Koma Shrine
A serene shrine memorializing ancient Korean founders, set amidst beautiful wooded hills, offering a peaceful escape and unique prayer experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For ultimate peace and quiet
Koma Shrine
Best Time
For ultimate peace and quiet
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene shrine memorializing ancient Korean founders, set amidst beautiful wooded hills, offering a peaceful escape and unique prayer experiences.
"Gorgeous and peaceful place! Easily accessible and set in a beautiful mountain forest, this place is worth a stop."
📸 Capture the Scenery
The beautiful trees surrounding the shrine are perfect for photography. Visit on a weekday for fewer crowds.
🙏 Special Prayer Ceremony
Consider the official prayer ceremony for a unique spiritual experience. Photography is not allowed during this time.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The White Pillars
Shrine Entrance
A unique and memorable entrance marked by striking white pillars, setting a distinct tone for your visit.
Autumn Harvest Festival
Shrine Grounds
Experience vibrant local culture during the annual autumn harvest festival, a lively celebration with performances.
Scenic Forest Setting
Surrounding Woods
Wander through beautiful trees that offer a serene backdrop and excellent opportunities for photography.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Participating in a Prayer Ceremony
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Scenery
The beautiful trees surrounding the shrine are perfect for photography. Visit on a weekday for fewer crowds.
🙏 Special Prayer Ceremony
Consider the official prayer ceremony for a unique spiritual experience. Photography is not allowed during this time.
💰 Be Prepared for Costs
Items at the shrine, including goshuin, can be a bit pricey. Bring cash for donations and purchases.
📅 Goshuin Availability
Goshuin are available on weekends. Remember to bring your goshuin book if you plan to collect them.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Scenery
The beautiful trees surrounding the shrine are perfect for photography. Visit on a weekday for fewer crowds.
🙏 Special Prayer Ceremony
Consider the official prayer ceremony for a unique spiritual experience. Photography is not allowed during this time.
💰 Be Prepared for Costs
Items at the shrine, including goshuin, can be a bit pricey. Bring cash for donations and purchases.
📅 Goshuin Availability
Goshuin are available on weekends. Remember to bring your goshuin book if you plan to collect them.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Koma Shrine for its gorgeous, peaceful atmosphere and beautiful forest setting, making it ideal for photography and quiet contemplation. The unique historical connection to Korean royalty and the option of a special prayer ceremony are highlighted as memorable experiences. Some find the items and services at the shrine to be a bit costly.
"I had an unforgettable experience there. I did the registration to do the actual or official praying ceremony. It was a very special experience. Although I couldn’t take pictures of the ceremony because it’s not allowed but I recommend it for everyone. You could pay any amount between 1,000 and 3,000 yen to participate in the official ceremony. After the ceremony you’ll be given a plate with you name and what you prayed for."
Ryan SH Son
"Koma jinja has funny entrance with the white pillars.
The beautiful trees around the shrine was so beautiful and good for photography.
But one not cool thing is everything in the shrine is costly starts from 700yen,goshuin is available on weekends as well, so kindly bring the dairy.
Apart from thats everything was good."
Beyond Bōken
"Dropped by Koma Shrine over in Hidaka City, this morning. Happened upon the autumn harvest festival that is taking place this month. Lovely temple, and within a few minutes walk to Shoten-in Shoraku-ji Temple established to honor Prince Go Yak'gwang (高若光) of Korea who settled in the area in 666AD."
kris esplin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Koma Shrine is located in Hidaka City. While specific public transport details are scarce, it's generally described as easily accessible and set within a mountain forest. Visitors often combine it with nearby Shoten-in Shoraku-ji Temple.
Yes, the shrine is described as easily accessible, making it a straightforward stop for visitors exploring the area.
Information on parking is limited, but given its accessibility, it's likely that parking facilities are available. It's advisable to check local resources closer to your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no mention of an entrance fee for general access to Koma Shrine. However, specific activities like the prayer ceremony have associated costs.
Specific opening hours are not widely published, but it's generally considered a place accessible for visits. It's best to assume standard daytime hours for shrines.
Yes, you can register for an official praying ceremony. The cost is between 1,000 and 3,000 yen, and you'll receive a personalized plate with your prayers afterward.
Photography is generally allowed around the shrine grounds, especially in the scenic forest areas. However, it is strictly prohibited during the official prayer ceremony.
Goshuin are available at Koma Shrine, and they are offered on weekends. Make sure to bring your goshuin book.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Koma Shrine memorializes the founder of the area from an ancient Korean kingdom. It's linked to Prince Go Yak'gwang of Korea who settled in the region in 666 AD. The buildings are relatively new due to ongoing construction over the years.
Its unique history connecting to Korean royalty and settlement in Japan, along with its distinctive white pillar entrance and peaceful forest setting, makes it stand out. It's also known for its priest being an Aikido master.
Koma Shrine hosts an annual autumn harvest festival and a yearly martial arts performance.
Absolutely! The beautiful trees surrounding the shrine provide a stunning natural backdrop, making it a great spot for photography, especially during autumn.
The shrine is described as gorgeous, peaceful, and serene, offering a tranquil escape within a mountain forest setting.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Specific dining options immediately surrounding Koma Shrine are not detailed in visitor feedback. It's advisable to plan for meals before or after your visit, or explore dining in nearby Hidaka City.
While not explicitly mentioned, it's possible that some small vendors might be present, especially during festivals. However, visitor feedback suggests that items within the shrine itself can be costly.
📸 📸 Photography
The scenic forest with its beautiful trees offers excellent photographic opportunities. The unique white pillars at the entrance also make for striking shots.
For the best light and fewer distractions, consider visiting on a weekday morning. Autumn foliage also provides a spectacular backdrop for photos.
Yes, photography is not allowed during the official prayer ceremony. Otherwise, general photography around the shrine grounds is permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and allow for a more relaxed experience. Pack snacks and drinks, as dining options directly at the shrine are limited. The visual elements, like the white pillars and the natural scenery, can also capture children's attention.
🧘 Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers
Weekday visits are ideal for maximizing the sense of tranquility. Take your time to wander through the grounds, absorb the history, and appreciate the natural beauty. The opportunity to receive a personalized prayer plate after the ceremony can be a profound takeaway.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
To get the best shots with fewer people, aim for weekday mornings. Be mindful of the no-photography rule during prayer ceremonies. The blend of historical elements and natural beauty provides diverse opportunities for capturing compelling images.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance of Koma Shrine
The shrine's connection to Korean royalty and settlement is a fascinating narrative that sets it apart. It's not just a place of worship but a historical monument reflecting a significant period of migration and cultural integration. This historical depth adds a layer of intrigue for visitors interested in the broader context of East Asian history.
Experiencing the Prayer Ceremony
Upon completion of the ceremony, participants are presented with a personalized plate bearing their name and their expressed prayers. This tangible memento serves as a lasting reminder of their visit and their intentions. The donation for this ceremony is flexible, ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 yen, allowing for a contribution that feels comfortable for each visitor.
Photography Opportunities at Koma Shrine
Beyond the natural beauty, the shrine's distinctive entrance, marked by striking white pillars, provides a unique architectural element for photos. Visitors are encouraged to capture the essence of the shrine's peaceful atmosphere. However, it's crucial to remember that photography is strictly prohibited during the prayer ceremony to maintain the sanctity of the ritual.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit