The Kannondai Shrine, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, is a prominent Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari Okami, the kami of rice and fertility. The shrine's main hall, the Honden, features a distinctive tiled roof with 30 layers, symbolizing the 30 layers of rice that are believed to be stored within the shrine. Visitors can explore the various shrines and buildings within the complex, including the Shinden-zukuri-style main shrine, the Hachiman Shrine, and the Kiyokawa-mizuji Shrine, dedicated to Kiyomasa Kiyokawa, a former daimyo who played a significant role in the construction of the shrine.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Kiyokawa-mizuji (Kiyomasa Kiyokawa), Hachiman
- Coordinates
- 35.4676692, 139.5912698
Visitor tip
To fully experience the tranquility of the shrine, visit during the autumn foliage season (mid-November to mid-December), when the surrounding trees are ablaze with vibrant colors.
Cultural notes
The Kannondai Shrine is also famous for its unique festival tradition, called 'Mori no Hi' or Forest Fire Festival, which takes place in late November. During this festival, local residents and visitors participate in a ritual to purify the forest by mimicking the fire of a burning forest with lanterns.
Historical note
The Kannondai Shrine was founded in 1633 during the Edo period, when it was established as a shrine for the local lord, Kiyokawa Tadatane. The shrine has since been rebuilt and expanded several times, with the current main hall dating back to 1874.