Early Pool Peak Shrine, located in the town of Ichinoseki in Iwate Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shintō god Inari Okami. According to local lore, the shrine was built at the site where early farmers first discovered a sacred spring and began to irrigate their fields using its waters. This practice, known as 'tsunetsu,' became an essential part of Japanese agriculture and is still observed today during harvest festivals.
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- Inari Okami
- Coordinates
- 39.5410336, 141.5816863
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's scenic beauty, take a short walk from the main hall to the nearby Early Pool Peak, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape during sunrise or sunset.
Cultural notes
In addition to its agricultural significance, the shrine is also connected to the legend of Inari Okami, who was said to have created rice paddies and irrigation systems in the region. During New Year's (Oshogatsu) celebrations, a traditional festival known as 'tsunetsu' is held at the shrine, where participants dress up in period costumes and reenact ancient farming rituals.
Historical note
The shrine dates back to the Edo period (1603-1867) when it was built by local farmers as a way to express gratitude for their land's fertility.