JPEN
Stone steps leading up to Sunadate Shrine

The origins of Hokkaido
lie in this town.

In 1473, Takeda Nobuhiro founded Kaminokuni Hachimangu
as the guardian shrine of the Katsuyamadate stronghold.
Nobuhiro is regarded as the founder of the Matsumae domain.
The stronghold’s remains, shrines, a temple, and an old residence still stand close together.
Pray, walk, and taste.
Over two days, trace medieval Kaminokuni, where Wajin (Japanese from Honshu) and Ainu lived on the same land.

History of Kaminokuni

In the fifteenth century, Wajin settlers from Honshu built fortified residences at Kaminokuni, and the area became a base for trade on the Sea of Japan. Excavations show that Wajin and Ainu lived side by side here.

  1. Illustration of a river mouth meeting the sea

    1457

    The Koshamain War

    Ainu and Wajin fought across southern Hokkaido, and Koshamain was killed. A memorial service for him and other Ainu is held every July.

  2. Illustration of a small shrine among trees

    1462

    Origins of Sunadate Shrine

    Takeda Nobuhiro built a shrine to Bishamonten. It is now Sunadate Shrine, and its main hall dates from the Edo period.

  3. Illustration of a fortified residence on a hill above the sea

    Late 15th century

    Katsuyamadate is built

    Nobuhiro built a fortress on the slopes below Mt. Iozan. It was a base for Sea of Japan trade until the late 16th century.

  4. Illustration of a shrine main hall

    1473

    Founding of the Hachimangu

    Nobuhiro founded Kaminokuni Hachimangu as the guardian shrine of Katsuyamadate. The present main hall is dated to 1699.

  5. Illustration of a lord’s procession walking toward a torii

    Edo period

    The lords’ visits

    Each new lord of the Matsumae domain came to worship at Kaminokuni’s three shrines, in the land of the clan’s founder.

  6. Illustration of excavation tools and finds

    1979

    Excavation begins

    Digs at Katsuyamadate have since yielded more than 100,000 objects, and Wajin and Ainu graves lying side by side.

  1. Illustration of a tamagushi offering on a wooden stand

    Pray

    Visit the three shrines

    Make a formal visit to Kaminokuni Hachimangu with a Shinto priest, then visit Sunadate Shrine and Mount Iozan.

  2. Illustration of a walker on the terraces of a hilltop fortress site above the sea

    Stand

    Walk Katsuyamadate

    In medieval times, people made their stand at this stronghold. Walk Katsuyamadate, part of the national historic site Kaminokuni Tate Sites.

  3. Illustration of a lacquered meal tray

    Dine

    Taste Tonosama Ryori

    In the evening, sit down to Tonosama Ryori, a dinner reconstructed from historical records.

2 days, 1 night, from Hakodate to Kaminokuni

Three shrines and a cultural stay in Kaminokuni

Visit three shrines, walk a medieval stronghold, and sit down to Tonosama Ryori. Here is how the two days unfold.

Duration
2 days, 1 night
  • The minimum group size is 2 guests.
  • Private transfers from Hakodate Airport, Hakodate Station, and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station.

The three shrines

  1. 11:00

    Depart Hakodate Airport

    Drive to Kaminokuni by private car, with a bento lunch on the way. Pickups from Hakodate Station and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station are also available.

  2. 12:30

    Arrive in Kaminokuni

  3. 13:30

    Introduction

    An introduction to the history of Kaminokuni and its local faith. Learn the background of the places you will visit.

  4. PM

    The three shrines of Kaminokuni

    A formal visit to Kaminokuni Hachimangu with a Shinto priest, including the norito prayer and the tamagushi offering. Then on to Sunadate Shrine and Mount Iozan.

  5. 18:00

    Tonosama dinner

    A menu reconstructed from historical records, served with an account of its background.

  6. Night

    Stay at Iotei

The stronghold

  1. 10:30

    Katsuyamadate Site

    See the exhibits at the guidance center, then walk the site. Students of Kaminokuni High School are expected to join as guides.

  2. 12:00

    Lunch

  3. 13:00

    Return toward Hakodate

    A private car takes you to Hakodate Airport, Hakodate Station, or Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station. Arrival times are to be confirmed.

An evening of
Tonosama Ryori and an inn.

  • Illustration of a lacquered meal tray

    Tonosama Ryori

    A menu reconstructed from historical records. A chef or guide tells the story behind each dish. The menu details are to be confirmed.

  • Illustration of a guest room lit by a paper lantern

    Stay at Iotei

    You stay at Iotei, the organizer of this trip, which provides your room and meals. Room details are to be confirmed.

Trip details

Duration
2 days, 1 night
Dates
To be confirmed
Minimum group size
2 guests
Maximum group size
To be confirmed
Meeting and drop-off
Hakodate Airport, Hakodate Station, or Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station (private transfer)
Accommodation
Iotei
Included
To be confirmed
Language
An English-speaking guide is planned. Materials in Japanese and English
Cancellation policy
To be confirmed
Organizer
Iotei Ltd.
Travel agency
To be confirmed

Before you go

What happens at a formal shrine visit?
You visit Kaminokuni Hachimangu with a Shinto priest. You hear the norito prayer, offer a tamagushi branch, and learn what the rite means.
Can I join if I do not speak Japanese?
An English-speaking guide is planned. Materials are provided in both Japanese and English.
Where are the pickup points?
A private car picks you up at Hakodate Airport, Hakodate Station, or Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station. Meeting times are to be confirmed.
How many guests are needed for the trip to run?
The minimum is 2 guests. The maximum group size is to be confirmed.
Can you cater to food allergies?
What we can offer is to be confirmed. We will post it on this page once it is set.
What happens in bad weather?
The bad-weather plan is to be confirmed. We will post it on this page once it is set.

Getting to Kaminokuni

A private car takes you to Kaminokuni from Hakodate Airport, Hakodate Station, or Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station. Travel times are approximate drives to Kaminokuni Town Office and vary with the season and road conditions.

  • Hakodate AirportAbout 1 hr 20 min by car
  • Hakodate StationAbout 1 hr 20 min by car
  • Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto StationAbout 1 hr 5 min by car

Places you visit

Kaminokuni Hachimangu
Founded in 1473 by Takeda Nobuhiro as the guardian shrine of Katsuyamadate. The present main hall is dated to 1699. It is a Tangible Cultural Property designated by Hokkaido and is counted among the oldest surviving shrine buildings in Hokkaido.
Sunadate Shrine
With Kaminokuni Hachimangu and Iozan Shrine, one of the three shrines of Kaminokuni.
Mount Iozan
The mountain of Iozan Shrine, another of the three shrines. A torii gate stands at the top.
Katsuyamadate Site
Katsuyamadate, part of the national historic site Kaminokuni Tate Sites, is the remains of a medieval stronghold. Visitors see the exhibits at the guidance center and walk the site.

Booking

Booking is not open yet. The opening date and a contact address are to be confirmed. We will post it on this page once it is set.

Book now