-4 Kotohira-cho, Nemuro, Hokkaido (View on Google Maps)
Konpira Shrine is located about 2 km from Nemuro Station.
It takes around 30–35 minutes on foot or about 10 minutes by taxi.
You can also take a local bus, though service is limited—if the timing works out, it’s a convenient option.
Bus Route
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Bus Line: Nemuro Kotsu “Hanasaki Line”
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Boarding Point: Platform No. 1 at Nemuro Station — take the bus bound for “Hanasaki Port”
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Travel Time: Approx. 10 minutes
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Fare: ¥210 one way
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Stop: Get off at “Shiomi-cho” (View on Google Maps) — about a 5-minute walk to the shrine
There are only a few buses each day (about four on weekdays and seven on weekends or holidays).
Since the shrine is within walking distance, you can also reach it on foot if the bus schedule doesn’t fit your timing.
Notes When Taking the Bus from Nemuro Station
The boarding platform (No. 1) is the same as the one used for buses to Cape Nosappu,
but make sure to board the bus bound for “Hanasaki Port,” as it is a different route.
You don’t need to buy a ticket in advance—simply pay ¥210 in cash when you get off the bus.
When taking the return bus from Konpira Shrine back to Nemuro Station, be sure to take a numbered ticket from the dispenser near the bus entrance.
This ticket indicates the stop where you boarded.
(When departing from Nemuro Station, a ticket is not required since it is the first stop.)
About Konpira Shrine
Konpira Shrine in Nemuro is dedicated to the guardian deity of the sea,
worshiped for safe voyages and prosperous fishing.
It stands on a small hill overlooking Nemuro Port, offering a peaceful view of the sea and harbor.
The shrine grounds are simple yet dignified, with a main hall, stone torii gate, and vibrant banners that create a distinctly coastal atmosphere.
The shrine is deeply connected to the daily lives of local fishermen and residents,
who visit to offer prayers for safety, success, and gratitude for the sea’s blessings.
It is a place that quietly reflects the spirit of a fishing town at Japan’s easternmost edge.
History of Konpira Shrine
Konpira Shrine was established in 1881 (Meiji 14) as a guardian of the sea, praying for maritime safety and bountiful fishing in the Nemuro area.
Since its founding, it has served as a spiritual center for local fishermen who depended on the ocean for their livelihood.
During the prewar and postwar periods, the shrine continued to support the fishing community, hosting annual festivals and ceremonies that strengthened the bond between people and the sea.
Even today, the shrine remains a symbol of gratitude toward the ocean and a reminder of Nemuro’s deep connection with maritime culture.
Inside the Shrine Grounds
Konpira Shrine isn’t very large, so you can explore the entire area in about 30 minutes even at a relaxed pace.
Let’s take a closer look around.
There are two temizuya (purification pavilions) — one along the path to the main hall and another near the hall itself.
A temizuya is a traditional water basin found at Shinto shrines, where visitors cleanse their hands and mouth before praying.
Before offering your prayers, use the flowing water to rinse your hands and lightly rinse your mouth as a gesture of purification.
Konpira Shrine Festival
Held over three days from the second Friday to Sunday of August, the Nemuro Konpira Shrine Annual Festival is one of the city’s most vibrant summer events.
During the festival, mikoshi (portable shrines) and dashi (festival floats) parade through the streets of Nemuro, while food stalls line the roads in the evening, creating a festive atmosphere.
The main celebration area is not directly around the shrine but closer to the downtown nightlife district.
If you walk in that direction, you’ll easily find it by following the flow of people and the sounds of the festival.
During the festival, visitors can also reach Ichikishima Shrine, located on Benten Island in Nemuro Port, by taking a temporary ferry service.
Ichikishima Shrine is an auxiliary shrine (massha) of Konpira Shrine, and it is normally closed to the public, but special access is granted only during the festival period.
The ferry departs from a temporary pier at Nemuro Port (about a 10-minute walk from Konpira Shrine; view on Google Maps) and takes about five minutes one way.
It’s a rare opportunity to experience this sacred site, available only during the festival days.
Please check locally for exact boarding points and departure times on the day of the festival.
Hours and Admission
Konpira Shrine
The shrine grounds are open to visitors 24 hours a day, and admission is free of charge.