Yukura Shrine, Shinto shrine in Japan
Yukura Shrine is a traditional Shinto shrine in Hakodate located near the Yunokawa hot springs, built in the nagare-zukuri style with a gently sloping roof. The grounds include well-maintained walking paths, a large red torii gate at the entrance, smaller gates leading to an Inari area, and various buildings featuring traditional wooden construction.
The shrine was founded in the 1400s and was originally dedicated to Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha. In the late 1800s, its name changed to Yukura and the deities became Okonoki-kami and Shohikonokami, who are connected to medicine and hot springs.
The shrine is closely tied to the nearby hot springs and draws visitors seeking healing and wellness. The practice of writing wishes on wooden plaques and hanging them at the shrine remains an important part of daily life for locals and travelers.
The shrine is easy to reach, just a short walk from the Yunokawa tram stop, and free parking is available for about 80 vehicles. Visitors should know the shrine is open year-round without closing days and offers wheelchair-accessible facilities.
A special feature is the traditional omikuji fortunes, including the Hakodate Ikasu Omikuji, which comes in a papier-mache squid form and offers local tips in local dialect alongside luck predictions. A particularly old yew tree on the grounds, over 350 years old, is touched and revered by visitors.
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