Bear Mountain Shrine, located in Saitama Prefecture, is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines and a prominent site for the Japanese New Year (Oshogatsu) festival. It is known as Inari Okuninushi, the kami enshrined here being Inari Okamori Hoshigusa-no-kami. The shrine's distinctive architecture features many vermilion torii gates, which are said to symbolize the unity of heaven and earth. Visitors can make offerings to Inari at the shrine's main hall or by leaving rice cakes and sake at designated stalls.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okamori Hoshigusa-no-kami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Okamori, Hoshigusa-no-kami
- Coordinates
- 35.9499591, 139.6213303
Visitor tip
To avoid long lines, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening; also, be prepared for crowds on New Year's Day, December 31st to January 1st.
Cultural notes
Inari is the patron kami of rice and industry, and the shrine is famous for its numerous torii gates. During the spring festival, visitors can participate in a traditional dance called 'tsutsumi' around the torii gates, while in autumn, the 'tsukimi' viewing of the full moon is celebrated here.
Historical note
The shrine was originally built in 746 AD, during the Nara period.