Inari Kio Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Sakura, Chiba Prefecture, dedicated to the god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, representing the abundance of good fortune and prosperity. Visitors can explore the shrine's many tunnels and passageways, believed to have been built by Inari Okami himself, where they can make offerings to the deity and pray for success in business and agriculture.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari Okami
- Coordinates
- 35.6977693, 139.7052551
Visitor tip
To avoid long lines, visit the shrine early in the morning or later in the evening, when fewer tourists are present.
Cultural notes
Inari Okami is often depicted as a fox with multiple tails, symbolizing his role as a kami of fertility and abundance. The shrine's famous red gates are said to be made from wood taken from a single tree, which was donated by the local lord. During the autumn festival, visitors can enjoy traditional dances performed by geisha, while others participate in the famous 'fox' hunt, where participants wear fox costumes and mimic Inari Okami's mythical fox form.
Historical note
The shrine was founded during the Edo period, with its current structure dating back to the late 19th century.