Inari Okami Shrine, located in Okayama Prefecture, is one of Japan's most famous and revered Shinto shrines dedicated to the deity Inari Okami, patron god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine complex is renowned for its vermilion torii gate, sprawling courtyards, and numerous fox statues believed to be messengers of the kami. As a major pilgrimage site, the shrine attracts millions of visitors each year, particularly during the spring cherry blossom season.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari Okami, Kanemaki Okappi
- Coordinates
- 34.5544731, 133.6665276
Visitor tip
Visitors can participate in the traditional 'fox dance' (Inari Odoshi) to purify themselves and bring good luck, best performed at dawn or dusk with a designated leader.
Cultural notes
As an Inari shrine, it is believed that fox spirits are enshrined here, and visitors often leave rice balls as offerings. The shrine also hosts the annual 'Inari Matsuri' festival in May to celebrate the deity's power.
Historical note
Founded in 711 AD during the Asuka period, making it one of Japan's oldest shrines.