New Inari Shrine and Maemura Shrine are two shrines in a small village in western Japan. The most famous of these is New Inari, built by Emperor Shomu in 737 AD on Mount Kurama, but the main deity enshrined here was originally associated with an earlier shrine at Yudofu, where it had been worshipped since ancient times. This was later moved to its present location in Tottori Prefecture and renamed after the emperor's visit in 737 AD. The shrine is famous for having multiple shrines located on the grounds, including a large Inari Shrine with numerous vermilion torii gates, as well as a mausoleum dedicated to Emperor Shomu. New Inari Shrine and Maemura Shrine are two of the most well-known Shinto shrines in Japan. The most famous of these is New Inari, built by Emperor Shomu in 737 AD on Mount Kurama, but the main deity enshrined here was originally associated with an earlier shrine at Yudofu, where it had been worshipped since ancient times. This was later moved to its present location in Tottori Prefecture and renamed after the emperor's visit in 737 AD. The shrine is famous for having multiple shrines located on the grounds, including a large Inari Shrine with numerous vermilion torii gates, as well as a mausoleum dedicated to Emperor Shomu. Maemura Shrine was built by the Tottori daimyo, Matsudaira Katamori in 1862. It is famous for having a distinctive vermilion gate known as 'me' and 'gusa'. Today, New Inari Shrine is still an active Shinto shrine that attracts visitors from all over Japan.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari
- Coordinates
- 35.4193272, 133.3837853
Visitor tip
When visiting New Inari Shrine, try to visit during the autumn leaves season (mid-November to mid-December) for stunning views of the vermilion torii gates against a backdrop of vibrant autumn colors.
Cultural notes
New Inari Shrine is famous for its multiple shrines located on the grounds, including a large Inari Shrine with numerous vermilion torii gates. The shrine is also associated with the Shinto god of rice, industry, and fertility. Maemura Shrine is famous for its distinctive vermilion gate known as 'me' and 'gusa'. Both shrines are active Shinto shrines that attract visitors from all over Japan.
Historical note
Built by Emperor Shomu in 737 AD on Mount Kurama, but the main deity enshrined here was originally associated with an earlier shrine at Yudofu.