By ando 
Basic Information
Name: Iinari Jinja (Iinari Shrine) – While sometimes pronounced “Ibu”, the official pronunciation is “Iinari”.
Location: 379 Oshamambe, Oshamambe-cho, Yamakoshi-gun, Hokkaido
Enshrined Kami: Amaterasu Omikami, Okuninushi no Mikoto, Ukanomitama no Mikoto
Founded: 1773 (An’ei 2)
Annual Festival Dates: August 9, 10, 11
The Mystery of the Suddenly Appearing “Giant Water Pillar”
What brought Iinari Jinja into the national spotlight was the “giant water pillar” incident that occurred in August 2022.
On August 8, just before the annual grand festival, a water pillar over 30 meters high suddenly erupted with a roar from the forest within the shrine grounds. This water pillar continued to gush without stopping for about 50 days, and the sight became a huge topic of conversation, with people wondering if it was “a divine message from the kami” or “a miraculous geyser.”
Background Story: It was later revealed that this spot was the site of an old well, drilled around 1958 (Showa 33) for underground resource exploration. While it is believed to be a natural phenomenon where groundwater was pushed up by the pressure of methane gas accumulated underground, locals watched with reverence, considering it “a manifestation of the shrine’s power” due to its remarkably timely eruption just before the festival.
Aftermath: The water pillar suddenly stopped on September 26. However, during the period it was gushing, the shrine saw more than five times its usual number of visitors, and it gained attention as a new power spot, offering limited edition goshuin (shrine seals) featuring the water pillar and “Suichu-mamori” (water pillar charms).
The Origin of the Name “Iinari” and the Background of its History
The name of the shrine, “飯生” (Iinari), is a very rare spelling nationwide. It originates from “稲荷” (Inari), and the characters, meaning “rice (food) is born,” express a strong wish for abundant harvests and food stability.
Legend and History: The hill where Iinari Jinja is located is also the former site of the “Oshamambe Jin’ya (Oshamambe Camp),” which was established by the Nambu domain during the late Edo period for the defense of Ezochi (present-day Hokkaido). Built in 1856 (Ansei 3), this camp was crucial for monitoring foreign ships and defending the northern regions. While the shrine moved to this location in 1933 (Showa 8), you can feel the layers of history, with the town’s guardian jinja now standing where samurai once diligently watched over the country.
Appeal as a Power Spot
Iinari Jinja is situated downstream of the Oshamambe River and has long been revered as a guardian kami for prosperous fishing and maritime safety.
The Secret of Goshuin: Since the water pillar incident, Iinari Jinja’s goshuin (shrine seals) have become very popular. Many visitors seek them as a souvenir of their visit, including colorful goshuin with seasonal designs and those featuring the water pillar.
Stage for Niconico Cho-Kaigi: In 2012, it became the venue for “Niconico Cho-Kaigi,” a rare event where internet culture and traditional shrines merged. It can be said that this jinja is very open-minded, embracing new cultures and sudden natural phenomena while preserving its ancient traditions.
Iinari Jinja is located close to the Oshamambe Onsen town and is surrounded by a quiet forest. Why not pay a visit to experience the mysterious lingering aura left by the giant water pillar and the historical romance of a late Edo period camp site?
Related Links and References
[1] The Vanished Water Pillar! ~ Iinari Jinja, Oshamambe – Yamabito Yoshikatsu’s Mountain Fun Diary
[2] August 2022: YUU MEDIA TOWN Blog Archives
[3] August 2022: YUU MEDIA TOWN Blog Archives