The Shirakawa Shrine, located in the heart of Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Inari Okami. The shrine's beautiful gardens and traditional architecture make it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Dedicated to the rice goddess Inari, this Shinto shrine is famous for its unique tradition of receiving donations from visitors in the form of rice balls, which are then left on the shrine grounds as offerings.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Rice Goddess
- Coordinates
- 34.9729754, 139.7745585
Visitor tip
To experience the traditional side of Inari Shrine, visit early morning to participate in the 'Saikeirei' ritual, where visitors receive a rice ball and are asked to perform a specific prayer before leaving the shrine.
Cultural notes
As one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, Shirakawa Shrine is deeply connected to the mythology surrounding Inari, who is revered for his role in bringing fertility and prosperity. The shrine also holds an annual 'Matsuri' festival in May, where visitors can participate in traditional dances, music, and food stalls.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt after being destroyed during World War II.