Located in the heart of Tokyo, Inari-Okumya Shrine is one of Japan's most famous and revered Shinto shrines. Dedicated to the kami of rice and fertility, Inari Shrine is known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a tunnel up the mountain, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth. The shrine is also famous for its fox spirits, which are believed to be the messengers of Inari, often depicted in red with five or nine tails.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari
- Coordinates
- 35.6032911, 139.682803
Visitor tip
To avoid long lines, visit the shrine early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is not directly overhead.
Cultural notes
Inari Shrine is closely tied to the mythology of the fox spirits, particularly the one-tailed and nine-tailed kitsune. During the annual Inari Okunomi festival, which takes place in May, devotees offer rice cakes and sake to the kami, believing that they will bring good luck and prosperity.
Historical note
The shrine was originally built in 711 by Prince Shotoku, a prince of Japan's first emperor, as a temple dedicated to Buddhism. Later it became an Shinto shrine and re-established as it is today.