Located in the town of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, Ryogoku Inari Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Inari Okami, patron of rice and industry. The shrine's architecture is characteristic of Edo-era Shinto shrines, with a vermilion torii gate and a five-story pagoda. Visitors can walk through the forested grounds and admire the beautiful autumn foliage. During the annual Inari Festival in October, locals perform traditional dances and offer food to the kami.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari
- Coordinates
- 34.9999423, 135.77179
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sunlight filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground.
Cultural notes
Inari Okami is often depicted with multiple fox tails, symbolizing her association with fertility and abundance. The shrine is also famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, representing the ties between humans and Inari.
Historical note
The shrine was built during the Edo period, specifically in 1624.