Located in the heart of Okayama City, the most famous Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami is known as the Most Superior Rice Shrine (Mizumoto no Yasaka no Imai no Shino-mae) but is colloquially referred to as 'Most Above' in reference to a famous Japanese poem by Ariwara no Narihira. This magnificent shrine has been a center of Shinto worship and community for over 1,000 years.
- 宗派
- inari
- 宗教
- shinto
- 祭神
- Inari Okami
- 祀られている神
- Inari
- 座標
- 34.6077137, 134.051572
参拝のヒント
Visit during cherry blossom season to see the beautiful sakura-lined pathways and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at the shrine's teahouse.
文化的背景
This shrine is renowned for its sacred fox spirits, known as kitsune, which are said to reside within the shrine grounds. The shrine also hosts an annual Inari Matsuri festival in October, during which devotees offer food and rice cakes to the kami, and participate in traditional dances and rituals.
歴史
The most superior rice shrine was founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE) as a minor shrine dedicated to Inari Okami by Emperor Ichijō's daughter, but was later elevated to its current status as one of Japan's primary Shinto shrines in the Edo period (1603-1868 CE).