Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, the稲荷神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and principal deity of the Japanese pantheon. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, it dates back to the early Heian period (794-1185 CE). The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a traditional vermilion gate and a five-story pagoda. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a torii gate, a honden, and several smaller shrines.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasu Omikami
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu Omikami
- Coordinates
- 35.886887, 140.498994
Visitor tip
To avoid long lines, consider visiting the shrine early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Cultural notes
The 稲荷神社 is closely tied to the mythology of rice, which was revered by the ancient Japanese. The shrine is also famous for its 'Saijō-sama' festival, which takes place every seven years and honors Amaterasu as a symbol of fertility and prosperity.
Historical note
The shrine was originally built in 743 CE by Emperor Shōmu as a temporary dwelling place for Amaterasu's divine grandson.