Located in the town of Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture, the Arashina Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto deity Inari, who is revered as the patron of rice and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects its origins during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), with a main hall built in the 16th century and a prominent torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautiful gardens and enjoy traditional Shinto rituals and ceremonies.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari
- Coordinates
- 37.0077543, 138.2169859
Visitor tip
To experience the shrine's tranquility, visit during the cherry blossom season (March-April) when the gardens are particularly beautiful.
Cultural notes
As a shrine dedicated to Inari, Arashina Shrine is also associated with good luck and prosperity for farmers. The shrine's tradition of 'hoshizuka' - a ceremony where visitors tie coins to the branches of the torii gate for good fortune - reflects its role as a guardian of fertility.
Historical note
The shrine was originally established in 767 CE, making it one of the oldest shrines in Japan.