High Matsushima Inari Shrine, located in the town of Awasaki, Shiga Prefecture, is a well-known Shinto shrine dedicated to the god Inari, patron deity of rice, fertility, and industry. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a vermilion torii gate and wooden structures. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine's gardens and enjoy local specialties such as Matsushima rice.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari
- Coordinates
- 35.2562352, 136.255691
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's tranquility, visit at dawn or dusk when the sun casts a warm glow on the vermilion torii gate.
Cultural notes
Inari is revered as the god of abundance and prosperity, particularly in relation to agriculture. The shrine's large number of fox statues, known as kitsune, are believed to serve as messengers between humans and Inari.
Historical note
The shrine was established in 1601 during the Edo period, making it one of the oldest shrines in Shiga Prefecture.