Located in the town of Katsuyama in Shizuoka Prefecture, White Mountain Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god Inari Ōkami, patron deity of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects a traditional Heian-style design, with a large torii gate and a square vermilion torii that marks the entrance to the inner shrine. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage in October and November, as well as the cherry blossoms in March and April. The shrine is also famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a tunnel-like structure, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Ōkami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari Ōkami
- Coordinates
- 34.7882322, 137.6432301
Visitor tip
To make a traditional offering to Inari Ōkami, purchase small bags of white rice at the shrine's gift shop and scatter them at the base of the torii gates.
Cultural notes
White Mountain Shrine is closely tied to the mythology surrounding Inari Ōkami, who was said to have been born from a magical pine tree. The shrine's vermilion color is also significant, as it represents good luck and prosperity in Japanese culture. During the annual festival of 'Inari Matsuri,' which takes place on July 27th, participants wear white clothing to symbolize purity and innocence.
Historical note
The shrine was founded during the Edo period (1603-1867), and its current main hall was built in 1834.