The Inari Shrine in Hokkaido is a Shinto temple dedicated to the worship of Inari Okami, the Shinto god of rice, industry, and fertility. Located in the heart of Sapporo, the shrine's torii gate is adorned with thousands of vermilion hanging paper bags, a symbol of its patronage by the textile industry. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period style, with a traditional Japanese garden and a serene pond. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several smaller shrines dedicated to other kami, such as Fujin no Kami and Raijin no Kami.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari Okami, Fujin no Kami, Raijin no Kami
- Coordinates
- 42.1055001, 140.5746979
Visitor tip
To avoid crowds, visit the shrine early in the morning or late in the evening when the paper bags are illuminated with lanterns.
Cultural notes
Inari is often depicted as a fox, which is considered one of his sacred animals. Visitors can pray for good luck and prosperity by offering food to the fox statues at the shrine.
Historical note
The Inari Shrine was originally built in 1869 by Japanese immigrants from Aomori Prefecture, but it has undergone significant renovations and expansions since then.