小野神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the heart of Setagaya, Tokyo. The shrine's history dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), during which it was dedicated to the goddess Inari Okami, patron deity of rice, fertility, and prosperity. Over time, the shrine has been rebuilt and expanded several times, with the current structure dating back to the 19th century. Today, the shrine is famous for its vermilion torii gate and its involvement in the annual Inari Festival, which takes place in late July.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari
- Coordinates
- 35.5978918, 139.4379951
Visitor tip
Visitors can purchase a packet of rice grains at the shrine's gift shop to use as an offering to the goddess Inari. The packet should be thrown onto the shrine grounds from a designated area to ensure it reaches its intended destination.
Cultural notes
As a key location in the Inari Festival, 小野神社 is also known for its unique 'rice grain' tradition. According to custom, visitors should throw their rice grains onto the shrine grounds from the designated area, with the intention of ensuring fertility and prosperity. This ritual is said to have originated from the goddess Inari's association with rice.
Historical note
Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE),