新宮神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the Hieizan village of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture. As one of Japan's oldest and most historic shrines, it has been an important center of worship and spiritual practice for over 1,200 years. The shrine is dedicated to the deity Inari Okami, patron kami of rice, fertility, and prosperity.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Okami
- Coordinates
- 35.0531297, 135.7791141
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, arrive early in the morning to witness the tranquil atmosphere and stunning cherry blossom viewing during spring.
Cultural notes
Inari Okami is often depicted as a fox or a woman carrying a large bag of rice. The shrine's iconic Inari torii gate is adorned with thousands of small bags of rice, symbolizing the deity's association with fertility and prosperity. Visitors can participate in the traditional ritual of tying red strings to the torii gate in hopes of receiving blessings.
Historical note
The shrine was originally established in 728 as a branch of the Tōdai-ji temple at Nara, but its current form dates back to the Heian period (794-1185).