About an 8-minute drive from Obihiro Station lies Obihiro Shrine, a spiritual guardian of Tokachi’s pioneering history. Here, the seasonal floral art of “Hanachozu”—a water basin adorned with fresh flowers—has captivated visitors from across Japan. This one-of-a-kind creation, arranged by the head priest and his wife, draws inspiration from the Tale of Genji. With its rich history, spiritual blessings, and proper etiquette explained, this article serves as your ultimate local guide. If you searched for “Obihiro Shrine Hanachozu,” you’re in the right place—welcome to a world of sacred beauty.
Contents
- 1 1. What is Obihiro Shrine? — History, Deities, and Blessings
- 2 2. What is Hanachozu? — Its Origins and Obihiro Shrine’s Unique Appeal
- 3 3. 2025 Hanachozu Display Schedule
- 4 4. How to Enjoy Hanachozu to the Fullest
- 5 5. Mastering Chozu Etiquette and the Meaning of Purification
- 6 6. Access, Shrine Offerings & Half-Day Tour Model
- 7 7. Make Obihiro Shrine’s Hanachozu Your Next Destination
1. What is Obihiro Shrine? — History, Deities, and Blessings
1-1 History and Origins
- 1883: Banseisha pioneers settle in Obihiro and begin ritual worship
- 1910: Divine spirit transferred from Sapporo Shrine (now Hokkaido Shrine) and official founding request submitted
- 1918: Elevated to Gōsha status, and in 1930 to Kensha status
- 1976: Added to the list of designated shrines under Jinja Honcho
1-2 Enshrined Deities and Blessings
| Deity | Blessings | Symbol |
| Okunitama-no-Kami | Protection of Hokkaido’s land, directional safety | Earth, Pioneering |
| Onamuchi-no-Kami | Nation-building, matchmaking, business prosperity | Daikoku |
| Sukunahikona-no-Kami | Medicine, sake brewing, abundant harvest | Wisdom, Healing |
The 7,000-tsubo (approx. 23,000 sqm) shrine forest is home to elm trees and chipmunks. In winter, photographers flock here hoping to capture shots of long-tailed tits, making it a beloved sanctuary for nature lovers.
1-3 Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
- Green Pond – Its matcha-green water surface has gone viral on social media
- Shimaenaga Goshuin Book & Salmon Omikuji – Unique blessings designed by the head priest
- Silver Spoon Pilgrimage Spot – Features the “bamba ema” (wooden wish plaques) from the manga
2. What is Hanachozu? — Its Origins and Obihiro Shrine’s Unique Appeal
| Aspect | Description |
| Origin | The practice of purifying hands with dew or leaves during outdoor rituals is considered its origin. Recently, hydrangea Hanachozu at Yanagidani Kannon Temple in Kyoto popularized it nationwide. |
| Features of Obihiro Shrine | 1. A large, tatami-mat-sized stone basin balancing grandeur and tranquility 2. Each arrangement is themed after a Tale of Genji chapter, represented through flower colors and poetry 3. Handcrafted entirely by the head priest and his wife, often arranged overnight |
| Photo Appeal | The low basin allows reflections from every angle, with clear skies captured in the water. Early morning provides still water and soft light for the best photos. |
3. 2025 Hanachozu Display Schedule
| Season | Chapter Name | Dates | Floral Theme |
| Spring | Chapter 36 “Hatsune” | May 1 – May 6 | Cherry blossoms, double sakura, Miyama cherry |
| Summer | Chapter 37 “Tokonatsu” | June 28 – July 1 | Peony, Trumpet Lily |
| Chapter 38 “Takemakura” | July 12 – July 15 | Lavender, Campanula | |
| Chapter 39 “Miyou” | August 1 – August 3 | Sunflower, Dahlia | |
| Chapter 40 “Maboroshi” | August 12 – August 15 | Lisianthus, Clematis | |
| Autumn Festival | Chapter 41 “Kumogakure” | September 23 – September 25 | Cosmos, Pampas grass, Gentian |
*Flower types and dates may change depending on weather. Please check official social media before visiting.
4. How to Enjoy Hanachozu to the Fullest
- Visit just after 7:00 AM or shortly before 5:00 PM
Still water and soft light ensure stunning reflections. Fewer visitors at these times mean peaceful photography. - Try both a top-down and a 45° angled shot
Show off the curve of the basin and depth of the flowers at once. - Adjust exposure to +0.3EV to make the water sparkle
On a smartphone, tap the screen and use the slider to brighten the image. - Use hashtags like #帯廣神社花手水 and #hanachozu
The official account may even repost your photo! - Respect purification
Keep photography within 10 seconds and pass the ladle on courteously to the next visitor.
5. Mastering Chozu Etiquette and the Meaning of Purification
5-1 The Philosophy of Misogi (Purification)
Chozu, the act of rinsing hands and mouth, is a simplified version of “misogi”—a full-body purification ritual once done in rivers or seas. The order of washing follows the belief: left (yang) before right (yin).
5-2 The 6 Steps of Chozu
| Action | Point | |
| 1 | Calm yourself and bow once | Show respect before entering sacred space |
| 2 | Hold the ladle in your right hand and pour water over your left hand | Pour slowly and calmly |
| 3 | Switch hands and pour water over your right hand | Avoid splashing |
| 4 | Pour water into your left hand and use it to rinse your mouth | Do not touch the ladle directly with your mouth |
| 5 | Rinse your left hand again | Re-purify the hand used to rinse your mouth |
| 6 | Hold the ladle vertically and rinse the handle with remaining water | Show consideration for the next person |
Performing all six steps with a single ladleful of water reflects grace and mindfulness.
6. Access, Shrine Offerings & Half-Day Tour Model
| Location | Higashi 3-jou Minami 2-chome 1, Obihiro City, Hokkaido |
| Opening Hours | 07:00–17:00 (from 06:30 during Hanachozu periods) |
| Parking | Free parking for 50 cars beside the main shrine / Temporary lots during festivals |
| Public Transport | From JR Obihiro Station, take Tokachi Bus to “Higashi 3-jou 6-chome,” then walk 7 min |
Shrine Items
- Shimaenaga Goshuin Book / Seasonal Goshuin
- Salmon Omikuji / Bamba Ema / Katsurabumi (Love-letter ema)
Half-Day Model Course
| Time | Activity |
| 08:00 | View and photograph Hanachozu, pray (about 60 minutes) |
| 09:15 | Enjoy Obihiro’s famous “Butadon” pork bowl at a nearby cafe |
| 10:30 | Relax in the day spa “Bijin-no-Yu” in the forest resort |
| 13:00 | Stroll through the Tokachi Hills flower fields & buy craft gin souvenirs |
7. Make Obihiro Shrine’s Hanachozu Your Next Destination
The Hanachozu at Obihiro Shrine blends frontier spirit with Heian elegance—an art form unique to Tokachi. With all six 2025 themes already announced, it’s the perfect time to book flights and accommodations.
Purify your body and soul with proper etiquette, and gaze into the flowers and water to reflect on yourself. Why not take a spiritual journey of “harai” (cleansing) on your next day off?
Refresh your five senses with the Hanachozu at Obihiro Shrine. Your photo might be the next to spark a new wave of admiration.
