Located in the city of Tottori, the Inari Okusha Shrine is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines dedicated to the deity Inari Okami, patron of rice, fertility, and prosperity. Built on a hill overlooking the San'in Coast, the shrine is renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a tunnel leading up to the main hall. This unique structure is said to symbolize the connection between heaven and earth. Visitors can make offerings at various shrines within the complex, which are believed to be connected through an invisible network of roads called 'fudo myo.' The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a site for agricultural rituals, with many shrines dedicated to rice goddesses and ancestors of the region.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari Okami
- Coordinates
- 35.4253924, 133.0841901
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, follow the path through the vermilion torii gates at sunset for a truly unforgettable experience.
Cultural notes
In addition to its agricultural significance, the Inari Okusha Shrine is also connected to the mythology surrounding the rice goddess, Hinokami. According to legend, when Hinokami was forced to flee her home due to a fire, she hid within the shrine's structures, and from that day on, Inari Okami became the guardian deity of the site.
Historical note
The Inari Okusha Shrine was rebuilt in 1715 after being destroyed by fire.