Utsunomiya Shrine, located in Shiga Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of fortune and prosperity, Inari Okami. The shrine's main hall, built in 1594, features traditional Japanese architecture with a distinctive vermillion roof. As one of the most famous shrines in Japan, Utsunomiya Shrine attracts visitors from all over the country who come to pray for good luck and success.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Okami
- Coordinates
- 35.0298132, 135.8515401
Visitor tip
Visitors can make a donation at the 'tsukubaku' or 'lamp post' area, which is believed to bring good luck, by tying a piece of string with a charm attached to it around the pillar.
Cultural notes
Utsunomiya Shrine is famous for its 'tsukubakari', a unique tradition where devotees tie charms to a lamp post and make a prayer. This tradition is believed to have originated in the Heian period (794-1185).
Historical note
The shrine was originally built as an Inari Shrine during the Muromachi period (1336-1573) and has undergone several renovations since then.